Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you back in time with me, for a peek into the enchanting world of ballet back in 1736! This is post number 901, and my heart is bursting with excitement, just like my fluffy, pink tutu! This month, Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkly Shire horse with those glorious golden hooves and white mane and tail, will take us back to the heart of the 18th century, ready to see what ballet was all about back then!
Time Travel - A Dream Come True
Time travel is the ultimate way to understand the world's history of dance. As a dancer and a lover of all things ballet, I'm fortunate enough to have this incredible power. Funding it comes from the many performances I do across the ages! So, when you see me dazzling in my pink tutu on stage, just think - every twirl, every pirouette is bringing me one step closer to my next time travel adventure! Speaking of my beloved pink tutu - let's just say it's the ultimate statement piece, a fashion icon that spans centuries.
Packing for a Ballet Time Travel Trip
Before we hop onto Magic Meg, I'm always careful to pack my trusty leather rucksack for the trip. After all, it's important to bring back souvenirs - things like sketches of the dances, a beautiful ballet program, or even a pair of ballet shoes, that will transport me back to this era when I'm back home. A small notebook for jotting down my observations is a must-have!
The Ballet World in 1736
Stepping off Magic Meg, I find myself right in the heart of a bygone era, in January of 1736. Imagine – cobbled streets, elegant carriages, and the gentle tinkling of music playing from nearby cafés! The world of ballet at this time is all about courtly grace and theatrical elegance. Paris, Italy, and even here in my beloved England are starting to experience a true passion for ballet. We're not quite at the romantic ballets that we know and love, but there's an increasing emphasis on the beauty and flow of the human form, as dancers started to focus on intricate footwork, strong poses and elegant jumps.
A Trip to the Opera House
There are plenty of ballet performances to enjoy, of course, though they’re still being developed, as part of bigger opera presentations! In England, we’ve just experienced the rise of one of the first ballet dancers – Mr. John Weaver, known as the innovator of a ‘classical’ style that truly pushed ballet forward. There are also wonderful pantomimes which feature elements of ballet within them, all the way from London's Covent Garden Opera House, all the way to the smaller towns! I love it! Oh, and my dear fashionistas, the ballet fashion at this time is absolutely divine! The costumes, with their intricate designs, colours, and rich materials are true testaments to the artistry and beauty of that period. Every stitch tells a story, and the shimmering silks, delicate lace, and bright colours are like dreams coming to life on stage. Imagine yourself gliding across a stage in one of those elaborate dresses and a shimmering powdered wig. It would feel positively magical!
Exploring the Heart of Ballet History
For someone as passionate about ballet as I am, seeing these shows - some of the first ever professional ballets – is just wonderful! Imagine - it's right before the golden age of ballet when ballets are going to explode across Europe and create that love affair between dancers and audience we all see and experience today!
A World in Transition
This is a period where the old traditions meet with new ones. Dancers are slowly moving away from the heavier theatrical styles of previous generations and embracing new styles that require greater athleticism and expression. The music is also transforming, with lighter, more elegant scores that move the dancers gracefully, while the focus on graceful gestures and fluid lines is something truly inspiring to watch. It's exciting to witness a world where ballet is in its adolescence.
Bringing a Touch of Pink Tutu Magic to the World
So, my darlings, I’ll leave you now, dreaming of pink tutus and all things ballet! Maybe you could wear a pink tutu for your next ballet class, or even wear one around town - just think how magical that would be, to bring a little bit of tutu magic into our everyday lives. As I always say, it’s not just about dancing, it's about celebrating all things beautiful - and wearing a pink tutu makes me feel oh-so beautiful! Until next time, my darling tutu-lovers, keep twirling!
Stay tuned, because my blog will return next month for more Ballet Time Travel adventures! You can catch me next on www.pink-tutu.com !
💖Emma💖