Hello, darlings! It's your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, back with another captivating glimpse into the fascinating world of ballet history!
This month, I'm twirling my way back to 1st January 1732 - a year of dazzling debutantes, ingenious invention, and of course, spectacular ballet performances! And as always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves, is ready to prance us through time!
Let's take a step back into the world of powdered wigs and opulent gowns - a world where ballet was finding its place amongst the aristocratic circles, where elaborate dances and elegant gestures told stories of love and loss.
A Whirlwind of Fashion:
As always, my first stop is a visit to the royal court to catch a glimpse of the latest fashion trends! In 1732, London society was captivated by the "rococo" style - think luxurious silks and satins adorned with intricate embellishments. The gentlemen wore elegant breeches and embroidered waistcoats, and the ladies sported panniers that created a dramatic, cone-shaped silhouette. Itâs all so romantic, like something out of a Jane Austen novel!
I especially adore the ladiesâ attire - the intricate patterns, the beautiful brocades and satins! There was even a playful, light-hearted feeling to fashion during this time, almost as if everyone was preparing for a ball! Which leads me beautifully to...
The Stage is Set!
Iâve been hearing whispers about a truly remarkable event on this very day. I'm talking about the Royal Ballet at the King's Theatre in London! Apparently, they are premiering a new work titled âLa Comtesse d'Essexâ, with a libretto written by none other than the renowned dramatist, John Rich. Oh, how I love that time travel lets me catch those limited-run shows! I simply adore a good period piece!
âLa Comtesse d'Essexâ is a tragedy, based on a tragic love story about the countess and the famous Essex Earl, with a strong focus on dance in the first two acts and opera taking center stage in the third. Oh, how the romance will be heightened with a musical backdrop! And the drama! A dance performance, even if it's tragedy-filled, is the most wonderful way to spend an evening!
John Rich is, in my humble opinion, quite the innovator! The way he incorporates such theatrical grandeur and brings the stories to life is absolutely masterful. Not only did he commission this production, but his company even built the very stage for the King's Theatre.
Imagine my surprise - after all these years of studying history - to discover that he is also a dancer!
The ballet dâaction performances that took place at this theatre were all the rage in 1732 - dancers didnât just entertain with a technical display, they narrated their entire stories using eloquent and expressive movements. It truly is ballet storytelling at its finest!
Speaking of theatre and spectacle...
French Flair in Vienna!
The French influence on ballet was ever so present in 1732! Paris had always been a trendsetter and its impact is felt across the globe. I just know Vienna must have been abuzz with its own brand of refined French spectacle!
The Palais Liechtenstein Theatre, a symbol of aristocratic Vienna, hosted ballet productions and theatrical performances by Baron Johann Christian Neuberâs travelling theatre company. While I couldnât get Magic Meg to take me to Vienna this time (we did try - she was quite adventurous but couldn't cope with all the travel this month, my lovely horse needs her rest!), I have an amazing collection of books about Vienna theatre! My collection back home is getting bigger and bigger, though I can't resist taking notes and sketches with me on my adventures!
These travelling companies spread a culture of dance, storytelling, and entertainment across Europe, giving a peek into the beauty of theatre that wouldnât normally be experienced by many.
Speaking of a world without access to amazing ballet and theatre performances, just imagine life in the Derbyshire countryside 300 years ago. So quiet! No theatre, no shows, no dancing...I truly have the most fantastic life!
Pink Tutu Dreams:
Now, dear readers, as you may already know, my absolute lifeâs passion is inspiring you all to don a pink tutu and embrace the world with open arms, a fearless spirit, and of course, plenty of twirls!
1732 may not have been known for pink tutus - they had grand ladies' skirts in opulent colours instead! The world is such a different place these days!
And let me tell you - when I imagine my pink tutus on the streets of 1732 London, Paris, or Vienna, the visions I get are absolutely enchanting! A pink tutu would certainly make a splash among those fancy court gowns!
Oh, how delightful to imagine my pink tulle in the company of those magnificent powdered wigs! The elegant courtiers would be staring at a flash of delightful pink instead of those extravagant silks!
This vision of my pink tutu being a sensation during the 1700s inspires me! The future is pink - and we are just starting to make that happen. One pink tutu at a time, and remember...Every pink tutu, darling, tells a story!
I am excited for you to see what we get up to next month on the blog!
P.S. Make sure to come to the Pink Tutu website www.pink-tutu.com - don't forget, I'm updating it with all the news about ballet, shows, classes, fashion - you name it! I love spreading the joy and fun of ballet everywhere, and this website is just another way of doing that. Happy twirling!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma x
