Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! 🩰💖
It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller Emma here, and I'm just bursting with excitement to tell you all about my latest trip back through time! This month, I travelled to the glorious year 1734, specifically to the 4th of April. It's a date that marks the beginning of a new ballet adventure, so buckle up, grab your fanciest pink tutus (more on those later!), and let's journey back to the era of courtly dances and grand ballets!
My loyal companion, the magical pink-sparkling shire horse Magic Meg, and I rode through the cobblestone streets of Derbyshire to my familiar time portal - hidden deep within a wildflower meadow, its entrance shimmering like a crystal fountain. In just a blink, we were transported to a London that felt straight out of a historical painting, where elegant carriages rattled through bustling streets, and ladies in intricate gowns bustled about. The air buzzed with the energy of a bygone era!
I've been a ballet history fanatic since I was a little girl, mesmerised by the stories of early ballerinas and the incredible evolutions of dance. And, trust me, the world of ballet in 1734 was a vibrant one!
You see, back then, the concept of “ballet” as we know it wasn’t fully established. Ballet was still closely linked with the courtly dances, a social gathering filled with grace and intricate footwork. But, oh, how the French were making waves! They were experimenting with storytelling through dance and introducing incredible ballets like "Les Fêtes galantes" that wove narratives about courtly life, mythology, and even theatrical scenes. Imagine a grand performance that used intricate steps and beautiful gestures to tell an entire story!
Just walking down a bustling street in London in 1734, I couldn't help but be swept away by the atmosphere of the time! Even the casual dance movements in social gatherings seemed to possess a level of elegance that's almost forgotten today.
Speaking of elegance, let's talk tutus! You bet I was on the lookout for inspiration! You won't find a fully-fledged tutu like we know them today, but the foundations of their design were certainly present. Courtly ladies favoured long skirts and elaborate, graceful draping. These layers would eventually be reinterpreted and refined, forming the very core of our beautiful pink tutus! I even discovered a fabric called "silk taffeta" that was so gloriously pink and shiny - my eyes practically popped! This is going straight into my tutu design book for my future collection - oh the inspiration!
As I explored London, I stopped at a lovely vintage shop with racks of exquisite garments. It was fascinating to observe how the fabrics and designs of 1734 were more intricate and rich than I had ever imagined! While many wouldn't recognise a pink tutu today, I’m sure these amazing women of the court would’ve adored them! My heart simply soared when I discovered a velvet waistcoat with sparkling embellishments – something every ballerina in pink tutus needs for a perfect 18th-century dance performance!
Imagine this: Me, dressed in a luscious pink gown that sweeps along the floor, adorned with ribbons and lace, dancing a grand ballet amidst candlelight and swirling waltzes. Now that's a true celebration of fashion and dance!
Of course, I couldn't resist indulging in some 1734 shopping! I acquired the most fabulous ballet shoes with elegant buckles, the perfect accessories for any ballet enthusiast, plus I purchased an intricate, floral-embellished fan to complement my 1734 attire. This fan is perfect for a beautiful slow waltz, for a graceful twirl on the dance floor. These items will find a special place in my ever-growing collection back at home!
And what about my ballet rucksack? It's now filled with sketches of fashion inspirations, a pamphlet on French courtly dances, and even a program for an upcoming performance by the King's Company of Dancers! It's a treasure trove of ballet history!
You might be wondering how I funded this particular trip - and the answer is… I danced my way through it! This time, I put on a private show in a magnificent theatre, performing some of my favourite ballets from across the centuries - think "La Bayadère" meets "Swan Lake", but all with a delicious pink twist! My audience was charmed and my performance even attracted some wealthy patrons who were quite impressed by my dedication to the ballet! They donated enough for my time-traveling expenses, including a very large bouquet of pink peonies, which is now happily gracing my bedroom.
It wasn’t just a shopping trip; I saw a stunning performance by the King's Company of Dancers! Oh, the elegance, the passion, the costumes! Their performance, even though different from today's ballet, sparked my imagination in ways I couldn't have imagined. The artistry was mesmerizing, showcasing the heart of the artform even centuries ago.
While ballet is always changing and evolving, one thing remains constant: the joy, passion, and dedication of those who embrace this magnificent art. So, darling ballerinas, remember to never lose your own sparkle and enthusiasm, just like those captivating dancers in 1734.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments section below! Have you ever dreamed of time-traveling through ballet history? And don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive ballet content, photos from my trip, and my very first pink tutu designs inspired by the amazing era of 1734.
Until next time, happy twirling! 💖🩰
