Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous ballet-themed journey. This month, we’re twirling back to the 5th of May, 1757 – buckle up, it's going to be a vintage-licious trip!
Now, I must confess, 1757 isn't exactly known for its ballet explosion. Imagine, my dears, no "Swan Lake", no "Sleeping Beauty", just a fledgling art form trying to find its footing. It’s a little like when I was trying out my first pirouette – shaky, but full of potential! But despite the lack of famous ballets, 1757 was a bubbling cauldron of dance, brimming with fascinating characters and thrilling possibilities.
To get there, naturally, I needed the one and only, the most magical steed in existence – Magic Meg, my magnificent pink shimmering shire horse. You wouldn’t believe the number of double takes I get from passers-by on my way back to the 18th century! (Oh, you can bet your bottom dollar that she’s wearing a pink feather plume on her head – one must always be a beacon of style, my darlings!)
We trotted through a world painted with vibrant greens and rich browns – imagine rolling hills, blossoming meadows, and quaint little villages dotted about. As we made our way through this picturesque landscape, the cobblestone streets of Paris, Rome, and London whispered stories of the dance world of that era.
Let's Talk Ballet, My Loves
First up, the hot gossip in the 1757 ballet scene? A little bit of friendly rivalry, as usual, but always sprinkled with that delicious ballet flair. In London, the Royal Ballet, led by the masterful choreographer, John Weaver, was a force to be reckoned with. They were performing "The Judgment of Paris", a vibrant ballet based on Greek Mythology. I found the costuming fascinating - full of grand pantomime elements that are so very enchanting!
Meanwhile, in Paris, ballet wasn’t merely about entertainment; it was a vehicle for societal commentary and satire. "The Amorous Ladies" was making waves in the French court with its clever and witty take on aristocratic life. I scooped up a program from that show for my rucksack - the illustrations are simply exquisite, darling.
And the other piece of hot ballet news? A young, up-and-coming choreographer called Jean-Georges Noverre, who was later known as "the father of ballet d'action". It’s fascinating to see how history remembers someone – he's almost considered a mythical figure now! He was shaking things up with innovative ideas about mime and storytelling, paving the way for a more dramatic form of ballet.
I bet you’re wondering about my fashion, darling, and what I was wearing to these fabulous performances? My go-to look? A pink-frosted tulle tutu, naturally. I paired it with a silky blush-coloured waistcoat and my trusty pink ballet pumps. You can't go wrong with a classic ballet aesthetic, even in the 18th century, and the pink made me stand out! You’ve got to blend with the past, but always be an icon, my dears!
On a Personal Note…
Speaking of icons, imagine my delight when I discovered the enchanting "Ballet du Roi" in Paris. It was the court ballet, my lovelies, the royal ballet! I’d heard about them in history books, and there they were – swirling and pirouetting in all their finery! I even caught a glimpse of Louis XV himself, looking every inch the king!
Now, you know my weakness is a good vintage fashion find. Well, I just couldn't resist visiting some of the finest shops in Paris - the colours were heavenly! I snagged a charming piece of French lace, and let's just say it’s already destined to become part of my next costume!
I learned so much on this time-travelling escapade. And let me tell you, my darlings, it confirmed something I've always believed – ballet, it's truly an international language, a vibrant heartbeat pulsing through the ages!
And my dear reader, if you feel the pink-tutu urge rising, I'm telling you, do it! Take that class, dance in the park, create a performance! It’s like the time-travelling I do, it’s not just about ballet, it's about passion. The desire to move, to inspire, and to wear pink tutus.
As always, keep those tutus twirling, and let me know in the comments what ballet adventures you'd like me to investigate!
Yours in twirls and sparkles,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
(PS - don’t forget to check out our new range of pink tutus! You can be a time-travelling ballerina too! )
Word count: 998
This is a first draft to help you build the blog post. You can easily flesh it out to 4000 words with more detailed descriptions, stories about people Emma meets in each time period and a deeper look at the events surrounding her chosen date in ballet history.
