Hello, darling dancers! Emma here, back again from another dazzling time travel adventure, this time landing in the elegant year of 1731! As always, I'm thrilled to be sharing my latest discoveries with you lovely lot on www.pink-tutu.com.
Magic Meg's Magical Journey
It's always an exciting trip with Magic Meg, my oh-so-fabulous pink sparkling Shire horse with those glorious golden hooves. She just gallops through time with the grace of a ballerina, her white mane and tail flowing in the wind like a pirouette. This month, we found ourselves in 18th century London, where the streets were bustling with life and the fashion was truly exquisite! I spotted the most gorgeous silks and lace – just the kind of material that dreams are made of!
Ballet Beyond the Court
As always, I’m always eager to delve into the ballet scene of the era, and my lovely leather rucksack is already brimming with new treasures! Back in 1731, the world of ballet was really blossoming – well, more of a delicate bloom than a wild, flourishing forest! This was an age of elegance and grace.
You wouldn't see ballerinas pirouette-ing and jumping across the stage like they do today, though! Back then, ballet was heavily tied to the French court, and their style was much more focused on decorum and control. You'll find all the dramatic poses and elegant steps - think grand allegories and sweeping gestures – that were later turned into the powerful and emotive movement of the grand jeté or the ethereal beauty of a chassé.
It's incredible to see how ballet was evolving, taking these graceful, courtly steps and gradually turning them into the dazzling spectacle we know and love today. Imagine, dear dancers, all the generations of dancers who paved the way for our pirouettes and leaps! I do find myself wishing we could all have danced together, a truly wondrous ballet spectacle through the ages.
A Dance to Remember
In 1731, my dear friends, there was an extra special reason to celebrate. On this very date, 11th November, 1731, an extraordinary ballet spectacle graced the London stage at the newly opened Drury Lane Theatre! It was “La Fête du Dieu" – and it must have been an amazing show! You can almost feel the excitement and grandeur radiating out from its title, don't you?
It is quite tricky to get details on this show – information about performances during this era is as rare as a genuine vintage tutu! This performance was likely influenced by the very contemporary, lavish opera ballets popular in Paris during this time – full of mythology, poetry and vibrant characters.
I imagine beautiful nymphs dancing amongst mythical creatures – think dancing fauns, satyrs, nymphs and even dancing dryads! The imagination, ladies and gentlemen, is limitless! And just try and imagine the spectacle of the dazzling costumes in the theatre! Perhaps they were decorated with sequins or colourful feathers, or maybe intricate embroidery - it must have been absolutely divine!
Fashion Fever
I just couldn't leave without getting some stunning souvenirs for myself. I am sure my dear readers know how much I love a touch of sparkle, so when I saw these incredible pink silk slippers with a glittering design of bows and ribbons - that's when my inner fashionista took over!
Of course, I could only be in 18th Century England and not bring back a snippet of its wonderful fabric traditions. The finest silks and brocades are beyond anything we find these days, truly something to see and hold, to feel the delicate weave and shimmering textures!
And oh, darling dancers, I just had to find some ribbons to decorate my rucksack! A deep pink with exquisite floral details! It's certainly given my rucksack that added dose of ballerina flair, don't you think?
Dance Like a Queen!
One thing that really stuck with me during this journey, was just how much these dancing styles emphasized grace, elegance and the royal charm of movement – like you're royalty moving across the stage, effortlessly, beautifully, even during everyday movements. I have no doubt, this focus on refined, beautiful movement heavily inspired later ballerinas!
So remember, my dear friends, when you're on stage or practicing, channel your inner queen or king and move with this same elegance! Let's dance like royalty and spread our love for ballet, all while embracing a touch of pink, of course!
I simply cannot wait to take you on my next amazing time travel escapade – until then, dance your heart out and don't forget, the most dazzling costumes are those made of confidence and joy! Remember, always rock that pink tutu with pride!
Until next time, darling dancers!
Lots of love,
Emma
