Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, and it's time for another fabulous journey through the history of our beloved ballet! This month, Magic Meg and I are galloping back to the 18th century, all the way to November the 11th, 1750. Oh, it’s simply divine to be here, the air is crisp, and the leaves are just starting to turn, and we're in for a truly enchanting adventure, I can tell! I just know we are going to uncover a little-known ballet story – you can trust my intuition, darling!
My rucksack is prepped and ready, waiting for a sprinkle of ballet magic – we're bound to find something interesting to add to my growing collection! Maybe a beautiful hand-drawn ballet program, a costume sketch from a celebrated dancer, or perhaps a vintage pair of ballet shoes - how divine would that be?!
Speaking of shoes, darling, have you seen my fabulous pink satin slippers this month? Oh, they are simply breathtaking, a perfect match for my vibrant pink tutu! I can't go travelling without looking the part!
And let’s talk about the tutu, my dear – the star of the show! This month’s masterpiece is a swirling delight of delicate pink tulle, meticulously layered and flowing – quite like a ballet in itself! Imagine twirling through the streets of Paris, Versailles or Vienna with such elegance, causing quite the stir among the aristocrats. Just wait until you see the reactions, it's pure delight!
But before we dive into this extraordinary trip, let's pause for a moment to remember what was happening in the world of ballet back in 1750.
Oh, this period was all about refinement and grandeur. We see a strong influence from French court dance, but also an emerging shift towards the storytelling aspect of ballet. This era saw the rise of ballet d'action - you know, where we see the graceful dancers act out emotions and stories with their movements - so dramatic and so beautifully expressed!
While I might be in the 18th century, my thoughts are on this month’s ballet calendar: We’ve got some dazzling shows planned in London, and Paris – wouldn’t it be fantastic to waltz through those theatre lobbies with a perfectly crafted pink tutu, leaving an unforgettable impression? But more about the show in a bit…
Let's dive into 1750. My beautiful Magic Meg, the pink sparkling shire horse, is stamping impatiently, a flash of gold in her hooves – it's like she's sensing adventure around the corner! We'll have to hurry, darling! She knows where we are going and when!
Well, hello my dears! We've arrived in the heart of… let me think, what town is it now, Magic Meg? It's… Paris! A lovely spot for some historical fashion and some chic Parisian boutiques – maybe even a bit of French pastry – always delicious!
I have to say, my dear, this is a world away from the bustling city streets of Derbyshire where I call home. Oh, we Derbyshire girls are practical souls, but that's the beauty of a little ballet travel - it gives you perspective and inspiration.
Ah, a glimpse into the history books: As we wander through Paris, what is it, 11th November 1750? It's a little chilly, wouldn’t you agree, dear? It’s the month of mist and crisp autumn mornings, perfect for an afternoon of ballet reading at a cosy cafe!
I see a poster for a grand ballet performance tonight at the Paris Opera! My goodness! This is fantastic! It’s "Le Triomphe de l’Amour”, an opulent show by the legendary Jean-George Noverre, an iconoclast of ballet choreography in those days. How thrilling to be a part of such a significant event! And to think – it’s one of the first ballets to be staged in full costumed form, creating a grand visual spectacle.
Can you just imagine the lavish sets and costumes, the music, the breathtaking dances? I’m sure it would take my breath away! How enchanting to imagine myself floating around a stage adorned in sparkling fabrics and performing for the royalty and the elite! But darling, the main star of the show? Why, it’s the tutu of course! And you just know I’d be wearing the most exquisite pink creation imaginable!
We may not be performing in front of royalty tonight, but we can certainly indulge in some theatre magic from a comfortable Parisian café with a slice of cherry cake. It's a delight! And, oh, do you want to hear a little fun fact? Back then, in the 18th century, there wasn’t any ‘dancing on pointe’ - think of all those delicate tutus and beautiful gowns. No! It wasn’t till 1795 when ballet shoes had those pointy toes for the first time – imagine the dancing revolution!
Imagine, back then, they relied entirely on beautiful gestures, expressions, and incredible choreography - what an era to learn and witness! There's so much to soak in, and my heart is already bursting with ideas for my next tutu creation!
Now, as I mentioned before, it's time to hit the ballet shops and scour those vintage bookshops! Oh, my darlings! I cannot leave without a souvenir or two for my collection, it would simply be tragic! I will surely find some unique treasures to tell the tale of the elegant days of 1750.
The world of fashion is simply intoxicating – silks, velvet, embroidery and satin – Oh! Such delightful colours and textures – and I'm simply in my element, browsing the Parisian boutiques with Magic Meg trotting at my side.
Just as the sun begins to set and paints the sky with warm colours, it's time for Magic Meg to take us back. Paris has left an enchanting spell on me. Oh, such inspiration! So much history! I shall continue my pursuit of the pink tutu’s journey – because every woman, even those in the 18th century deserves a delightful, swirling piece of fabric magic in their lives.
Before I go, a reminder my lovely ladies: Do join me again next month! We have a date with destiny in the realm of ballet history. You know I’ve been eagerly awaiting the 12th of December 1892 - do you know what that date means? The birth of Vaslav Nijinsky, a legend! But I don't want to spoil the fun. See you then!
Remember to stay fashionable, stay beautiful, and keep that pink tutu in your mind, dear reader, always ready to be unleashed on the world.
With Love,
Emma
P.S Have you seen my blog on pink-tutu.com, darlings? Be sure to take a look and let me know your thoughts. It’s a world of pink and elegance, bursting with the history of ballet – just like me, really!
