Post #1146
Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina! This month, I'm whisking you away on a truly grand adventure to the heart of the 18th century, back to June the 6th, 1756! Now, hold on to your bonnets because we're going for a truly whimsical ride on Magic Meg's shimmering back. This elegant Shire horse, with her pink sparkling coat, golden hooves, and flowing white mane and tail, is my trusty time-travel companion. Her magic transports us seamlessly through the eras, leaving a trail of shimmering dust in our wake.
It's been quite the journey this month, I can tell you. The cobblestones were a tad more jarring than the sleek concrete pavements of Derby, and the air was infused with a peculiar mix of coal smoke and the tang of citrus from the fruit stalls! The dresses, oh my goodness! Ruffles and lace and so much fabric - it was a vision in vintage glamour. The ladies I saw in their bonnets and panniers reminded me of the exquisite ballgowns I see at the grand openings of the Bolshoi and the Royal Ballet. They were fashionistas before their time!
Speaking of fashion, my rucksack is bursting with delightful discoveries this month! There was a velvet-lined velvet dance bag with a little ballerina stitched onto it (did I tell you I adore anything with tiny ballerinas on it?) I snatched it right up – it’s practically a collector’s item! I also snagged an exquisite hand-stitched, lace-trimmed, ballet shoe - it must have belonged to some exquisite performer in the Royal Court - imagine the stories it could tell!
While I'm on the subject of the Royal Court, we're on the cusp of a great event this June! Just two weeks after we arrive in 1756, the King himself will be presiding over a spectacular performance. Yes, you heard me right - a real royal ballet extravaganza! My inner dance fanatic is positively vibrating with anticipation.
It seems that 1756 was a vibrant era for the ballet world. French ballet master Jean-Georges Noverre was stirring things up in Paris, revolutionizing choreography with his emphasis on emotion and natural movement, making it much less rigid and ceremonial. It's fascinating how these dance innovations rippled out, reaching even England! This new approach was a bit scandalous at the time - ballet was considered a sophisticated spectacle, not something expressing feelings with grace and dramatic movements, just imagine! But I can tell you - that's the beauty of dance! I’m all about emotion and connection through movement, just as Noverre intended, right?
I saw a performance of Noverre's ‘Hamlet’, which I'd heard of but never actually seen performed - it was captivating! I found myself glued to every movement, mesmerised by the story unfolding on stage. I can tell you - Noverre's influence is still felt today - his daring experimentation brought a whole new level of drama to ballet. Imagine, a tragic hero, expressing all his feelings with pantomime, so wonderfully moving!
There was another exciting development around 1756: ballet dancing became a highly sought-after profession! I was positively thrilled to learn that professional dance schools popped up everywhere – much like the Royal Ballet School or The Bolshoi Ballet Academy here in England and in Russia. So, my lovely ballet friends, imagine this: a dreamy time for passionate ballet dancers – the ability to pursue your art in proper academies and schools - it's truly the dream, don’t you think?
On that note, I've been practicing my pirouettes like there’s no tomorrow, just to keep up with my schedule. My favourite performance was the opening of the Royal Ballet’s latest season of 'Swan Lake’ - the sheer spectacle of it all, the delicate ballerinas, the drama, the tutus (you know how much I adore tutus, right?)! They had me mesmerised, every last note, every single gesture. My performance went down a treat too - I believe my pirouettes were truly divine, not to mention the finale with the glittering, pink-tutu ensemble (my personal creation, of course)! The crowd was absolutely captivated - it made me so proud. I have to tell you - there’s something undeniably satisfying about bringing a ballet-themed performance to life, and seeing the pure joy on people’s faces.
This month, my lovelies, has reminded me of why I love time travel: each period offers unique stories and discoveries. But remember - there’s only one time period truly special – it’s now, the present. So let’s seize the moment, dance with passion, and bring some of that 18th-century extravagance and flair to our own modern-day lives. It’s time to find your inner ballerina, don your most exquisite tutu, and start spreading the pink! Remember my darlings: "Pink is the new black!"
Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all things ballet-themed! Until next month, keep swirling!
