Hello my lovelies!
Welcome to post number 1057 on Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, fashion, and oh, did I mention time travel?
Today, we're taking a jaunt back to the 18th century, all the way to 1st January 1749, specifically! My trusty steed, Magic Meg – a magnificent pink, sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a white mane and tail (you just can't get a more fabulous travelling companion, darling!) - has already deposited me into the heart of London, and my pink tutu is ready for whatever sartorial adventures this century holds!
Remember that stunning blush pink tulle tutu with the sequined bodice that you saw in my last post? Well, let's just say that even though I haven't had a chance to get my paws on any lace for my corset just yet, it's clear that I'll have a grand time sourcing some fine silks for a truly eighteenth-century-chic look. Think powdered wigs, elaborate headdresses, and corsets that lace so tightly they could make a duchess faint! But don't worry, my loves, my leather rucksack is ready for a new treasure, and I'll be back here later with all the details and maybe even a design inspiration for my next fabulous, pink tutu creation!
But first, let's talk ballet! Now, even back in the day, January 1st had people dancing! There's no specific performance recorded on this day in history, but don't despair, dearies, as I have been combing the archives for all sorts of fascinating ballet news from this time period. I found out that 1749 was a pretty special year for ballet in Paris. It's the year that Louis XV’s sister-in-law, Madame de Pompadour, brought her love of ballet to the French court, transforming it into a cultural spectacle!
Imagine being surrounded by opulence and elegance as dancers in shimmering costumes perform, while royalty sits captivated! That's the vibe of the 18th century, darling! And I just know I have to add some of these Parisian inspirations to my next ballet performance – perhaps a little shimmering gown and a sassy headdress! 😉
One of the most notable ballet choreographers of the era, Jean-Georges Noverre, was a strong proponent of the ballet d'action – stories brought to life through dance, unlike the traditional ballet of court balls where movement and spectacle were prioritized over actual storytelling. Now, I find this rather fascinating! Imagine a time when dance became a way of communicating emotions and plots. Talk about storytelling!
Even if I can't see the ballet d'action firsthand (alas, Magic Meg is not quite advanced enough to take me to Paris just yet!), I can definitely bring the spirit of it to life through my upcoming ballet performances in Derbyshire. Don't worry, darlings, you won't miss out! You know I love to share my adventures and experiences.
Now, to make sure I truly capture the essence of the 18th century, it's time for a spot of tea and perhaps a delectable slice of cake! Nothing helps to bring out the historical details like a spot of local fare, darling! I'm absolutely swooning over the Victorian teashops in London.
Remember, dear ones, no matter what year it is, the spirit of ballet lives on! 🩰 Whether we're pirouetting on a London stage, exploring a Parisian theatre, or even just dreaming up a new, stunning tutu in Derbyshire, the joy and passion of dance knows no boundaries!
Keep those pirouettes sharp and stay fabulous!
With love, Emma 💖
