Hello my fellow ballet lovers! It's Emma, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and today's blog post is all about the wonders of 1759.
This time, Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire with those beautiful golden hooves and white mane and tail, galloped us back to the 2nd of February 1759. Honestly, darling, the atmosphere was utterly charming!
So, where were we on this day in ballet history, you ask? Well, my lovelies, 1759 was a year for theatre and drama! The stage was the centre of all the action, literally, and even Opera was a big deal back then. Just imagine the exquisite costumes and the dramatic storylines - a world away from our more modern, sleek performances, don't you think? And wouldn't you just love to twirl on those beautiful 18th-century stages?
It's just wonderful to be surrounded by the buzz of pre-ballet history, right before ballet began to develop into its more recognisable form! Back in this time period, France was all the rage! French dancing masters travelled throughout Europe spreading the joys of ballet! They would perform, they would teach and their lessons would evolve. But, of course, a bit more emphasis on the fancy costumes and etiquette, don't you think?
As for this day in 1759 - cue dramatic music - it’s hard to be entirely sure of exactly what performances were happening, as written records are somewhat scarce. However, there is no doubt that French theatre and opera houses were buzzing with activity. They say The Marriage of Figaro (yes, the one Mozart made famous) was in the early stages of its performance at the time, with its delightful storyline full of tangled relationships, mischief, and, of course, lots of singing and dancing. You simply cannot tell me that that doesn’t sound intriguing!
After a whirlwind tour of the Parisian theatre scene, Magic Meg and I took a wander through a stunning country garden. There were the most elegant ladies practicing their courtesies and gentlemen perfecting their ballroom waltzes. Just imagine how much elegance and precision were expected for such grand social events!
Now, I might be a pink tutu enthusiast, but the elegance of those era gowns just cannot be matched! Imagine swathes of silks, the lace, and those stunning hairstyles. sighs dreamily What an era to have lived in! Of course, all this swirling of gowns and bowing would leave one rather parched, but my sweet Meg, she knew just the right remedy for that. She knew of a cafe - an adorable, cozy establishment where the air hummed with excitement! Just the thing to take the edge off a busy day of time travelling.
Now, let's talk about fashion! Just as ballet costume designers continue to enchant us with their creations, those of the past were just as gifted. In fact, the dancers back in this time period often danced with intricate patterns embroidered on their costumes, something like a beautiful canvas on the stage! And guess what? That trend, of the elaborate, gorgeous costume, came back a few years later when The Magic Flute ( another opera - see how the arts cross-pollinate, darling) first premiered!
Oh, how I would love to get a closer look at those beautiful designs. And who knows? Maybe one day my magic rucksack, filled with these wonderful memories, will hold a snippet of fabric, a drawing, or an inscription! You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll keep searching.
That's all for today's blog post, dear friends. I hope you enjoyed this peek into the enchanting world of 1759. Do come back next month for more pink tutu time-travel adventures! I promise we’ll go to some fantastic locations, discover incredible costumes and tell fascinating tales, so keep your eyes peeled. Until then, keep those toes tapping, and remember: it’s a world in which every single person deserves a pink tutu, because we’re all beautiful in our own way.
Until next time, my darlings,
Love, Emma,
Pink-tutu.com
