#BalletHistory during 1749 07 July

Hello fellow tutu-lovers! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina blogger from Derbyshire, and welcome back to another edition of Pink Tutu Time Travels. This month, I've galloped back in time on my trusty steed, Magic Meg (she's a pink, sparkly Shire horse with golden hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail, just for the record!), to 7th July 1749.

It's a glorious summer day in London, the air buzzing with the chatter of a bustling city. My leather rucksack is already overflowing with the most incredible finds, and I can't wait to share them with you!

But before I dive into my discoveries, let's get those creative juices flowing! Have you ever imagined yourself twirling in a Parisian salon in the 18th century?

Okay, so imagine me, your beloved blogger, stepping out of Magic Meg's shimmering carriage onto the cobblestone streets. I'm a vision in my pink tutu, my petticoats billowing gracefully in the gentle breeze. My shimmering pink silk stockings accentuate my delicate calves, while the frills of my bodice mirror the dancing petals of a rose garden.

Ah, the fashion of 1749! The ladies are dressed in magnificent attire, the skirts of their gowns rustling with every move. Exquisite silk and lace embellish every fabric. And, oh my, those towering heels! My love for fashion knows no boundaries, and let me tell you, this period is a sartorial feast!

And guess what? Even back then, ballet dancers were adored for their graceful elegance and captivating presence. I wouldn't be surprised if they even sported a bit of pink in their wardrobes! You know how much I love a pop of pink, and I'm sure those fabulous ladies in their gowns and elegant dresses would be ecstatic about our current love affair with this stunning colour.

I have to admit, I was quite delighted to discover a small theatre in Covent Garden. It was hosting a "Ballet de la Reine" – that’s "Queen's Ballet" to you and me! Imagine the joy! I just know it must have been an elegant performance filled with elegant movements and captivating story-telling.

You see, back then, ballet was considered an elite art form, a kind of high society spectacle for royalty and aristocrats. Think flowing tutus (not the iconic romantic ones of today, though), elegant costumes, and dancers telling fantastical stories through graceful movement.

One of the things I love most about this era is its focus on 'l'air de la cour', which means "the air of the court." Everything about the ballet, the movements, the costumes, the atmosphere - even the audience itself, embodied this elegance and refined manner.

This glimpse into 1749's ballet scene fills my heart with pure joy. I just know that those performances must have captivated everyone present. Who wouldn't be enthralled by the beauty and poetry of movement that ballet presents?

Here’s something I found utterly delightful – my research has led me to a piece called “Les Amours de Terpsichore” (The Loves of Terpsichore). Now, Terpsichore is the Greek muse of dance, you know? This piece, created for the Paris Opera, explored the lives of two beautiful shepherdesses.

Just imagine it – flowing white dresses, the backdrop of a magical countryside, a touch of playful flirtation...it's enough to get any ballerina's heart thumping! This is the type of ballet history that sets my heart racing – a blend of art, poetry, and storytelling, perfectly woven together in a captivating spectacle.

You know I love a good story! Finding this ballet from 1749 adds a layer of charm to the very fabric of dance. It’s almost like peeking into a forgotten page in history, but also a beautiful reminder of how timeless the beauty and power of dance truly is.

Well, my dears, I must be off for now! Magic Meg and I are off to explore some of the Parisian salons and to hunt down more secrets of ballet in 1749. This incredible period has such a fascinating history, and I can't wait to continue my journey!

And, just a little something for your inspiration! While you wait for the next blog post, why not try a touch of 1749 glamour yourself? You can incorporate some flowing, romantic elements into your attire, maybe a touch of elegant lace or a beautiful silky scarf.

Remember, my lovelies, life is all about a little whimsy and magic. So put on your pink tutus, embrace your inner ballerina, and let the joy of dance ignite your soul!

Until next month, keep twirling!

Yours in pink and pirouettes,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com