Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-traveller, back from a fabulous trip through the annals of ballet history. And you know what? 1760 is turning out to be an absolute cracker of a year so far!
It's still January, the new year is barely a week old, and I've already got some delightful stories from the world of ballet to share with you! I'm sitting in my favourite coffee shop, just down the street from the Peak District National Park (my Derbyshire roots, you know), wrapped in my warmest cashmere scarf (can never get enough of the softest fabrics, especially when you're jumping back through time) sipping a delicious oat latte.
This time, the fabulous Magic Meg (who just so happens to be a stunning pink Shire with the most sparkly hooves and a mane as white as freshly-fallen snow) whisked me away to the very dawn of the year 1760. My trusty leather rucksack is filled with exciting bits and bobs - you know me, always looking for a bargain - and some fab stories that you'll love hearing about.
So grab a cuppa (a nice strong Earl Grey, my dear) and settle in for a little ballet time-travel. Remember, lovelies, if you find yourself wearing a pink tutu after reading this post, you have no one to blame but me. That's the pink tutu revolution in action!
Whatâs hot in the world of ballet on January 1st, 1760?
Oh, youâll be so excited to hear that ballet is about to go through a bit of a renaissance. Yes, the glorious, flowing, colourful style that we know and love today wasnât exactly booming in the mid 1700s. They were all about âcourt balletâ back then, you know, elaborate performances designed for royals. All the steps were rigidly formal, the outfits (not my kind of tutus!) very, very heavy and often with some rather bizarre (and somewhat scandalous) choreography.
But fear not! The groundwork for change is being laid - and by a name that resonates even today: Jean-Georges Noverre. This incredible French ballet master had already caused a stir in Paris in 1754 with his famous Letter on Dancing. The revolutionary Letter argued for stories and real human emotions within ballet. No more powdered wigs and elaborate costumes for him. Instead, he wanted movement to be a way to convey the story, the music to inspire, and the whole performance to engage the audience like never before.
Now, 1760 marks a truly exciting time: he's taking the stage in London with his Ballet dâAction and the whole town is abuzz with anticipation.
You see, even in those times, people were fascinated by this wonderful art form, and I can feel the excitement, the joy of movement, and the sheer passion of it all just buzzing around me in my little time machine, just like a bee around a rose.
Pink Tutus Everywhere - My own ballet explorations:
And what about my own personal ballet journey during this trip?
As you all know, I simply cannot go anywhere without my beloved pink tutu. Thankfully, with all the exciting new ballet styles emerging, I felt completely at home in London's theater district. Yes, there weren't tutus exactly - think more hoopskirts and fancy frocks - but I felt my tutu would have blended right in! Just imagine, darling, me dancing around with those elegant ladies in their flowing silks. The vision of it all has me absolutely tickled!
However, even more captivating than the fashion scene was a ballet lesson. You wouldnât believe the dedication! The ballerinas I met were absolutely committed to the art. They spent hours each day working, pushing their bodies to the limit. Their movements were as precise as any professional today. What truly impressed me, darling, was the artistry, the pure, undiluted love for this form, that flowed from every gesture. It was a pure joy to behold, so heartfelt, so raw!
The teacher, however, looked somewhat concerned with my own outfit choice, my pink tutu. He said he preferred a "more traditional" style - he didn't get it! So much for spreading the joy of the pink tutu revolution in 1760. I guess itâs like trying to get your cat to eat broccoli, darling! You try and try but, sadly, itâs just not meant to be. I still love the fact that they're dancing, though, and those movements are something quite special!
The Pink Tutu Revolution: Bringing it back home:
I always end my time-travel trips with a new ballet item or a piece of history that embodies the essence of my favourite time. Today, darling, I came across a beautiful sketch of a ballet shoe that absolutely stole my heart. Its exquisite curves, the gentle lines, just oozed artistry and finesse. I feel like this beautiful drawing encapsulates the grace and elegance of ballet in those times and has its very own magic about it.
It's the perfect addition to my little collection of ballet treasures! I can't wait to proudly display it in my studio. It'll look absolutely divine hanging by the window, casting a soft, rosy glow on the pink tutu dresses.
Well, darlings, until next month's post, be sure to embrace your inner ballerina. Try to squeeze in a class, explore your inner movements, or just enjoy the magical stories and graceful movements of ballet in all its glory!
And never, ever, darling, ever doubt the power of a pink tutu!
Until then, dance, explore, and most importantly - sparkle!
Your Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
