Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-travel enthusiast. I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share with you all my adventures from November 11th, 1757 – a date that’s positively brimming with balletic wonder!
As usual, my trusty steed Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse, was eager to whisk me away to this historical moment. You wouldn’t believe the way her golden hooves practically twinkle on the cobblestones – I always feel a little like a princess riding her.
Our destination this time was the grand city of London. Can you imagine? London in the 18th century! The energy was absolutely electric. There were so many horse-drawn carriages, fashionable gentlemen in their powdered wigs, and ladies in their most exquisite silks. It’s a total feast for the eyes!
The first stop was Covent Garden, a theatre district just buzzing with activity. London, much like Paris, has always been a hub of cultural expression, so you can imagine the sheer amount of entertainment happening here in this era. You couldn't turn a corner without bumping into a street performer, a puppet show, or maybe even an impromptu musical act.
Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a charming little theatre called the "Haymarket Theatre". Now, while ballet wasn’t the focus in the UK quite yet, theatrical performances were reaching fever pitch, and I was keen to catch a show. And catch it I did, my darlings! I saw a vibrant adaptation of "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and let me tell you, the acting was divine!
There were several "interludes" in this production, which reminded me a bit of our modern-day interval, giving us all a chance to chat, freshen up, and perhaps have a quick tipple. It's these little interludes that have influenced what we see today, where dance has its rightful place alongside theatre!
During one such interlude, a group of charming young ladies and gentlemen approached me. Naturally, they were curious about my extravagant pink tutu and, of course, my beautiful Meg, with her glimmering mane and hooves. They couldn't believe I'd travelled all the way from the future (and they were right!) – I think they'd heard rumours of time travellers, but this was the first one they’d ever laid eyes upon! I had to tell them all about my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, and convince them of the wonders of wearing pink tutus in their day-to-day lives. The ladies seemed especially enamoured by the idea – what’s better than a little feminine flair, right? It’s a hard mission, my darlings, but one I’m dedicated to!
We then moved on to the grand opera house, an opulent venue that practically oozed history and charm. I couldn't believe my eyes – it was an extravagant affair. Imagine towering ceilings adorned with sparkling chandeliers, plush red velvet seats, and even the walls themselves covered in beautiful murals! It was truly a marvel of architectural genius. Though not strictly a ballet house, this incredible space certainly reminded me of a similar opulence found in grand ballet houses all around the world. Imagine that, a century of dazzling ballet dancers taking centre stage on those same boards, in such glorious settings!
But of course, no journey through the past is complete without a bit of shopping. And wouldn’t you know it, a beautiful Parisian milliner opened a boutique in Covent Garden, right around the corner! Now, I can’t leave a beautiful city like London without indulging in some millinery magic, can I? My love of all things fashionable knows no bounds! The ribbons and bows on offer were simply divine – think exquisite fabrics and designs with a little bit of Parisian je ne sais quoi!
In between shopping and soaking in the beautiful history of this era, I gathered stories for my rucksack. Oh, I wish I could show you what I’ve got in it right now. Every time I travel, I add little souvenirs and snippets of history. For this trip, I found a newspaper mentioning "ballet d’action" and I even snagged a rare theatre playbill that mentions a short ballet, almost like a teaser act before the main play, called "A Scotch Dance!"
As you know, I’m so passionate about spreading the ballet love everywhere, and this trip is truly inspiring me to keep up my time travel adventures to uncover those lesser-known moments that ultimately helped shape ballet as we know it. I have a hunch this era holds some hidden treasures in its heart, and I'll be sure to share those with you when I discover them. Remember, darlings, that even though ballet wasn't front and centre in England in the mid-18th century, these were pivotal times! It's all about tracing the roots of our beloved dance. Who knows, perhaps next month's adventure will be to Paris! I simply can't wait to share the magical discoveries to come!
Until then, darling readers, do take time to twirl and dream of the magical world of ballet! I'll be back next month, so keep your eyes peeled!
Lots of love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
