Hello, darling ballet lovers! Welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travel, your one-stop shop for all things ballet history! Today is the 12th December 1745, and let me tell you, this date is full of history and, as always, it’s linked to ballet. You won't believe the adventure Magic Meg and I have been on. And I’m ready to share it all, with you!
This month marks my 1020th post, can you believe it?! We’ve travelled so far in time, visiting so many incredible ballets, it seems like just yesterday I was in Derbyshire, England, getting ready for my first professional performance. Oh how I longed to step back in time, to learn the secrets of the pioneers of ballet! And look at me now, all thanks to my sparkly pink tutu, my faithful steed Magic Meg and a love for all things ballet, we're living our dreams. We're experiencing ballet in its prime.
It’s always such a whirlwind visiting the past. But let’s talk about this exciting date, and what I have collected for my ballet rucksack this month! It's been a fabulous month filled with history, fabulous costumes and oh, some fabulous performances!
From Revolutionary France to a Scottish Uprising
1745 is a year brimming with events, so buckle up! As we galloped across the European countryside on the back of Meg, the first thing that struck me was the revolutionary fervor in France. It's just ten years after the King of France got booted out - we’re talking massive political upheaval! But this isn't all that is rocking the world.
Oh my! Guess what?! Scotland was in a state of complete mayhem! You know, all those rebellious souls trying to make Prince Charles Edward Stuart (that’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, to us!) the king. We stumbled upon some really beautiful ballets with dramatic costumes in some pretty unlikely places! They held up in old churches or abandoned forts, holding secret performances under the cloak of night! I tell you, it’s so daring! The whole vibe felt very theatrical – and there we were, right in the middle of the drama!
Ballet Backstage
Can we talk costumes?! I was immediately struck by the beautiful fabric and lavish detail in ballet costume! In the era of court ballets and ornate, elegant outfits, it felt like I’d entered a beautiful dream. Just as much as our beautiful pink tutus make us stand out, the court ballet dresses, with their stunning embroidered embellishments and glittering jewels, would have made you gasped in awe! It felt almost surreal! My camera has gone into overdrive taking pics! Can't wait to add those to my Instagram! I wonder if these looks have influenced any modern ballet trends. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Back to Ballet on Stage!
On the stage, I saw the brilliance of Louis XIV's ballet performances - the royal ballets and their grand stage! You wouldn’t believe the extravagance of the ballets - you have to see these extravagant stage sets to appreciate the magnitude. Every performance is like a spectacle in the grandeur of a royal court, every movement, every expression... the precision, the technique! What they don’t have in pointe shoes they more than make up for in amazing acting and musical expression. Just amazing!
Oh! My rucksack is bulging! Imagine my delight at finding old handwritten playbills and tickets for ballets. It felt like holding a piece of history in my hands! And oh, the melodies I heard! I'll try and transcribe them as soon as I return, just so I can share them with you all. But guess what? It’s just the beginning! I saw some truly breathtaking productions of Lully's works! It’s pure ballet artistry! I felt transported, the power of the movement, the emotion of the story and the magnificence of the sets, and the costume! You can see the historical roots of our favourite dance! So captivating! I found out they still use elements of Louis XIV's dance style – how fascinating is that! It just shows the powerful impact that this time period has had on dance and, yes, it all started right here with a love for the art. We really do stand on the shoulders of ballet giants.
An End of a Ballet Adventure… and Onwards
So my lovelies, 12th December, 1745 has been an experience. Imagine traveling back in time with your passion for ballet as your guide, dancing through history. This is my world, my mission to inspire all the budding ballet lovers, encouraging the fashion and celebrating all those brilliant, creative talents in our community, one tutu at a time. It’s a big task, but we’ve only just begun. You can see where I’m going with this.
If you haven’t done so already, then jump onto our site, www.pink-tutu.com for my latest time travels and join us as we explore the captivating history of ballet through its different styles, dancers and incredible personalities.
That’s it for me today darlings, but I will be back next month. Till next time, be a little bit daring and go out there and shine. Wear that beautiful pink tutu with confidence! Oh! Don't forget to check back here for more about 12th December, 1745 and all the secrets of ballet history that await us in the future. You’re going to love them!
Love always,
Emma x
