#BalletHistory during 1733 10 October

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things twirling and time-travelling! As always, it's Emma here, ready to whisk you away to the enchanting world of ballet – but today we're going further than usual, reaching back in time to 10 October 1733!

Grab your favourite pink tutu, it's time for another thrilling journey!

I always feel a little flutter in my stomach when I'm about to time travel. It's like the feeling you get backstage just before the curtain goes up, a mix of excitement, anticipation and a pinch of nerves. And today is no different! My beautiful Meg is all polished up and ready to go, her pink sparkle shining brighter than ever! With a playful flick of her golden hoof, she's taking us straight back to the heart of the 18th century.

Now, 1733 was a rather interesting time for ballet. Imagine, my lovelies, a world without pointe shoes or romantic tutus. Ballet was very much still in its formative stages, it was about to move away from the Court ballet of the previous century towards something much more refined.

It was during this period that ballet masters started using new, elegant steps and movement. Think flowing, intricate choreography with graceful movements. But instead of being performed at court, these shows were being held in grand theaters, opening the world of ballet up to a wider audience! Fancy that!

The influence of opera ballet was really growing, so dancers were moving away from being strictly courtiers and performing alongside the musical stars of the day. They even had names! Imagine, darling, just a slightly more glamourous take on your typical "Susan" or "Jane".

Today's time travel adventure has brought me to a delightful theater, nestled in the heart of Paris. Imagine gilded balconies and velvet seats, my lovelies, it's just a touch decadent! Tonight, they are putting on an extraordinary performance of Les Fêtes de Polymnie, a gorgeous, theatrical spectacle. I simply must get a peek into this world of grandeur and artistry, to see how the first generations of ballet dancers entertained their audiences. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, darling!

The air crackles with excitement as I enter the theater. The place buzzes with elegant patrons – think shimmering silks and powdered wigs, my lovelies, so dashing! But my focus, of course, is on the dancers.

Imagine a delicate, fluid performance, graceful figures adorned with sparkling jewels and silks. No tight fitting costumes or daring lifts like the ones we see today, but something beautifully elegant with intricate choreography – so delicate, so feminine! It's inspiring!

Watching these talented artists dance through the spectacle, you can feel how much the dancers poured themselves into every step and every expression, making the ballet a story come alive right before their audience’s eyes! It’s all about using refined steps, elegant poses, and lyrical expressions, a sort of ‘less is more’ approach – very sophisticated!

Now, while it is far removed from our world of grand jetés and perfect pirouettes, you can feel the seeds of our beloved art form taking root – it’s truly the start of something magnificent! It gives me goosebumps, darling, just knowing what the future holds.

You know I love a good find! Today’s prize is a charming little dance manual. It’s worn, my lovelies, with gentle stains of age. The ink fades slightly but you can still feel the passion in the steps and exercises outlined inside. The book captures a fascinating snapshot of a world on the cusp of ballet as we know it. Imagine, darling, this book was used by dancers who are paving the way for our modern ballet world. I think about the journeys of these artists and how they inspire ballet today. This will go straight to the archive at home, to share with you, my loves, one day!

Of course, no trip is complete without a bit of fashion inspiration. I always have my eye out for trends, whether it’s 1920s chic or Elizabethan elegance – ballet and fashion go hand-in-hand! The costumes in the theatre are beautifully elaborate. Rich velvets, satin that gleams like polished silver, and the subtlest hints of pearl – such exquisite craftsmanship! While they may not quite be a pink tutu, my lovelies, they show us the evolution of the ballet dress – its journey from something functional to a canvas for artistic expression!

Well, darling, it’s getting late and I have some inspiration to work with, some amazing historical ideas, and a whole lot of excitement! My pink tutu is getting dusty so it's time for Meg and me to return home.

I leave you, darlings, with this thought: Every single ballerina has a unique journey, each performance adds another brushstroke to the tapestry of ballet history. And it’s this shared love for the art of dance that makes ballet a universal language that transcends time and space! So, twirl with joy, live with passion, and be a part of the wonderful world of dance!

See you next month, for another extraordinary ballet adventure!

Love,

Emma

Pink-Tutu.com

Don't forget, darlings, you can share your thoughts on the world of dance, your favourite ballet shows or what color tutu you'll be rocking this week!

We also post every week with stories of ballet fashion and historical trends. Join us on the magical adventure!