Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing time traveller! It’s the 5th of May, and you know what that means... It's time to saddle up Magic Meg and whisk ourselves away to a bygone era!
This month, we’re pirouetting back to the year 1754. Now, 1754 might not scream ‘ballet boom’ to you, but trust me, there’s a hidden world of wonder waiting to be explored, especially if you're a ballet enthusiast like myself.
Before we step back in time, though, let's give a big, sparkly thank you to all of you who've been following my pink tutu journey! It truly warms my heart knowing that you're all with me, whether you're twirling in your own pink tutu at home or just dreaming about that perfect pas de deux. You're the fuel that keeps my time-traveling spirit alive!
And speaking of fuel, you might be wondering how a simple ballerina manages to fund time travel. Well, darlings, my secret's a bit of a performance-based enterprise. Every month, I share my ballet history finds with the world, and to fund these grand adventures, I give private performances and ballet classes. It's a passion that fuels both my tutu-covered spirit and the time machine - err, I mean - my trusted steed Magic Meg.
This month, Magic Meg, my dazzling pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and white mane and tail, is ready for a new adventure! We've got a few stops on our time-travel itinerary today. We’ll be heading first to London, where the theatre scene was just beginning to truly bloom! There were no grand ballet theatres like we have today - it was all about opera houses and small theatres with intricate stage settings and costumes. The most talked about opera house was, of course, the King’s Theatre in Haymarket. Fancy going there this evening, darlings? I think it might be absolutely divine!
Just imagine… twinkling chandeliers, candlelight flickering on silks and satins, the sweet, fragrant scent of perfumes and rouge… all accompanied by the most incredible ballet performances. That, my dear friends, is the magic of time travel. It’s not just the events of the past, but the chance to immerse ourselves in that bygone world with every step, every twirl!
And speaking of twirls… did I tell you about the latest craze that's captivating the ballet world? Ballet slippers! They're replacing the stiff heeled shoes of the past. Ballerinas can finally soar with graceful jumps and leaps, bringing even more fluidity and grace to their movements. My heart sings every time I see a graceful dancer en pointe, their footwork perfectly blending with the music. Just divine!
What to wear to an 18th-century performance? Well, it all depends on whether you are an aristocratic lady or a mere commoner. If you are wealthy and posh, a sweeping dress is a must, the more ruffled and layered, the better! My tutu, though perhaps a bit too daring for the times, can make a splash! I like to accessorize with a delicate pearl necklace and matching earrings for that special touch of elegance. However, if you are a less fortunate, a modest gown in soft muted shades is what is expected. You can’t go wrong with the ever-popular colours, blue, lavender, grey or maroon.
I just love to immerse myself in the past and try to absorb as much knowledge as I can. That’s why I carry this sturdy leather rucksack. I collect items from each era, like scraps of lace, handwritten notes about past performers, even dried petals from a long-gone bouquet! Every time I go on one of these trips, it feels like I’m creating a living museum, full of whispers from the past.
I'm always keeping my eyes open for the newest ballet fashion trends, too. From grand ball gowns fit for a princess to the humble street fashions, each century brings its own unique flair.
We might not be in the age of grandes dames like Marie Camargo or Marie Sallé, but I am sure that 1754 will still provide some exceptional performances. And maybe I’ll inspire the use of some pink tutus! You can follow along my time travel adventures at www.pink-tutu.com. My next blog post will be up at the beginning of June! See you then, and don't forget, always wear pink!
