Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to the glorious world of ballet in 1740!
As the wind whips through my pink tutu, I clutch tightly onto Magic Meg's shimmering mane. Her golden hooves gently clip-clop against the cobblestones, taking us back in time to a world where the elegance of dance was just beginning to bloom.
This month, Iâm taking us back to the 2nd of February, 1740. I love how weâre going to explore the time just after Louis XIV, King of France, introduced a whole new level of grandeur and precision to court ballets! Did you know his legacy still shines through the beauty and discipline of ballet today?
We arrive in London, buzzing with energy. Iâm so excited because weâre close to Covent Garden! This time, Magic Meg, my stunning pink, shimmering Shire horse, stops at the Royal Opera House â yes, this beautiful theatre was just beginning to gain its fame in the early 18th century!
So, what was on in the world of ballet in February of 1740?
This year, the highlight for London was the arrival of the very famous French ballerina Marie SallĂ©. Oh, sheâs absolutely captivating with her breathtaking choreography!
Can you believe her âPygmalionâ is turning heads all over the country? She dares to perform in loose, flowing tunics instead of the typical corseted, heavy skirts, which is quite controversial at the time, but truly elegant and beautiful, don't you think?
This is a time of transition, darlings! The early stages of ballet, still figuring out what style they'll be! Can you imagine how thrilling it must be to be part of this exciting revolution in dance?
Speaking of revolutions, the biggest ballet talk in town this year has got to be the incredible innovation by the French ballet master, Jean-Georges Noverre! He's completely shaken things up with his concept of âballet dâactionâ.
He wants to tell stories through dance, my loves! He's already had a huge impact in France, and everyone's eagerly watching his new pieces here in London. I can see why he's such a revolutionary. Can you just imagine? No longer a static performance for the elite, it becomes a dramatic spectacle of human emotion!
I always bring my trusty leather rucksack on these adventures to collect treasures from different times.
This time, I found a fascinating old pamphlet from 1740 on âThe Art of Dancing.â It tells you all about the finer points of posture, carriage, and grace, the same things we still use to learn ballet even today!
Oh, and of course, I couldnât leave without visiting the exquisite costumes. A shop in the Covent Garden area had the most stunning silk materials and beautiful embroidery. Itâs fascinating how so many elements from the fashion of that time influence what we see in tutus today â I can already picture the designs for my next performance!
My, what a magical trip back in time! You know whatâs extra fabulous about these time travels? Magic Meg loves them, too! She just nibbles the sugary, colourful sweetmeats I bring back. Sometimes sheâs even lucky enough to get a bite of one of the delicate pastries from the fashionable coffeehouses of London.
And before I go, darling, you know how much I love to share! Iâm working on creating a âballet history collectionâ of all the precious tidbits I discover on my adventures. So, maybe someday, weâll be able to visit this historical event all over again with a fantastic museum or exhibit full of lovely, girly, pink things for you!
Well, off I go, back to the 21st century. I have my next performance coming up! If youâre looking to wear your most wonderful pink tutu, don't forget to join me in Derbyshire for the ballet extravaganza - and who knows what magical adventure will be next!
See you soon, Emma, the Pink Tutu Time Traveller www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Donât forget, a pink tutu makes every day a little bit more magical!
