Hello darling dears! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where history dances and tutus twirl! I'm your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma, and this month I've been whisked away to the year 1745 - and it's simply divine!
You'll find my pink-hued travel journal overflowing with stories of silks, satin, and… did you say ballet?! I can feel your excitement tingling, just like mine, so let's dive right in!
As always, Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire horse, patiently waits outside the Royal Opera House. She’s quite a sight with her golden hooves, white mane and tail, and her magical pink shimmer, always drawing stares as I arrive, my own shimmering pink tutu catching the light in the afternoon sun. You can find my latest outfit on the www.pink-tutu.com website - this month it's a lusciously layered tulle masterpiece with cascading ruffles, and it pairs perfectly with the historic Georgian charm of 1745!
Before we start chatting about what I discovered on this fabulous time-travel escapade, I've got to share what I found in my travel rucksack: a miniature ballerina doll dressed in a charming, simple white tunic with a little cap, perfectly representing the à la Française style that was all the rage in the 18th century.
Ah, the style! Speaking of which, remember to check out the #pinktutu1745 hashtag on Instagram and TikTok for my sartorial delights, dear reader! We’ve got exquisite corsets, silk jackets, and pannier gowns. My ballet bag is filled with silk ribbon, lace trimmings and pearl beads!
I confess, there's a rather wonderful trend developing. Ladies, prepare yourselves for this, you're all going to want one - the chignon. This elaborate hairstyle involves gathering hair up into a bun on the nape of the neck. Oh, the romance of it all! Let's bring this look into the 21st century, yes? It'll look perfect for that ballet performance or a stylish evening out - maybe with a matching pink ribbon woven through your bun?
Right then! Let's discuss ballet history, darling. Back in 1745, the Parisian stage was simply exploding with pantomimes. Now, these aren’t like modern-day musicals, darling. Pantomimes back then were primarily silent dances with some interspersed dialogue. Can you believe that a performance called "The Judgment of Paris" was being performed in France, complete with ballet, pantomime, music, singing - all in one? And guess what - the whole thing was presented in Italian. Can you imagine?!
However, not only was there fantastic theatre and a truly stylish Parisian stage, there was even a Ballet Royal in London that was showcasing their dancers to sell-out audiences. Londoners were enchanted! The King's Theatre was bustling with theatre-goers.
However, the French Revolution is not too far away - just a few short years. Just the thought of it makes me shudder! The French Ballet, like the French aristocracy, will have to navigate those treacherous times - just as I, my dear, have had to navigate many historical changes and political climates through my own time travel! The revolutionary fashion will leave me in stitches, but, as for my little pink tutu… oh, it can handle anything!
Let me know what your favourite Pink Tutu Travels moments have been, and what you’d like to see me travel to next. Maybe we can head back to the Roman era for some fabulous toga dancing? I’m certain a pink tulle toga would be perfectly on trend, and it could easily replace my classic pink tutu! But then I think, what will Magic Meg wear? It's going to have to be a pink Pegasus, I'm sure you'll agree. Perhaps one that breathes out glitter… Well, I shall keep you updated.
Stay pink, dears! Love, Emma
P.S. I'm giving away a signed pink tutu! All you need to do is head to www.pink-tutu.com and sign up to my blog and I’ll personally choose one lucky reader each month. Now, I really must go - Magic Meg is champing at the bit, and my next historical stop awaits!
Until next month!
