Hello my darlings! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado and time travelling ballet enthusiast. Get ready to twirl back to the 1730s, because July 7th, 1733 is calling! It's another fabulous month for pink-tutu-inspired adventures and this time we're whisking you away to the fascinating world of ballet history, circa 1733.
As you know, dear readers, my obsession with the beautiful world of ballet knows no bounds – be it the elegant tutus, the soaring leaps, the emotive storytelling, the exquisite music, the fabulous fashion. But, my love for the art of dance goes way beyond a mere appreciation, it encompasses the historical journey of ballet, its roots and evolution! And believe me, there are stories to be told and discoveries to be made on every trip back in time!
Let's Ride to the Past with Magic Meg
This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – a pink, shimmering Shire with a magnificent golden mane and tail and shimmering gold hooves – is taking us on a time travelling ballet journey! Magic Meg isn’t just any horse; she’s my portal to past eras and a delightful addition to my ballet adventures.
As usual, my trusty leather rucksack is packed with a whimsical selection of pink tutus to ensure I blend in with any era. Plus, of course, there’s plenty of space to collect my ballet treasures - a must for any respectable time travelling ballerina!
Landing in the Royal Courts of 1733
Now, it wouldn't be a proper time travel adventure without some delightful gossip, wouldn’t it?
1733 was a year of regal charm and dance in the court of Louis XV, the then king of France. The elegant world of ballet was alive and thriving and this was the time of Marie Camargo, a renowned ballerina, who was a true force to be reckoned with!
Marie dared to perform leaps that had never been seen before. Imagine! She leaped in a dress with no underskirt! Gasp! Can you believe it, dear readers?! In that time, ballerinas wore their dancing shoes outside the court and, even more astonishingly, a male dancer named Jean-Baptiste Dubreuil was granted permission to dance in her company at the Opéra.
London Calling – 1733 Edition
Jumping over to London, ballet was alive and kicking! There were no royal court performances at the moment (and yes, I tried – just for a peak!) However, the famous dancing master, John Weaver, was busy creating some amazing ballets based on Greek mythology, for his Theatre Royal.
I have it on good authority, through my extensive and confidential sources of course, that these ballets had extravagant sets, amazing choreography and mesmerising music.
It's important to remember that 1733 was a time of profound change, both on the stage and on the streets. Dance was changing. Styles and costumes were changing, new steps were being born and dancers were pushing the boundaries of artistry. I can only imagine the exciting stories that unfolded. It makes my little ballerina heart dance to know that ballet, like me, loves to step out of the ordinary and be truly original!
Back to Derbyshire, and the Pink Tutu Blog
Now, you've got to forgive my flight of fancy, as we whizz through time – there's a ballet performance that needs my presence! The Derbyshire Dance Festival is in full swing. I’ll be joining a workshop on ‘Twirling Through Time’ which delves into the early ballet forms. (As if we didn't just do that in 1733! How coincidental!)
Before we part, darling readers, do take a moment to imagine your own pink-tutu ballet dreams. Are you swept up by the waltzing couples in courtly halls or dancing to Greek myths? Perhaps you see yourself in the centre of the stage taking your first ballet lesson! Let me know what pink tutu time-travelling dreams are dancing in your head – leave a comment!
Oh, and don’t forget to check out my shop! I’m currently having a fabulous 1733 themed sale on a whole selection of pink tutu fashions, from dazzling court gowns to more relaxed daywear. I even have a replica Marie Camargo costume for those who dream of leaping across the centuries.
Till next time, my dears, dance like no one is watching, in your very own pink tutu!
With twirls and a flutter of pink, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
