#BalletHistory during 1732 03 March

Hello, my darling dance devotees! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, and today we're waltzing back to the 18th century - specifically 3rd March 1732. I'm excited, because the year 1732 saw some real shifts in the world of ballet, shifts that paved the way for the beautiful, expressive art form we know and love today!

My trusty steed, Magic Meg (with her pink sparkle, golden hooves, and shimmering white mane and tail, a true equine diva!) whinnied excitedly as we left my little Derbyshire cottage. The moon was full and bright, illuminating Meg’s coat and turning my own pink tutu into a shimmering cloud. I patted her neck, my leather rucksack filled with eager anticipation and my trusty notebooks ready to jot down all the ballet gems I might unearth.

1732 marked the beginning of a new chapter for one particular ballet superstar – Marie Sallé. This extraordinary dancer, a whirlwind of talent and beauty, began her career in France. However, she wasn't content with the grandeur of the French court, and decided to blaze her own trail in London. And let me tell you, she did it with flair!

Sallé revolutionised ballet with her grace and expressive movements. She embraced a more natural, lyrical style, a far cry from the highly stylized movements prevalent at the time. Her ability to connect with the audience was unparalleled – she captured emotions with every twirl, every leap, and every gesture.

Just imagine the London stages at that time. Sallé, adorned in exquisitely designed costumes (and hopefully, in her off-duty hours, a very fetching pink tutu!) captivating audiences with her passionate performance.

London's theatre scene in the 1730s was bubbling with activity. The opera houses bustled with a passionate crowd eager for a glimpse of theatrical brilliance. It wasn’t all about classical ballet though. Ballet-comedy and interludes were wildly popular, showcasing a blend of wit, satire, and delightful dance routines. I can just imagine the audience, decked out in their finery, roaring with laughter at the comedic antics.

I peeked through a window of a grand opera house – imagine my excitement to see rehearsals in full swing. The music, the dancers, the energy in the air – I practically felt my own feet twitching to join in. The choreography, while very different from what we see today, possessed a timeless charm. Imagine the fluidity of movement, the subtle gestures, and the focus on storytelling through dance - I would have loved to be a part of it!

### Shopping and Ballet Fashion - London 1732 Style

As the ballet lover that I am, of course I couldn't resist a shopping spree in the vibrant London marketplace! 1732 fashion was all about elegance and extravagance, and it’s definitely worth mentioning the influence on ballet fashion, too.

I marvelled at the delicate silks and luxurious velvets, the glittering jewels, and the elaborate embroidery. They would have adorned the dancers, adding a touch of extravagance and enchantment to their performance.

Now, you might be surprised to hear that dancers of the era often danced without shoes. They would simply wear elaborate stockings, some even decorated with delicate floral patterns. And while ballet fashion then wasn’t exactly bursting with vibrant pink, I spotted a few beautiful pink satin gowns.

I can picture Sallé herself gracefully moving across the stage, perhaps in a shimmering, rosy-hued dress, a vision of ethereal beauty. This vision of past beauty fuelled my imagination – wouldn't a beautiful ballet pink dress with a delicate layer of tulle have been the perfect match for her artistry?

My trip to the 18th century reminded me just how crucial this period was in the evolution of ballet. It was a time when talented dancers like Sallé paved the way for a future filled with intricate choreography, captivating stories told through movement, and exquisite ballet costumes. I have so much inspiration from this trip – so much for my pink tutu designs for my upcoming performance, “A Dance Through Time”.

Time is already calling me home – the future, with all its fabulous pink tutu possibilities, is waiting! So I bid you all a fond farewell until next time. Don't forget to follow my pink-tutu blog, www.pink-tutu.com. Don’t forget, it's a new era for ballet, a new era for pink!

See you soon, darlings!

Emma, Your Pink Tutu Time Traveler