Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's your favourite time-travelling ballerina here, Emma, and I'm thrilled to be whisking you back to the elegant 18th century this month!
December has always held a special place in my heart - the festive cheer, the glittering lights, and of course, the opportunity to indulge in a bit of ballet sparkle! This time, I found myself dancing amongst the powdered wigs and hoop skirts of December 12th, 1738, and trust me, you wouldn't believe the ballet world back then!
Just picture this: a charming theatre, candlelit and plush, filled with the rustling of silks and the murmur of genteel chatter. The scent of lavender and pipe tobacco hung in the air as I took my place amongst the elegantly-dressed audience, eagerly anticipating the evening's entertainment.
On that particular evening, the Parisian ballet scene was ablaze with the latest productions. I even caught a glimpse of Noverre's "Lettres sur la Danse," a revolutionary treatise on ballet that would change the art form forever. Imagine the buzz of anticipation in the air as audiences whispered about this ground-breaking text, eager to see the "ballet d'action" that Noverre advocated for! It's exciting to know that in just a few short years, ballet would begin to move beyond courtly spectacle and into the realm of artistic storytelling.
This journey wasn't all about witnessing the big events, darling. My beloved Meg and I took a trip to a charming little village near Bordeaux. Now, it wasn't a place renowned for its ballet - they were more known for their vineyards and pastries, darling, but I happened upon a lovely group of local dancers who were rehearsing for their Christmas pageant! I absolutely loved their little makeshift stage in the local town hall, the painted backdrop with angels and shepherds, and the energy and joy that radiated from each dancer! You wouldn't believe how those intricate ribbons danced against their rustic wooden shoes, their moves echoing the gentle rolling of the hills in the distance. The dancers, who were all wearing simple white linen tunics, gave me the most heartwarming smiles and a warm "Bonjour" as I snuck into the back and watched, my eyes misty-eyed with the pure passion in their steps.
Of course, a trip through the 18th century wouldn't be complete without some fabulous fashion. Now, I know what you're thinking, and no, tutus weren't exactly the thing back then, darlings! However, the beautiful flowing gowns, delicate laces, and opulent jewels, oh my!
You could say it's quite the influence for a pink-tutu loving ballerina like myself, and oh my goodness, the inspiration! My ballet-themed rucksack is stuffed full of notes from my travels to inspire my future collection, from the dainty floral motifs on lace trims to the playful use of pastels in the silk linings. And let's not forget those bewitching wigs, towering up high and held with graceful, elegant pins! I just know they will inspire my next head-piece!
Back to the future for now, darlings, but I'll be sure to share more from this spectacularly stylish time. And please, do come back to Pink Tutu next month!
Lots of love,
Emma x
P.S. Don't forget, I am accepting commissions for performances - my magical steed Meg loves a good journey! Let me know your time travel destination! You might be able to meet a fascinating historical figure on the dance floor!
Here are some fun facts about December 12th 1738:
- On this day in 1738, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Mass in B Minor” premiered! Oh my, just picture a full symphony of voices swirling through a grand church, it would be breathtaking, darling!
- 1738, also saw the birth of one of the most important people in the British Navy – Sir John Jervis, who led a remarkable military career, which later inspired this very blog's love for tutus. Jervis is thought to be the source of the iconic Ballet costume as he introduced the design in honour of his time commanding the Navy.
I hope you all enjoyed this post, darlings. As always, be sure to share it with your friends and follow Pink Tutu to catch up on all of my adventures through time.
See you all next month!
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