Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back again with another thrilling escapade from the depths of history! This month, we're stepping back into the elegance and grandeur of 1754, the year powdered wigs, lavish court balls, and⊠ballet?!
Yes, my dear readers, ballet was alive and well in the 1750s. While our pink tutus werenât quite a thing yet (more on that later!), dance was a crucial part of court life and high society. Imagine, dear readers, a world where every elegant soirĂ©e involved ballets! Just as today, we see performances everywhere from Covent Garden to Broadway, ballet then filled theaters, courtrooms, and even royal gardens with a kaleidoscope of steps and beautiful costumes.
And thatâs exactly where weâll begin our time travel this month. Itâs July 7th, 1754, and Magic Meg and I have trotted our way to the majestic Royal Opera House in London. Yes, the same hallowed hall where countless legends have graced the stage! But 1750s London was a world away from the sleek modern marvel of today. The building stood in its original form, its stage illuminated only by flickering candlelight, with ornate wooden balconies holding spectators awestruck by the graceful leaps and pirouettes before them.
Tonight's performance? âLes Amours de Jason et MĂ©dĂ©e,â a French ballet featuring the intricate storytelling that defined this era.
I won't lie, it took a little adjusting for me to embrace the ballet fashion of the time! Long, flowing gowns with billowing sleeves are a far cry from my sleek pink tutus. And yet, itâs amazing to see the evolution of our art! Thereâs something so magical about the long graceful steps, the focus on poise, and the expressive storytelling within the movements. This style of dance had a different kind of grace and focus on dramatic, eloquent storytelling through movements rather than acrobatic spectacle.
Speaking of grace, you know I have to add a little Pink Tutu touch to any time travel. Imagine my delight at finding a tiny satin slipper tucked into a hidden nook within the Royal Opera House's attic! This treasure, a remnant of a forgotten ballerinaâs performance, now sits safely in my leather rucksack. The sheer delicacy of the fabric and the worn satin, whisper of another time, of a dancer's dedication and passion, and thatâs the beauty of exploring history - connecting with the passions of those who came before us.
While I love discovering historical dance performances, my most delightful part of this monthâs time travel was an entirely different experience! Just imagine this, readers - I had the chance to witness a charming, traditional village ballet held right in the heart of a picturesque English meadow! Itâs quite astonishing how the tradition of dancing permeates history! These beautiful country folk were all dressed in bright, colourful fabrics, performing simple yet joyful dances, using their very surroundings as a backdrop. There were hops and skips, lively turns and swings - their performance felt like a burst of pure joy! They danced not only in the fields but around a bonfire! Such magic in the night! You bet I twirled in my pink tutu amongst the villagers. This charming display reminded me of the importance of simple joy and expressing ourselves through movement.
As the firelight flickered, casting long shadows upon our dance, I shared the same magic these village dancers felt in 1754! I imagined this was the seed of what would blossom into a global passion for ballet. And my dear readers, just as those villagers danced around their bonfires, you, too, can embraces your passion!
Before we hop onto Magic Meg for our journey back to Derbyshire, let me tell you, I was utterly captivated by 1754âs fashion. I discovered an adorable little antique shop crammed with exquisite lace and fabrics. Oh my! The embroidery! A beautiful fabric with shimmering threads that reminded me of my Pink Tutu (and its sparkle!) captured my attention instantly, bringing memories of past ballet tutus. These delicate pieces tell a story in every stitch, a story of love for creation and for making something truly exquisite. This, of course, inspired a beautiful new collection, my âPink Tutu Memoriesâ collection of ballet accessories and jewelry. It was a joy creating these beautiful pieces with intricate, vintage-inspired designs. You can find these, of course, at www.pink-tutu.com!
Oh! And one more bit of delightful ballet news. 1754 saw the rise of "Les Grands Ballets" in France. This troupe performed an abundance of ballets at Versailles. Itâs quite a spectacle. Imagine the elaborate costumes, the chandeliers glistening under the flickering candlelight, and the dancers captivating the court with their every step!
Itâs times like these, being enveloped in a different world of ballet history that makes me understand why I am so passionate about ballet. It speaks a language across time, telling stories of beauty, passion, and the human condition. And my dearest readers, isnât that the most magical thing of all?
Time to hop onto Magic Meg for the trip home. My rucksack is bursting with stories, memories, and maybe just a pinch of antique fabric from a charming little 1754 shop. I am overflowing with inspiration!
I leave you, my loves, with a reminder to always keep the spirit of dance alive! Celebrate ballet, express yourself through movement, and donât be afraid to sparkle with a touch of pink!
Love always,
Emma
xx
Pink Tutu Adventures:
Visit my website www.pink-tutu.com to check out the new Pink Tutu Memories Collection inspired by my trip to 1754! You can find vintage-inspired jewellery, bows and even a few beautifully embroidered handkerchiefs to make you feel a little "Pink Tutu Glam." And, remember, every penny I raise with this collection supports my ongoing time travels so I can keep bringing you these delightful blog posts!
More Adventures Await!:
Check back next month for my blog post, featuring a ballet adventure from another time in history. And be sure to leave a comment on this blog post to let me know where you would like me to time travel next! Where will my Pink Tutu travel to next? Italy? The 1920s? Leave me your ideas in the comment section below!
