Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through the annals of ballet history! This month, I’ve taken a journey to a glorious September day in 1731 – a day that, unbeknownst to many, is a crucial date in the blossoming of dance in Europe!
It was the most glorious morning in my time travelling tutu! As the sun dripped over the rolling hills of Derbyshire, I bid a farewell kiss to my darling Magic Meg, her gleaming pink coat a perfect match for my own fluffy tutu. She whinnied softly, her white mane catching the sunrise like strands of spun gold, and off we went!
This month, our time travel chariot delivered us to a small town in France. Oh, la la! As always, the world of ballet felt vibrantly alive, and we arrived in the heart of a buzzing theatrical hub! There was a grand fête celebrating the arrival of a new company of dancers from Paris. Imagine - a ballet travelling troupe back in the day! So wonderfully adventurous, don’t you think?
I squeezed myself into the front row of the packed theatre – everyone decked out in the finest frills and finery! The air crackled with anticipation! What could these Parisian ballerinas have in store for us? As the stage lights flickered, a beautiful melody drifted into the night air and then….
It was waltz after waltz! Imagine! Waltz after waltz, in perfect harmony and grace, these French dancers were truly captivating the audience! Each pirouette was as sharp as a needle, each tendu a whisper of delicate artistry. The dancers in the Paris company performed with such exquisite control. Every step was like poetry in motion, every graceful turn like a secret message in a soft, elegant dance.
What did I learn about the ballet world this month? Well, first of all, French ballerinas were really at the top of their game in 1731! And second, these grand touring companies were truly pioneers of the ballet scene, spreading dance to far-flung corners of the globe! I’m not sure if those dancers had pink tutus, mind you – I'd definitely be encouraging them to add a bit more colour to their wardrobes!
This month's journey has reminded me, darling readers, of the immense impact that traveling troupes have had on dance history. They've carried ballet around the world, spreading the joy of movement and artistry! How beautiful! The thought of these Parisian ballerinas gracefully gliding across a stage so long ago is truly captivating. I simply had to learn a new waltz just for this post. You just know I’ll be spending the week waltzing around my garden in Derbyshire, dreaming of these beautiful dancers and their captivating performances.
Speaking of captivating performances...my friends, this month I had an idea! I’ve created my own, small waltz ballet troupe - "The Pink Tutus"! We’re performing in a couple of weeks at a quaint theatre in my town! Do come! It will be a perfect opportunity to let loose, celebrate the love of ballet and even… dare I say… encourage our audiences to consider a pink tutu for themselves!
To prepare for our own "waltz through time", I’ve gathered an array of 18th-century ballet goodies in my trusty leather rucksack! Gorgeous embroidered shoes with heels just like the ones worn in the 1700s, an incredible book on the early French ballets, and even a pamphlet detailing the steps and style of waltzes. Oh, it is so divine to hold onto a piece of the history of ballet!
And my dear lovelies, don’t forget - The Pink Tutu website is where I chronicle all my ballet-related adventures. This month, I'll be sharing some fabulous tutorials on waltz steps (including some elegant and sophisticated waltzes that were popular back in 1731)! Come join me and let’s learn to dance the night away together!
Now, I’m off to rehearse with the Pink Tutus! I hope to see you at our performance and, until next month, happy waltzing!
Always pink, Emma.
P.S. Magic Meg says “Neigh! A waltz? Oh, what a hoot!” She can’t wait to gallop around our countryside – dressed in her finest pink tack of course – showing off all her waltz-inspired moves!
