Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time traveller extraordinaire, back with another incredible adventure from the world of ballet! This month, my trusty steed, the magical Meg, took me all the way back to 1742, to the very day of March 3rd. You wouldn't believe what I discovered!
Now, you know I always try to incorporate pink wherever possible - imagine my delight when Meg landed me right outside the most stunning, vibrant theatre in London. Pink, darling! Imagine – blush walls adorned with gilded flourishes, rose-hued drapes cascading down to a vibrant stage, all bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. A simply delightful entrance to a magical world of dance!
As I tucked my rucksack – overflowing with treasures of ballet history – onto my shoulders and adjusted my pink tutu, I was struck by the contrast of this glorious pink theatre against the backdrop of 18th-century London, where fashion was all about pastels, powder puffs, and voluminous skirts. Such an interesting juxtaposition – classic elegance meeting theatrical flair!
Naturally, I wanted to discover the source of such bold colour, so I entered the theatre, its interior humming with an eager anticipation. As I navigated past groups of chattering ladies in their intricately embroidered silks, and gentlemen puffing on their pipes, my eyes finally settled upon the stage. It was breathtaking! An exquisitely crafted set, bathed in soft light, depicting a verdant garden filled with fluttering butterflies. In the centre stood a dancer, his every move imbued with grace and elegance. He wasn't wearing a tutu (no tutus in 1742, darlings!), but he was definitely captivating the audience with his leaps and elegant poses!
As I watched the dance unfold, I began to learn that this performance wasn't just any ordinary performance – it was a production of Jean-Georges Noverre’s "Les Fêtes de Hymen et de l’Amour." Such elegance, such grace, such a joy to behold! The show centred around an ancient myth: Hymen, the god of marriage, presiding over a lavish ceremony of love and happiness. The performance blended beautiful ballet movements with theatrical storytelling, seamlessly moving through a vibrant spectrum of emotions. It truly captured the spirit of dance at the time!
After the performance, I joined the lively chatter outside the theatre, mingling with the elegant crowd, catching glimpses of ballet’s impact on everyday life. I learned that Noverre was known as the “father of ballet d’action” – truly a pioneer! He emphasized storytelling within ballet, crafting narratives through movement. It was so wonderful to witness firsthand the historical foundations upon which our beloved ballet stands. It felt incredible to witness ballet in its infancy, the seeds of its artistic brilliance being sown in the soil of this time period.
Before departing, I of course collected some memories to treasure! My rucksack is now adorned with a small, beautifully hand-painted miniature of Hymen himself, along with a delicate fan I spotted at a bustling fair in Covent Garden. This time period is an absolute treasure trove for fans of dance fashion - those elaborate costumes are simply delightful.
And now, my lovelies, it’s time for me to set off on my next adventure. I’ve already planned my next journey – perhaps a visit to Paris or maybe Vienna? What do you think, darlings?
Keep dancing and keep dreaming. Remember, a pink tutu makes anything possible!
Until next time,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S: Did you know that the French Academy of Dance was established in 1713? It was dedicated to preserving and promoting dance, a true dedication to our art form.
