Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina, back with another whirlwind adventure through the history of our beloved dance! This month, we're waltzing our way back to May 5th, 1739, and I've got a delightful story to share.
Remember how much I love a good pink tutu? Well, this journey involved me putting on my most glorious, frilly, and flamboyant pink creation. It twirled in the breeze as I sat astride Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with the most dazzling white mane and tail, ready for a day trip back in time. Sheâs got hooves that gleam like gold in the sun, which was lucky as there wasn't a paved road in sight on our journey! Meg, being a true thoroughbred, gracefully carried me across the meadows, making a show of the majestic colours of Derbyshire in Spring. I'm sure we left an impression, especially as I held aloft my leather rucksack, overflowing with exciting finds from our past trips, like vintage dance books and elegant ballet slippers.
Landing in London, where the smell of freshly-baked bread tickled my nose and the air hummed with excitement, I spotted my first glimpse of Covent Garden, the place where the magic of the ballet has happened for centuries. Now, Covent Garden was not yet the elegant building we know and love today, but it was still a lively place full of vibrant energy. People would go to these spaces to see puppet shows, opera and sometimes dance. You can bet I found myself enjoying the sights and sounds of London street performers.
But our journey wasn't just about sightseeing! Remember my aim in life - to get the world dancing in a pink tutu! And while 1739 was not exactly the pinnacle of tutu-wearing in dance history, I still managed to leave my pink mark! As I gracefully made my way around London's squares, it seemed as if my vibrant colour palette had quite an effect. Ladies were admiring the bold colour and elegant silhouette of my tutu, the frills, the flow - it was quite the spectacle! I believe even the men looked upon my tutu with admiration, such was the power of this statement piece of pink elegance. Maybe next month weâll discuss my adventures of fashion in London, 1739. Itâs not so far off from modern fashion that I can't make comparisons, but the colours were much more muted. Maybe thatâs why my pink tutu made such a stir.
There werenât too many theatres in the UK at this point in history but as soon as I saw an opera house, I went for a peek! A truly enchanting experience - and let me tell you, even though tutus hadn't made their official entrance on stage yet, I saw dances that gave me all the chills. There was an elegance, a dramatic artistry to the movement. It gave me all the feels for the origins of ballet, where it all began, when people were first exploring the language of the body in such a theatrical way.
And speaking of exploring, the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly a delightful soirée in a grand, candlelit salon. You can't imagine the opulence! It felt like something out of a painting. A magnificent, shimmering tapestry filled the wall behind a gilded harpsichord that was played for us as dancers gracefully spun across the floor. Such exquisite elegance. Although, one can never compare to a modern performance!
But here's a secret - this trip wasnât just about ballet! Oh, how I love a bit of history!
You know how history books describe the âRococo eraâ? Well, you really get a sense of it walking through those bustling streets, feeling the vibe of a new social era blooming with music, beauty and art. I was particularly struck by how important opera and theatre were, both for entertainment and for reflecting important cultural themes of the time. So, there you have it - the ballet scene in London 1739 was vibrant and exciting, but there was also an air of anticipation of what would become the next chapter. Ballet was in its youthful and exciting stages!
The trip has filled my pink rucksack with new tales and inspiring stories. I've even got a beautifully crafted feather-light ballet slipper in my bag as a souvenir. This is an age that continues to inspire dancers, both on and off the stage, and I have no doubt we'll see its influence resurfacing as dance continues to evolve.
Now, Iâm sure youâre wondering, where will we be venturing to next month? Iâve got a surprise in store for you. But in the meantime, remember - pink is power!
Love, Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest performances! I'm raising money for my time-travelling escapades, after all! And who knows, you might just inspire me to pick up the next Pink Tutu colour!
