Hello, my dearest Tutu-lovers! 🩰💖 Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through time. This month, we're whisking ourselves back to 1745, on the 10th of October.
Buckle up, my darlings, because we're stepping right into the heart of a truly glamorous era. Just picture it: powdered wigs, pannier dresses, and a whole lotta courtly intrigue – what could be more perfect for a pink tutu-loving gal like myself?
Oh, and did I mention that this trip took a delightful detour through London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane? I simply adore this grand old theatre!
It’s a funny thing about time travel, though. There’s always this feeling of deja vu. It’s like the world remembers me from some long-forgotten, grand, elegant ballet performance in this very same spot! The music swirling through the theatre halls seems to echo past performances that could only have been mine. The dancers themselves – oh, those elegant and statuesque ballerinas – all seem to have that pink something in their moves.
Oh! And Magik Meg, my gorgeous pink-shimmering Shire horse, felt at home too! Even the cobbled streets, usually so dusty and grey, seem to remember her golden hooves leaving sparkles in their wake.
What's a Tutu to do in 1745?Right then, my lovelies. It's time for a little history lesson, served with a sprinkle of pink tutus and a dash of dancing joy!
On this very date in 1745, England was buzzing with news. The Jacobite rebellion was gaining momentum! We all know the tale: Bonnie Prince Charlie and his troops were on the march, trying to reclaim the throne. I've read those history books, but nothing beats experiencing the drama first-hand!
Now, imagine a bustling London full of excitement and gossip, as the fate of the nation hung in the balance. While the politicians were busy squabbling, the London theatrical world was bursting with activity, as usual.
Just down the road from the theatre, nestled among the bustling markets and shops, were some wonderful dancing schools and academies for genteel women.
I imagined a room filled with ladies, graciously curtseying, practicing their steps, with dainty feet tapping to a delicate minuet, the room full of light and laughter.
What’s more, 1745 is the very same year that one of my favorite dancers, Marie Camargo, first graced the stage at the Paris Opera. Can you believe that, darling? Marquise de Pompadour, that gorgeous and fashionable French icon, loved ballet, and that’s just divine, don’t you think?
Oh, and it’s not just in the London theatres and dance halls where my pink tutu felt right at home!
I even took Magik Meg for a stroll around London, the pink shimmers of her hooves leaving traces on the cobbles.
She didn’t care one bit about the mud, the traffic, the bustling crowds and carts.
We even headed to Hyde Park, and it was just like any other royal park – well, just a little bit more glamorous in 1745.
A pink Tutu Travels through the AgesDid you know, this time I also got a lovely chance to take my leather ballet backpack for a good old-fashioned historical shopping spree? And trust me, there were some amazing things to find:
Firstly - I visited an ancient bookshop nestled in a small back street. Oh, what treasures I found amongst the dusty tomes, all stacked to the ceiling, each telling a different story of past performers, dancers and tutus. The owner told me a beautiful story about a rare ballet program that survived a fire at the theatre, full of beautifully etched images of ballerinas from that period! My dear, I can hardly believe it myself.
Secondly - My treasure hunt continued to a tailor's shop, where I discovered some truly spectacular designs for 18th Century ballet costumes!
I saw sketches of costumes, gowns that seemed like they were straight out of a storybook. The detail – with their ruffles, bustles, and tassels – was astonishing! These weren’t just dancing clothes. These were artworks in themselves, and I’ve been busy adding those stories and sketches to my ballet backpack for the journey back to my own era.
I think I might even be inspired to recreate some of them when I get back. I wonder what would my dancers in the local Derby Dance school think of them, when I'm back teaching them!
A Little Pink for a World in GreyRemember my ballet-loving dears, the best thing about a pink tutu is how it adds a bit of joy to everything. The world in 1745 might have been full of drama and struggle, but in its own way, it was also full of life and beauty.
And for that little bit of beauty, we can always thank ballet! Just like I believe it can add joy and glamour to your everyday lives! So next time you put on your tutu, remember the dancers from the past. Remember all those amazing ladies who danced for the kings, queens, and ordinary people. Their spirit lives on in every twirl.
That’s all for this time, dears. Until next month, stay sparkly and don't forget your pink tutus!
Remember, if you are interested in learning more, visit the website at www.pink-tutu.com.
And keep a lookout for a pink-shimmering Shire horse in your neighbourhood, she might just bring a touch of magic to your own corner of the world! 🦄✨
P.S. Do let me know if you'd like to see any sketches of ballet costume design from my collection in my next blog! 🩰💖
