Hello my dearest ballet bunnies! Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another pink tutu time travel adventure. Today, I'm packing my sparkly pink tutu and trusty leather rucksack for a trip back to the 1750s! Grab your ballet slippers and settle in for a waltz through time…
March 3rd, 1757 – A Ballet-Filled Day in History
My dear friends, we’re travelling to the 18th century today! Today’s adventure is a real special one - we're dipping our toes (in the most delicate ballet fashion, of course!) into the world of ballet in the year 1757. Just imagine, 1757 - a time when powdered wigs, knee breeches, and swirling silk gowns were all the rage! And wouldn't you know it, ballet was blooming too, full of grace, elegance, and, of course, fabulous costumes!
As you may know, my trusty companion, Magic Meg - that beautiful, pink, shimmering Shire with hooves of pure gold and a flowing white mane and tail - takes me where I need to go. We’re off! It’s quite a ride – that time travel on Meg can be quite the adventure! We’re going to travel across continents in no time – let me just grab my rucksack. You know, you never know what ballet treasures you might find! Oh, look – it’s a little box of ballet shoes, oh and a very pretty embroidered tutu with layers and layers of tulle – my little rucksack has got pockets in every corner. Now I’m all ready for this fantastic adventure to find out what ballet was all about in 1757.
But before we time travel, let’s have a little peek at what’s happening in the world of ballet today:
- The Royal Ballet: A real favourite of mine - they are currently in rehearsals for "Swan Lake", it's a beautiful production, they’re working with the beautiful Tchaikovsky music and creating some magical new choreography – I’m off to see this soon.
- Paris Opera Ballet: This is where the Parisian elegance truly shines, the artistry and poise – it’s simply mesmerising! It is absolutely a must-see when you are in the French capital. They are planning their Spring Season now, it’s always such a delight – and a fantastic reason to pop over to Paris for a visit.
- American Ballet Theatre: This is such an interesting company – a melting pot of beautiful dance styles – always a must-see! It is just as inspiring and dynamic – a truly unique company!
I always get so excited to visit different places in time. Imagine the wonder, the history! This is truly what keeps my time-traveling spirit buzzing! It is absolutely all I live for! You may wonder how I fund all of this time travel, but you know, I get paid a lot as a dancer, it takes a lot of hours, practice and commitment – but what I earn is worth it, it gives me the freedom to be free – and free I am! And just as I am passionate about performing, my performances, are what fund this time-travelling journey that brings you amazing historical content!
A Trip to France
First stop, Paris! Ah, France. What a place for fashion! 18th-century France was bursting with grace and sophistication. I can imagine the incredible dances happening here, the extravagant ballrooms lit by candlelight, swirling waltzes, elegant polonaises - and oh, the gowns! What fabrics they wore in these days – I imagine all the intricate details – the lace, and ruffles. It’s something I just dream of, and you can guarantee that if it comes up, this vintage tutu wearing Emma will be in it!
Now, let's go to the heart of Paris, to the Opera House! Imagine the beautiful dancers performing in the Parisian Opera House – it was such an elegant space – filled with the grandness of Baroque art and design, the opulence – it's absolutely intoxicating! Even today, just imagine how the architecture of the Palais Garnier – I love just taking a wander – it’s really such a magical space, filled with such history!
Can you picture me – me in my bright pink tutu – walking through the city, all those silks and satins – so lovely to admire all of this – as I have walked through these Parisian streets and been part of the history here, and all this opulence, so exciting! The grandeur and the joy. I have it all here. This time – I will stay near the theatre and admire the elegance of the dancers and watch from the sidelines – in my own pink tulle ballet glory.
This era is all about refined movements, elegance, and exquisite detail - a little different to the dramatic energy we see in contemporary ballet, but every bit as exciting! You know, that’s what I love – that history continues on and evolves and flows with the times – so much fun!
The Influence of Louis XIV
I have found out that the king himself – the ‘Sun King’ of France, Louis XIV - was a huge ballet enthusiast, he even created the Ballet de la Cour, the Royal Court Ballet – so imagine this - even royalty were performing - how lovely, what a great way to pass the time – and what a great inspiration it was, they had so much talent, he funded the creation of the Ballet Royal, and it truly was, Royal – they funded this group, to ensure that France was home to such stunning ballet. Such wonderful dancers and artists - and you know, their amazing work helped shape ballet and made it the fabulous art we know and love today.
And wouldn’t you know it - there were actually quite a few female ballet stars at that time – think about it – they weren’t as prominent as today – because there are women of color at the forefront in every single country - oh I do hope to be around in the future so I can witness this! How empowering – such fantastic, groundbreaking female dancers of color!
Across the English Channel
It’s back on the trusty Magic Meg, who carries us from France back across the channel to England! England! There was something special happening here – all those stories you have heard about royalty - this was when Ballet flourished in Britain, oh my – just as much as it did in France, and the world! In the time of my trip, in the mid-1750s, ballet was experiencing a golden age! Imagine – so many amazing performances - they weren't afraid of using amazing, bright colours – think dazzling red and sapphire blue, and gold, silver! Oh how I do love those sparkly outfits. All these colours have me wanting to design my next tutus, you've got to love history for inspiration, and the creativity that flows out! I just think of all the fantastic materials, and think if I were in a tutu designing studio in the 1700s I could create something out of this world – a true work of art! I hope one day to go on a history journey to find a vintage store and find something to add to my collection!
Oh, I just love these elegant designs. Now we must travel onwards in time…
Beyond the European Courts
From France and England, it's off to Russia - for the 18th Century was truly a time when ballet went international, Russia! They developed their own incredible unique style – oh and even to the USA! Ballet really was travelling and taking the world by storm! A true global delight and artistic inspiration – think all the stories of the ballerinas from around the world, just so much history – and as we travel forwards – we go further, and it expands even more – truly a magical thing to watch, even with the horse power, Magic Meg – that gives me the speed of a rocket, she can travel anywhere in time – it's always a fabulous and unforgettable adventure!
Sharing My Adventures
You know my dear friends, it’s all about the beauty of ballet - the history of this amazing form of dance - I absolutely have to tell you these stories – these ballet bunnies are in good company. You're not alone - you are all part of something very, very special. I hope you all feel inspired – what an amazing opportunity it was for me to share my story and to inspire all of you to delve into this beautiful world - just think what's waiting for us in the next century, and the century after that!
I just hope, that even today we can celebrate these inspiring ballet moments - in 2023, let’s spread some pink magic, and try out a pink tutu – all are welcome! There is so much about ballet that we can all enjoy. Whether we dance, sew, design, or love fashion, ballet is something that truly brings us together!
If you want to join me, and tell your own time-travelling tales, go to my blog – pink-tutu.com - we're ready to twirl, and time travel - and I would love to see all your posts!
Until next time, my dears, Stay Pink, and Dance on! Love, Emma xx
