#BalletHistory during 1754 11 November

Post No. 1127

Hello darlings,

Welcome back to another delightful instalment of Pink Tutu Travels! This month we're going right back to 1754, which means plenty of frills, ruffles and some pretty impressive breeches. Don't worry though, the powdered wigs haven't made it onto my head just yet, thank goodness. Those can stay firmly in the past. But with that, let's trot along to my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the most magnificent pink sparkly Shire horse you ever did see. Ready, darling? Let's go!

November is truly the perfect time to delve into history. The days are shorter, the air crisper, and the aroma of bonfires fills the streets. It's as if the very world is ready to embrace a cozy, historical moment, and for this ballerina, there is no place more captivating than 18th-century Europe.

I don't know about you, but as I travelled through time this month, the vibrant energy of the Enlightenment period just drew me in. It was the era of reason, of philosophical discourse, and oh, the absolutely incredible fashions! You can just feel the passion for learning, for art, for new ideas - which for me, translates to fabulous, elaborate dance costumes.

Imagine, dear reader, a world where men and women alike were all wearing intricate costumes and beautiful clothing, a sea of pastels and satins. Think grand balls, where waltzes and minuets were performed in opulent rooms under sparkling chandeliers, their every move creating a tapestry of elegance. It truly does seem a dream.

I think the very spirit of the Enlightenment infused its energy into the ballet world at that time. They were experimenting with new stories and movement. This was the dawn of true story-telling ballet, which I love!

We have to remember, though, that back then, it wasn't like hopping online for tickets! You wouldn't be catching a show just down the road, you'd need to plan for an extended stay and find out where they were performing. Even a visit to Paris or London would take weeks! Imagine, not knowing if your trip to see "Les Fêtes de la Nymphe," the first ballet to use elaborate scenic design, was actually worth the journey!

Oh darling, imagine all the fashion! It was during this era, my dears, that ballet truly blossomed into something magnificent and elegant, where graceful ladies wearing elaborate, beautiful gowns adorned with pearls and gemstones performed before crowds of excited onlookers. I can practically hear the gasp of wonder every time they took a perfect plié!

But the dancers didn't just wear dainty pink tutus – imagine a world of luxurious satin slippers, vibrant embroidery, and stunning hairstyles, where each dancer was a delicate, beautiful work of art!

Now, on to the performance, a big part of any good ballet journey. Sadly, not every town boasted a grand theatre where they staged ballet, but those that did truly put on a spectacular performance. One of my favourite dance traditions back then was the ballets d'action, a dance genre that tells a story using movement and music. It's like the very essence of ballet coming to life right before your eyes, just stunning.

This period also gave rise to something magical – the ballerina. With their panniers, elaborate headwear, and the long, flowing silk garments, they moved and twirled on the stage, telling their stories in an elegant language that could move hearts and minds. I adore watching them – imagine their courage performing for hundreds of people in those gorgeous but uncomfortable outfits, all under the soft glow of candlelight! It was an incredible thing to see.

1754 also marked the beginning of a shift in ballet’s trajectory, and although not quite the modern dance scene as we know it, we can see the first little glimpses of change that were happening during that era.

Now, let’s look back a few years…

While in my travels, I was especially fond of *Giovanni Battista Gigli, an incredible dancer from Italy! *He became known as *La Giglia, a renowned Italian ballet master and choreographer famous for his impressive leaping abilities, which was unheard of in that period! His name resonated with the time period; he was a true Renaissance man. I learned that he spent time at the Paris Opera, and it is just fascinating to imagine his movements, how his influence shaped the art of dance in a time that was so pivotal for ballet.

Speaking of pivotal moments...I also had a chance to really indulge my fashion passion. I just had to experience *The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the world-renowned theatre in London!* * It was in this *stunning building, dear readers, that ballet was starting to find its roots in London! The Grand Pas des Ombres, by one of France's most notable choreographers Jean-Georges Noverre, made its premiere in Drury Lane this year – just think! The same theatre where ballet history was being written was also the start of some truly spectacular performances. And just imagine how it looked then...I'm quite sure the sheer elegance of that grand venue is still quite palpable even in our time.

But before I close out my monthly blog, let's talk about the one thing that always has my attention, dear readers - ballet costumes.

I discovered some truly fascinating things on my journey this time!

Imagine, for instance, wearing an opulent frock in shades of rose and pearl – it would look beautiful with a flowing train cascading like the soft petals of a beautiful pink rose. You wouldn't even have to have a tutu, a lovely smock paired with the perfect bodice would do. You could wear beautiful silks, or if you are looking for something more bold, then perhaps a stunning embroidered fabric? The possibilities are endless. I just know my readers would rock it!

And for a little bit of sartorial inspiration... As I walked through London streets with the smell of cinnamon and warm tea in the air, the scent of woodsmoke in the cold evening, and the chatter of passersby as a soothing melody... I decided to pick up an 18th century inspired dress, all frills and delicate lace. Just like they'd be wearing back in 1754! I had to, didn't I? How else would I blend in while admiring the spectacles of ballet's beginnings?

While we may have had our moments of formal wear throughout history – think of *Victorian gowns, the Roaring Twenties, and even 1960s miniskirts – nothing beats the elegance and *exquisite grace of an 18th-century ballet ensemble. It has a classic, timeless charm, doesn't it?

For this ballerina, there's no greater adventure than to journey through history. With every dance and every story, every exquisite outfit and performance, ballet unfolds its captivating story.

Stay pink and twirling, darlings, until next month!

Love,

Emma

Pink-tutu.com