Hello my dearest fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another pink-tutu-powered time travel adventure. This month, my trusty steed, the dazzling Magic Meg, and I are taking a trip to the captivating world of ballet back in 1751, specifically the 7th of July!
Ready to don your own pink tutu, grab your ballet shoes and let's head back in time, together!
Imagine, dear readers, the thrill of the carriage ride as Magic Megās hooves tap out a rhythmic beat, taking us from Derbyshire's rolling green hills to the bustling heart of London in the 18th century. The air crackles with the anticipation of a ballet performance, and you know, I can already smell the scent of beeswax candles, perfumed powder, and a hint of something citrusy that always seems to waft through time.
This journeyās a bit of a nostalgic one for me, as 1751 marks a special moment in the history of ballet: the year that the first Ballet Master in England was appointed to King George IIās court. I couldnāt resist exploring the impact of this event, so I slipped on my prettiest pink tutu and set off to witness the cultural changes taking place in the world of dance.
As we rode through London, Magic Meg let out a soft whinny, and we came across a vibrant dance scene unlike anything weāve seen before! People are still a little obsessed with the 'Ballet comique', with its playful storylines, charming masks, and colourful costumes. But, you can feel a growing hunger for something moreā¦ more theatrical, more elegant, more technically driven.
You see, dear readers, the appointment of a Ballet Master marks the beginning of the āgolden ageā for ballet in England. It's an age of refinement, with emphasis placed on delicate footwork and expressive grace. The dances, with their beautiful patterns and exquisite transitions, truly start to showcase the captivating art of movement. And I tell you, watching them gracefully twirl in their embroidered gowns and powdered wigs is nothing short of breathtaking.
Itās interesting, isnāt it, to see ballet's progression through the centuries. From the playful movements and simple storytelling of the āBallet comiqueā to the elegant complexity of court ballet. This journey reminds me that dance evolves and continues to enchant.
But, as always, I didn't only soak in the performance. There's something so exciting about browsing the shops of the past, and this journey was no different! My rucksack was soon overflowing with snippets of dance history:
1. A delicate, embroidered pair of dance shoes: It appears the dainty slippers of this era are adorned with beautiful bows, ribbons, and shimmering sequins ā how utterly charming! This tiny pair would make a fantastic addition to my personal collection!
2. A captivating etching of a renowned dancer: This one was an unexpected gem! Youāll have to wait until my next blog post to see what I found ā but trust me, it's a treasure!
3. An elegant dance program: Ah, the joys of the program! I adore reading about the stories, the dancers, and the choreography of the time. Itās like being right in the audience for the ballet itself!
And letās not forget the ultimate treasure ā the stories that I managed to capture from this fascinating period. Imagine: being whisked away to the world of a choreographer, surrounded by a gaggle of hopeful dancers, all eager to impress the Royal Ballet Master.
This is the magic of time travel, darling. It's not just about the magnificent performances, or the breathtaking costumes. Itās about witnessing how our art form takes its shape, how our ancestors created the world we dance in today.
So, darling, if youāre ever in the mood to lose yourself in history, embrace the pink tutu life, and hop aboard a pink shimmering horse with me. We'll dance our way back to a world full of swirling skirts, charming bows, and an abundance of exquisite beauty.
See you next time!
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
