Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! Itās your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey through the captivating world of ballet history!
This month, we're galloping back to 10 October 1753, and let me tell you, thereās a real air of excitement about this particular date. Remember my faithful steed, Magic Meg? That fabulous pink sparkly Shire with the golden hooves? Sheās chomping at the bit for this trip!
Today we're hopping through time to see if we can catch a glimpse of some ballet in action, because back in 1753, ballet was really starting to take off ā in a most captivating way!
I've been poring over my history books (and believe me, darling, the amount of ballet history books I own would rival a grand library!) and it seems that the Italian-born dancer and choreographer Carlo Blasis was born on this very day. Heās considered a real pioneer in ballet history, so itās fitting we journey to this date to discover his beginnings.
Did you know that Carlo Blasisās ideas helped to redefine how dancers trained and performed? His books ā The Art of Dancing, published in 1820, and Code of Terpsichore, which hit the shelves in 1830, formed the bedrock of modern ballet training. Talk about making a big impact on balletās evolution!
He championed ballet techniques that brought more fluidity, elegance and a sense of storytelling to ballet, and let me tell you, those ideas remain powerful today.
With my trusty pink leather rucksack *on my back - always ready to collect stories, sketches, and little *ballet mementos from each era I visit ā I climbed atop Magic Meg. With a flick of my pink sparkly reins, we soared through timeā¦
1753 ā what a sight to behold! As I arrived in this historical world, the bustle of life was truly captivating! The bustling streets and the sounds of everyday living were alive with energy, but my senses were also filled with the vibrant colours of this time.
You see, this was an era of elaborate, detailed fashions, with beautiful embroidery and lace making every outfit a statement. My pink tutu felt right at home, with its delicate, feminine beauty perfectly aligned with this flamboyant world of fashion.
Now, 1753, a while back! And unfortunately, ballet in those days was often tucked away in courts or theatres. It was the privileged elite who had the chance to enjoy the elegance and grace of ballet. But the world of theatre, the grandeur, the drama! Just the kind of inspiration that gives a tutu-loving ballerina the kind of thrills you wouldn't believe!
So, with a little time travel magic (courtesy of my dear Meg, and letās face it, a dash of tutu-inspired flair!), I was lucky enough to catch a ballet performance, not on a grand stage, but in a royal chamber, as a private performance for a wealthy, powerful family.
Can you imagine a grand chamber, walls adorned with luxurious tapestries, soft candlelight shimmering on crystal chandeliers, creating an aura of intimate elegance? The dance floor, meticulously polished to a sheen, glistened under the soft glow of the candles.
As the music began, a hush fell over the room, each individual holding their breath, as the ballet performance started. This wasnāt the precise ballet I was used to, with all its controlled, highly intricate steps, but there was grace, beauty and real dramatic skill in what I witnessed! It felt as though the story unfolding in dance reflected the very feelings and complexities of those who watched.
The dancers themselves, oh how they shimmered, in their ornate costumes! Layers upon layers of silks, velvets, trimmed with delicate laces, creating flowing movement that danced in sync with the intricate ballet steps. Even their hairstyles ā elegant, sculpted waves, adorned with jewels ā were works of art! This era really knew how to make a visual impact, wouldn't you say?
That pink tutu of mine, it fit right in! I swear I even caught a few approving glances! āThe tutu is back! She is going to be the next big fashion sensation!ā said a lady wearing a fabulous emerald green satin dress, her wide brimmed hat overflowing with fuchsia feathers. It is all a little overwhelming really. I wonder, dear reader, are we at the cusp of a tutu-filled revolution? Are you with me on this exciting, new tutu-venture!
Oh, and speaking of visual flair ā did I mention that a new trend that would go on to completely transform the ballet scene was emerging in this very era? I'm talking about the development of * pointe shoes, my darlings!* What an amazing change this would be in the ballet world, wouldnāt you agree? Imagine all the new possibilitiesā¦**
I saw a little something of it in the 1753 royal chamber performance, where the ballerinas would occasionally stand up on their tips, even with their shoes flattened for dancing at that time, and that small, tentative rise to their toes hints at the dramatic revolution that was just on the horizon!
Iām always so intrigued by these little historical details. They give you such a clear window into how ballet evolved over time, donāt they? It makes you realise just how connected we are, even across centuries.
Speaking of connectionsā¦ You know I simply must share some fabulous fashion findings with you! 1753 was brimming with exciting new trends, and let me tell you, darling, there's something quite spectacularly "tutu-tastic" happening in this period!
Have you ever imagined the fashion world embracing panniers, corsets and *rococo extravagance? * I can assure you that this particular period embraced this flamboyance to the full!
I even caught a glimpse of the magnificent gowns worn by ladies of high society in this era! Voluminous silk gowns ā in beautiful shades of emerald, sapphire, and of course, pink! Embroidered with flowers and intricate designs! Let me tell you, these garments were like swirling dreams in motion!**
And I can't leave you without sharing something that tickled my fancy while strolling through the 1753 streets! It turns out that this was an era of elaborate, opulent wigs, often embellished with ribbons, jewels and flowers. Just imagine, ballerinas in the 1750s were wearing their wigs while they pirouetted! Talk about a fashion revolution, darling!
Well, time to bring this tale to a close, darling. But I can't help but think - what incredible possibilities are opening up as we enter this era of exciting changes! Who would have imagined that a small step in 1753 on a flattened toe would pave the way for a total ballet revolution? What will future ballet generations look like in those graceful pointe shoes!** I have so much more to tell you about Carlo Blasisās life and what a fabulous contribution his work would make to ballet - it would forever change how ballerinas danced!
Donāt forget to join me for our next exciting ballet time travel journey next month, darling, because who knows where we might land, and who we might meet, as we explore the fabulous world of ballet history together!
*Donāt forget, for our fashion focus this month, it has to be a fabulously voluminous gown, or for something extra special, why not embrace a dramatic wig! Oh my darling reader, donāt be shy. Join the Pink Tutu Revolution! *
Until next month,
With love, Emma šāØš©° www.pink-tutu.com
