Hello my darling tutu-twirling darlings! Itās Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another edition of Pink Tutu Travels! September is here, and with it comes a crispness in the air that reminds me of the magic of autumn - that time when the leaves shimmer like a thousand ballerinas pirouette across the forest floor.
This month, weāre jetting off (or rather, galloping on) to September 9th, 1749, to explore a world where powdered wigs were all the rage, and the waltz was the newest dance craze. As always, Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire horse with hooves of pure gold and a mane like spun sugar, is ready to carry me through time with a flourish of her magnificent white tail.
This month, my trusty leather rucksack is filled with curiosity, for itās September the 9th, 1749 - a date that is sadly overshadowed in ballet history! But thatās okay because thatās exactly the kind of hidden treasure I love to uncover. Thereās something quite magical about discovering those little moments that make up the tapestry of balletās grand history.
After a quick detour to the tailor, I slipped into my signature pink tulle tutu - this month I'm going for a particularly delicate confection with layers of gauzy fabric and sparkling diamantƩ accents - just a little touch of glam to add a hint of Pink Tutu magic to the 18th century. I can't go time travelling without a touch of sparkle!
Magic Meg whinnied a delightful pink puff of smoke, and in a dazzling whirl of glitter, we were whisked away to a cobbled courtyard in London. Oh, how I love the sights and sounds of a bygone era!
Now, this September in 1749, ballet was in a bit of a rut. The grand, courtly ballets of the 17th century were fading into the past, and something new, something lighter, more graceful was taking its place. That's where the waltz steps in!
Imagine a dance so revolutionary it set Europe in a swoon. Thatās the waltz ā a delightful spin of grace and elegance where partners embrace, whirl, and glide. No more stately promenades here - this was about close, romantic embrace and light, energetic steps.
However, in 1749, waltz mania hadn't quite hit England. While continental Europe was swaying to the waltz's irresistible rhythm, the English were still hesitant, some finding it a little tooā¦wellā¦passionate! They were holding onto the older ballet styles.
And this is where my little ballet detective work comes in! Imagine my delight when, through my time travel adventures, I stumbled upon an incredible discovery. The year before, 1748, the Italian dancer Gaetano Vestris had graced the London stage with his captivating ballet performances! It turns out, this incredibly gifted man wasn't just about his dazzling dancing skills, but he brought with him the essence of Italian ballet that would influence a generation. He even premiered a ballet based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet! You know Iām all for a good love story!
Imagine my little Pink Tutu heart aflutter! To see ballet in its earliest, unpolished form, a little less elaborate, a little more raw but filled with boundless energy - it's just magic! The simplicity and beauty of the choreography ā it resonates deeply, as if the dancers are expressing their heart's desire in each graceful move. Itās these humble beginnings that gave rise to the incredible ballet we know and love today.
I spent a delightful afternoon at a performance of āLe Bal ParĆ©ā at Covent Garden. Though the ballet might seem a tad predictable to us today, the music was gorgeous, the costumes opulent and the energy intoxicating. In those few moments, the whole theatre seemed to melt away and I was transported to a magical world, twirling among the sparkling stars.
That evening, I visited a London ballroom, a place filled with silk and lace, whispers of scandal and, most importantly, dancing! This is where I found the most exciting surprise of all: A young ballet dancer who is preparing to journey to Paris! You see, Paris in the 1740s and 50s was considered the centre of ballet. That was where the world's leading ballerinas and choreographers flocked. Can you imagine the excitement of those times?!
Imagine the world of ballet as a map filled with exciting little trails that all connect back to Paris, a swirling metropolis of dazzling lights and passionate dancers! Oh, how I wish I could travel back in time with this aspiring dancer and follow their journey, witness their dance-filled adventure!
Perhaps someday I will! I am after all, Emma from Pink Tutu Travels! Nothing, especially not time, can keep me from the magic of dance and the irresistible allure of pink tutus!
Before saying farewell, remember to check out Pink-Tutu.com to see my stunning time-travelling pictures from the 18th century, and my insights on those fascinating ballets of yore. You wonāt want to miss them! Until next time, dear ones, remember: Wherever you go in life, never be afraid to twirl in your own style and to embrace a little pink magic.
See you in October!
Much love,
Emma x
