Hello, dear ballet lovers! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-wearing time traveler. As you all know, my passion for ballet knows no bounds - I'm as happy practicing a pirouette in the studio as I am exploring the grand history of our beloved art form. This month, Magic Meg (yes, the pinkest Shire horse with the most majestic mane and tail) has whisked me away to January 1st, 1739. Let me tell you, this was a fascinating trip!
Before I delve into the details, let's have a chat about my outfit. For this trip, I've gone for a sumptuous pink silk tutu, inspired by the rococo era. It’s soft and floaty, perfect for twirling amidst the grandeur of the 18th century. Now, let’s travel back in time!
A Peek into Ballet History
Upon arriving in 1739, I immediately noticed the bustling streets of London. Ballet was already a vibrant art form in England at the time, and even in the early morning light, I could hear the sounds of practice and rehearsal. England was then, like now, a melting pot of international styles. I managed to catch a glimpse of the Italian influence in the work of Louis Dupré, and I saw echoes of the French ballets performed at the courts of Louis XIV. This was the era of Louis XV, so the ballet tradition had taken on an air of regal sophistication, while still retaining its playful, inventive spirit.
My adventures took me to the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, a renowned venue for ballet in the 18th century. It was exciting to imagine the footlights of the theatre and the elegance of the costumes of the time. You might be surprised to learn that a company called "the dancing masters" had established itself at Covent Garden, showcasing not just ballet, but also other forms of dance like English Country Dances, waltzes, and minuets. Imagine - you could walk into a theatre and get a full sensory dance experience, from classical ballet to folksy routines!
The "En Haut" Technique: The Dawn of Ballerina Elegance
Did you know that during this era, the development of the "en haut" technique started taking centre stage? This technique, focusing on vertical movement, emphasized graceful leaps and lighter movements. This subtle shift in focus added a newfound fluidity to ballet, making it even more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I even had the opportunity to witness some local dancing masters demonstrating this elegant, airborne technique. I imagined what it would be like to move with such grace and precision - a true delight!
Fashion: A Celebration of Opulence
Fashion played a huge role in the social fabric of the 18th century. Ladies in the theatre wore elaborately-designed, often jewel-toned silk dresses, often accessorised with elaborate hairstyles, and powdered wigs. As for the gentlemen, powdered wigs, fine coats, breeches, and shoes, combined with intricately crafted swords, adorned them. I couldn’t help but steal a peek into the wardrobe of a dancer, marveling at the hand-sewn lace and silk and the rich colours that brought their artistry to life. I’m convinced the dancing costumes and ballet fashion of this time are quite as opulent as the gowns worn by the ladies of the day. It was truly a feast for the eyes!
My Bag of Treasures
Of course, being the intrepid traveller that I am, I collected a few ballet-themed mementos. In my rucksack, you’ll find a piece of silk ribbon, probably left over from a costume worn in a theatrical ballet, a weathered copy of the "Journal des Dames et des Modes", a fascinating publication about 18th century fashion, and a meticulously written, albeit slightly yellowed, account of the history of ballet in England, passed down through the ages. These small but important finds tell a bigger story. They show how, through the ages, we’ve held ballet as a precious part of our cultural heritage, a story woven through centuries, from the 18th century all the way to today.
Inspiration for the Modern Day Ballerina
While 1739 was certainly different from our world today, it is incredibly inspiring to see how much ballet has evolved since then. The technique, the artistry, the social aspects—all have been refined and pushed to new heights. Every era in ballet history offers something special. Today, I’m happy to bring these stories to you, sharing the beauty of ballet and the magic of history. Let’s carry forward this passion and love for our beautiful art form - after all, we all can embrace the pink tutu!
Next Month
Where will I go next, you ask? Stay tuned, as my magical journey continues. And, for you fashion-forward dancers, don’t forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks of my adventures! Until next month, keep on twirling and keep on dreaming, my dear friends!
Emma, Your favourite Pink Tutu Blogger.
