Welcome back, darlings, to Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm Emma, your bubbly guide through the fascinating history of ballet, and this month's journey is taking us back to December 12th, 1739! Now, grab your favourite pink tutu (you know I'm not asking, you're all rocking them, right?) and saddle up with Magic Meg. We're off for an enchanting trip back in time, just in time for Christmas, but let me know if you prefer something a bit more autumnal, just say the word!
This is post number 948 for my beloved Pink Tutu blog, and, as always, I'm sooo excited to share my adventures with you! Let's head back in time to uncover the exciting happenings in the world of ballet on December 12th, 1739...
What Was Happening in the Ballet World Back Then?
Well, my loves, let me tell you! Back in the 18th century, ballet was going through a dramatic shift – and believe me, dramatic is an understatement! Think swirling capes, gravity-defying leaps, and more theatrical expressions than ever before.
That said, on December 12th, 1739, while things were truly "going off" across the continent in places like Paris and Italy, London was taking things a little slower. Think, more relaxed, tea with cucumber sandwiches and delightful pastries – a ballet version of Afternoon Tea if you will!
Back in Derbyshire where I’m from, my friends, it would have been just starting to feel like a cold and wet December evening, especially as we’re right in the middle of winter now. Thankfully, though, Magic Meg always brings me back with enough warm winter clothes!
But back to 1739 London, the heart of ballet, you see, was starting to become a bit more focused on court ballet rather than what we know as the ballet we all love today, and that, dear readers, is why a ballerina like myself was a sight to behold, and even a little shocking for some! You wouldn't find me at The Royal Opera House, that was not yet on my radar, not until the 19th Century when those incredible red velvet curtains made their debut. Nope, instead, you would have found me attending a performance of something very special:
Ballet at Covent Garden - A Glimpse of London's Past!
The theatre scene was absolutely flourishing. In fact, this particular date is notable because of the opening of a newly constructed theatre. While it was far from grand compared to the gorgeous structures we have today, it was definitely one of the highlights of London's cultural life back then. And what did they perform there? Well, we're talking about a whole lot of comedy.
It's fascinating to note how, at this point in time, opera and ballet weren’t always regarded as serious forms of entertainment, unlike their modern day equivalents! It wasn’t even necessarily the choreography that took centre stage. They might not be what you and I, dear ballet lovers, would see on a stage in London today.
Imagine the Ballet Shoes!
Back in 1739, ballerinas were rocking, or rather leaping, in what we would call slippers, really. Think very soft, unstructured shoes! Forget the exquisite pointe shoes of the late 1800s – I’ll just stick to my pretty pink tutu when visiting 1739! And if anyone asks why I have my bright pink leather rucksack with me, I simply explain it is full of historical artefacts – they love it, and it means that everyone else looks good. I mean, the colours just are so much better, don’t you agree, my loves?
What My Rucksack Collected: Stories & Artefacts!
Back then, dancers wore dresses that would have been a sight to behold for my 21st-century eyes. Think layers of petticoats and a bodice with, of course, those iconic flowing capes. It’s the capes that would have really been a talking point, back then – especially, as they're still one of the must-haves in theatre fashion to this day! My Pink Tutu blog always has a dedicated post on them.
So what have I brought back for you all to look at this time? I have two items for my online museum at www.pink-tutu.com :
- A Theatrical Pamphlet: This is from a contemporary play that would have been performed on December 12th, 1739 – yes, even back then the concept of ‘show programmes’ was all the rage – can’t wait to scan this and have it online for all of you – isn't that divine?
A Gorgeous Fabric Sample: Imagine how exciting this is! It’s a little piece of the type of fabric that a ballerina of that era would have been sporting onstage, think gorgeous, very pale pink with beautiful golden trim – isn't it a complete dream?! Oh my, it makes me just want to twirl! Oh darling! You know I have to find myself a pink silk dress to celebrate. Do any of my fellow ballet loving, time travelling fashionistas have any ideas as to where to buy a stunningly beautiful pink dress with some incredible, authentic historical fabric? Do let me know. My Pink Tutu wardrobe just doesn’t have nearly enough beautiful pink!
Where’s The World of Ballet Today, my darlings?
Remember, you can see my museum collection, including all my lovely photos from the amazing Pink Tutu fashion finds I have from across the ages, right here, in my blog, at www.pink-tutu.com – my whole goal, you see, is to create a record of everything to do with ballet history! So, come visit, but don’t forget to be kind to the rest of the Internet as well.
But of course, you’re here, reading this fabulous, fun ballet time-travelling blog, so you probably already know this. What would a pink-loving tutu enthusiast do? Of course, you love to support my journey! And so it is your generosity that pays for Magic Meg and the rest of our travels through time and back! What a wonderful opportunity we have.
Anyway, while we’re talking about this 1739 world, you can catch some modern ballet on, in, or around, December 12th today by popping down to London. There's quite a lot going on there!
Now, we all love going to see the famous London ballets, don't we? However, if we’re being honest, dear readers, sometimes London is just so, so very crowded.
So here’s my super duper hot tip for the coming December 12th, and I must thank you, lovely readers, for providing me with it. A fantastic ballet group have just been featured on a local regional news program – why not give your local ballet class a visit. I’ve done a lot of ballet myself over the years in all sorts of places and it’s amazing how you discover the most incredibly talented ballet dancers, the true gems if you will!
Remember, if you’re looking for a fab Christmas gift this season for all of you Pink Tutu followers – and who is not? How about a ballet class for your special loved ones this festive period?
Well, I must away! Back on that pink pony for another journey, it’s amazing what one finds as a ballet blogger! This blog will, as always, be updated once a month, so make sure to visit me at www.pink-tutu.com for more on this fascinating 18th-century world.
See you soon! Don’t forget your pink tutus!
