#BalletHistory during 1753 11 November

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I hope November has treated you all well and that your dancing shoes are gleaming!

This month, my trusty steed Magic Meg and I are whisking you all away to the glittering, elegant world of Paris in 1753. The air is filled with the gentle strumming of a lute, the scent of lilies and powdered wigs, and – can you believe it? – there are rumours of a new dance craze sweeping through the city! But more on that later, darlings.

We’ve arrived just in time for the eleventh of November, and I have a feeling this date will be a pinktastic one, overflowing with ballet wonders! But before we explore, allow me to grab my rucksack, brimming with treasures from the past, and delve into the history books.

Firstly, darling readers, we have to give a little shout out to our friends across the pond! You see, on this very date, 11th November, 1753, a very special gentleman named David Garrick premiered his ballet ‘The Birth of Tragedy’. It is believed to be the very first professional ballet ever performed in England, an important milestone in our beloved art! Just imagine the excitement! A room full of curious, delighted faces, the clinking of glasses, the delicate movement of dancers, the whispered “ohhs” and “ahhs” as they were transported to another world.

But back to our Parisian adventure! This period, darlings, is when French dance is reaching a glorious new era! Think elegant ladies twirling in lavish costumes, powdered wigs perched upon their heads, their skirts swishing as they move with such grace. The dancers are called “Les Petits-Mâitres,” young, stylish men who dominate the Parisian stages. It’s all so thrilling!

You see, dear readers, in this era, dance is an expression of sophisticated artistry. Ballet masters, like Monsieur Noverre, are revolutionizing dance, focusing on movement that evokes emotion and tells a story.

Now, let’s delve into the fashion world of 1753! This is the age of lace and velvet, of delicate ribbons and exquisite details! And, darling readers, just as ballet is evolving, so too are the costumes! Can you picture it? Imagine a skirt, soft as a cloud, cascading to the floor, or a shimmering bodice encrusted with jewels! And of course, the ladies are wearing panniers, to create a beautifully rounded, elegant silhouette.

Now, dear readers, it is time to let our imaginations take flight. Picture us in the heart of Paris, stepping onto cobblestone streets, the sun casting a warm glow. Let's imagine we’ve stepped inside a grand salon where the walls are lined with paintings and the scent of sweet pastries wafts in the air. There’s a symphony of delicate chatter as guests – perhaps even Monsieur Noverre! – converse over glasses of champagne.

The music swells, and the floor is soon filled with whirling, graceful dancers! Can you imagine us, dearest readers, twirling amongst them? Imagine us with the blush of the sunset on our cheeks, the scent of lilacs wafting from our skirts, a single, delicate pink feather adorning our hair, like a whisper of whimsy on this grand stage!

And to end our magical day, let’s wander to a theatre where a ballet, perhaps ‘The Birth of Tragedy’ itself, is taking place. The actors in elaborate costumes are poised for their dramatic entrance! Can you picture the hushed anticipation, the hush settling on the crowd? It is magical, truly magical.

Dear readers, this day in Paris has been a veritable explosion of colours! I couldn't help but imagine us dancing in this extraordinary period, surrounded by swirling skirts, elegant figures, and a palpable energy that made our hearts soar. I've even scribbled down a few notes on my favourite colours for our future Pink Tutu fashion collection! I am positively bursting with excitement to find the perfect combination of shades, hues, and embellishments. Perhaps we could introduce a splash of lavender? Or perhaps a delicate touch of gold?

I know, dear readers, it is so very important to let our imaginations run wild! After all, just like those Parisian ladies, we have a touch of magic within us all.

That’s all for this month, darlings! Thank you for joining me in Paris! Keep your eyes on the website for news of my upcoming performance – I promise you’ll be swept away!

Until next time,

Emma and Magic Meg xx

P.S. If you’ve had the pleasure of watching any incredible ballets, let me know in the comments! I always love to hear about your ballet experiences. Don’t forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for more magical pink tutu time travel!