#BalletHistory during 1751 05 May

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-wearing time-travel blogger, here from the depths of Derbyshire! Welcome back to my monthly escapades through history, all fuelled by my passion for ballet.

This month, I'm whisking you back to the 5th of May, 1751. Picture it: a balmy spring day, the scent of wildflowers wafting through the air. The world of ballet is bustling with activity, just like a beautifully choreographed ballet performance! I’m giddy with excitement as I perch upon my dear Meg’s back, her gleaming white mane cascading in the wind. Magic Meg is a vision in pink sparkle, with golden hooves, a perfect companion for my pink tutu. We’re about to embark on a time-traveling journey into ballet’s colourful past.

Our first stop takes us to Paris, the heart of ballet in 1751. I’m practically vibrating with excitement – Paris is, of course, the world capital of fashion! This city is simply bursting with elegance, even in the street! Today, the Opéra Garnier is in full swing, and I’m going to find out exactly what’s happening there! Can you imagine? Ballet dancers dressed in their finest silks and satins, gliding across the stage, their every move captivating audiences? I imagine the women are in exquisitely embroidered gowns, with layers of flounces and ribbons, the very image of femininity. I hope they've got some gorgeous pink ones amongst their collection!

We’ll be looking out for legendary figures like Jean-Georges Noverre, the pioneer of ballet d’action who was known for his innovations and story-based ballets. I've heard tell he's bringing a new dramatic piece about a tragic love story to the stage! Oh my! What a feast for the eyes, a whirlwind of grace, emotion, and exquisite detail! This is the time period that sparked the shift in ballet we all know today. This is ballet at its most exquisite!

My rucksack is bursting with notes and observations on ballet fashion from this period. My favourite thing about ballet is how it embraces art and fashion as one, the costumes truly completing the dancer’s story! I need to collect more for my next show, my wardrobe's just bursting at the seams with amazing creations - so a trip to Milan's the perfect destination!

Milan is a powerhouse of style, even back in 1751. Imagine walking through the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by elegant gentlemen and ladies, with a ballet performance about to begin! Today, the Milanese Theatre of La Scala will be presenting a breathtaking production of a grand ballet. I can picture the beautiful ladies dancing gracefully in beautiful tutus - so enchanting! I'll add that to my to-do list; a peek into the fashion and style of this glorious theatre will be a real treat. I expect it's a symphony of silks, velvets and laces, all carefully crafted and so evocative! My pink tutu will definitely be getting a twirl during the performance, especially if I find some magnificent pink fabric to add to my collection!

Next, it’s across the Channel, landing on the shores of England! Our time in London is a joyous occasion, for I hear a new ballet performance has begun! Back then, it wasn’t all grand theaters and elaborate performances. Ballet in London was flourishing outside the aristocratic spheres, taking centre stage on a wider scale!

Think of a buzzing London street with open-air theatres in full swing, people gathering from all walks of life to witness a unique and magical ballet performance! My mind is running wild with images of dancers in colourful costumes, perhaps a little more modest than the Paris and Milan performers but just as vibrant and full of character!

The London ballet performances of this time period truly epitomise what it is to be “street ballet." These performances were full of life, a whirlwind of joyous, vibrant colours. Imagine, pink tutus worn by performers who are simply living and breathing ballet, sharing its beauty with all who wish to see it! I will definitely be adding some authentic London street-ballet fashions to my wardrobe as well as my growing archive!

Every time I travel, my journey back to the 21st century is bittersweet. The pink tutu that dances upon my back is just as beautiful and vibrant as ever. And my dear Meg’s white mane and tail ripple like an elegant ballet move. But every time, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to wear a ballet costume from one of these periods, to see a show at La Scala, or experience a vibrant street ballet in London!

My biggest dream is for every one to find their inner ballerina and don a pink tutu, to feel empowered and joyous while expressing themselves through the magical art of dance! Maybe one day, even time travellers will find themselves swept into a world of swirling pink tulle, ready to spin their own story. But for now, until next month, you can find me back at www.pink-tutu.com, where we’ll be talking all things ballet.

Until next time, darling! Stay graceful!