Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your Pink Tutu Time Traveller, back with another delightful journey into the past! 🩰 This month, I’ve popped my sparkly pink tutu on, grabbed my leather rucksack, and set off on a journey to November 11th, 1740. I’m off to explore the ballet world of the Georgian era – let's see what fashion and performance secrets this date holds!
I’m not gonna lie, my trip this month has involved some chilly mornings, darling! I've left the Derbyshire drizzle behind, but my breath certainly puffs into little clouds in the air of London. But honestly, it’s so much worth it when I think of all the enchanting experiences that await me! And what’s a little chill when I’ve got my trusty pink, sequined shawl? 🧣
As always, Magic Meg has been absolutely divine - her coat is shedding the summer glow and the glistening silver sheen of her mane almost matches the frost on the grass! She trotted all the way to Covent Garden without a single whinny of complaint, her hooves tap-tap-tapping a rhythmic, almost ballet-like beat against the cobbles. I adore the little trots we have together – such elegant speed!
Once in London, my nose went straight for the scent of hot chocolate and warm gingerbread, of course, followed closely by the alluring perfume of a delightful little ballet shop tucked away behind the theatre. You see, I absolutely love gathering ballet relics from my journeys – a feather boa here, a satin ribbon there, maybe even a bit of worn-out costume. It's like holding a tiny bit of ballet history in my hands!
My leather rucksack, my trusty travel companion, was overflowing in just an hour, bursting with an absolute symphony of gorgeous fabrics, colours, and shapes that tell stories of the Georgian ballet! Imagine, darlings, lace-trimmed panniers peeking out from beneath silk skirts, and feather-light dresses with an elaborate swirl of vibrant patterns - simply stunning! It was practically begging to be immortalised in my "Pink Tutu" blog!
But you want to hear about the show, don’t you, my dears? Today, at Covent Garden Theatre, they were presenting an operatic ballet called "L'Amour vainqueur." This isn't quite the graceful and beautiful ballet we see today - think grand costumes, grand gestures, a lot of mime, and even more drama than a Shakespearean play. The women danced in those magnificent panniers, moving more like grand, blooming flowers than delicate butterflies.
One dancer, particularly striking, moved with a grace that was almost captivating despite the heavy costuming. Her name was La Camargo - quite a star in the early 1740s! It is believed she danced this show at Covent Garden - who knows, it could even have been her we saw today. It really does bring the stories to life.
It was thrilling, seeing such passion and dedication poured into each performance. Even though the choreography was different, there was a certain spark, a sense of shared artistry that has stayed with me. It makes me think - why, in some ways, our ballet world today doesn’t stray too far from its 18th century roots.
I couldn't leave London without a little ballet fashion spree. I snagged the most delicate, almost ethereal-looking scarf – pure, ethereal pink, of course - for my pink tutu wardrobe. And who could resist a pair of adorable silk ballet shoes for Magic Meg? It is very important to match, darlings, even when time travelling!
This evening, the streets were teeming with people - theatregoers, street performers, even a few musicians who paused their merry tune to give Magic Meg a gentle pat on her back. I do believe Magic Meg is enjoying our London tour quite as much as I do!
Now, darling, it is getting late, and I must start making plans for the next ballet adventure! I can’t tell you all of my future plans just yet, but trust me – next month will be a complete dance delight, and it has a lot of sparkly elements, including a magnificent tutu, I must admit, of an entirely different variety.
Remember to keep checking www.pink-tutu.com every month, and don't be shy! Feel free to leave a comment or question. And don’t forget: Every day is an opportunity to add a touch of pink tutu to your life.
Until next month,
Emma!
xx 💖✨🐴
