Hello lovelies! Emma here, back again from another time-travelling escapade, this time landing on March 3rd 1738, the air thick with the scent of fresh spring blooms. The weather is divine! Absolutely perfect for a little ballet-themed jaunt in this rather delightful, if somewhat simpler, time.
But first, let's talk fashion! You know how much I love my tutus. This trip, however, found me wearing my blush pink silk tutu. It felt particularly fitting given the period! You see, pink wasn't exactly "in" back then. Think deeper reds and rich jewel tones for the fashionable ladies. So my bright pink tutu, combined with Magic Meg's gleaming white mane and tail against her pink shimmering coat, well, let's just say we caused quite the stir in the streets! I love the feeling of being a bit out of place, a tiny speck of pink against the fabric of time.
And speaking of fabric, my leather rucksack, strapped comfortably onto my back, was getting quite a workout today! You know, as a ballet blogger with a passion for the history of dance, I collect all sorts of goodies during my time travels. A beautiful hand-painted fan from 18th century Paris? Absolutely! An embroidered ballet shoe from a 19th century performance in Russia? I'm in!
The story of ballet, my loves, is truly a tapestry of cultures, stories and evolving styles, woven with every graceful leap and turn. And, believe it or not, on this particular date in 1738, ballet was alive and kicking, albeit in a rather different form! Now, you all know how much I love my pointe shoes, and though ballet had only recently emerged from its early Renaissance roots, dance was evolving fast. This trip took me straight into the world of the Royal Ballet in England!
The King's Favourite:
The King's Theatre was all the rage in 1738, with its decadent décor and elaborate productions. Imagine, if you will, candlelit balconies overflowing with silk and satin, and ladies sporting beautiful feathered fans and towering wigs! And, darling, it was on this very stage, with an audience buzzing with excitement, that I was fortunate enough to see the incredibly talented, young ballerina Marie Camargo perform. She was, my dear, a shining star in the ballet firmament. This remarkable lady challenged the conventions of the day, performing with a lighter style and introducing revolutionary 'steps à la Camargo', captivating all who saw her. Imagine her on the stage, leaping with an unexpected grace, swirling in that effortless style of French Baroque dance, just captivating!
Can you see it, the audience mesmerised, entranced by every pirouette and jeté, whispering about her talent with admiring tones? It truly was a magical performance!
Fashion Finds:
My travels wouldn't be complete without a little shopping! After all, a ballet enthusiast is never too far from the next pair of beautiful shoes, or a flowing tutu. Luckily, this period was blooming with some delightfully dainty fashion, perfectly capturing the elegance of ballet. I was particularly taken with the delicate lace-trimmed handkerchiefs and ruffled silk gowns, ideal for twirling with panache!
Let's talk shoes! Though a ballerina in 1738 would have looked utterly divine in her embroidered velvet slippers and bejeweled brooches, my gaze was, naturally, drawn to the exquisite footwear in a small, hidden boutique in the city centre. Imagine a single, delicate shoe resting on a velvet cushion! And wouldn't you know it, the owner of this hidden gem was an artist of extraordinary skill! I simply couldn't resist purchasing a pair of exquisite, hand-crafted slippers, the fabric shimmering in the soft candlelight, the detail on the intricate beadwork breathtaking.
Dance With Me:
Back at home in Derbyshire, England, I find myself reminiscing about the captivating elegance of the past, my heart filled with the joy of time travel, the passion for ballet and the joy of collecting beautiful items that represent this rich history of dance. And my dear loves, as always, it reminds me that the passion for ballet lives on!
And what are you all up to? Who has recently seen a wonderful performance, maybe picked up a fabulous new accessory for your own ballerina looks, or discovered a secret gem from the history of dance? Do tell me! And, for those who have never been to a ballet show, well darling, I urge you, grab your tickets and experience the magical world of ballet. You won't regret it.
Remember to stay connected and find more adventures and information on ballet on my website: www.pink-tutu.com. Until next month, my lovelies, keep those tutus fluttering!
