#BalletHistory during 1760 06 June

Hello fellow twirlers, and welcome to my monthly ballet time travel blog! This month we’re back with Post #1194 and I'm just brimming with excitement to share another extraordinary adventure with you.

I'm Emma, your fellow pink tutu enthusiast, and as you know, my life is a whirlwind of pirouettes and time travel! So, grab your best pink tutu (pink, darling, always pink!) and hop onto Magic Meg’s back for a ride through time. Our destination today? June 6th, 1760, a pivotal point in history, and also in the world of ballet.

For today’s journey, I’ve chosen a particularly dazzling tutu. It’s a delicate cloud of tulle, as light and airy as a summer breeze. It’s adorned with sparkling pink crystals, and has layers and layers of ruffled netting that make it look like I’m surrounded by pink, swirling clouds! I paired it with a vibrant, fuchsia-pink bodice that gives the whole ensemble an undeniable splash of colour and joy. My trusty pink leather rucksack, packed with treasures I hope to find, is nestled securely on my back, and my golden ballet shoes glitter in the morning sun, ready for whatever the day holds.

Magic Meg whinnies and paws the ground with her golden hooves, eager to embark on this adventure, and we’re off!

The air is crisp, tinged with the sweet smell of fresh wildflowers, as Magic Meg gallops through rolling Derbyshire countryside, leaving the modern world behind. We arrive in the heart of London, a bustling metropolis that feels worlds away from the Derbyshire peace we’ve left behind.

Now, let me tell you, 1760 London was a scene straight out of a historical novel – horse-drawn carriages clattered along cobbled streets, merchants hawked their wares, and a cacophony of sounds filled the air. The people, their clothing a riot of colourful fabrics, bustled with purpose and intrigue. I couldn't wait to explore this fascinating world and discover what was happening in the realm of dance.

The first stop, as always, was the theatre. You see, the London stage in the 1760s was alive with ballet and opera. It was an era of exquisite grandeur, elaborate costumes and intricate dance pieces. There were famous theatres like Drury Lane, where King George III, the newly crowned monarch, had his first Royal Ballet Box built! He was a keen enthusiast and brought great interest and attention to ballet.

Now, this was no ordinary ballet like we know today. The style was largely based on Italian influences, incorporating minuets, graceful airs, and even a hint of galliard steps! Imagine a mixture of elegance and theatrical spectacle - it was certainly something else.

My little notebook is filled with observations – ballet masters like Giovanni Gallini and Charles Le Picq were captivating the audience with their choreographies, each performance a symphony of movement and elegance.

And as we were there, in the theatre, we heard whispered chatter about an upcoming production called “The Death of a Hero”. Can you believe? Drama, a poignant story about war and tragedy, interpreted through the language of ballet! I'm so thrilled that they weren't afraid to explore deeper themes in their performances – they embraced the storytelling power of dance.

After a breathtaking evening of theatre, it was time for something different. Did you know that even on the streets of London, ballet could be found? As I walked, I spotted ballad opera singers performing on street corners! This was a hybrid form of musical entertainment that had become hugely popular. It combined elements of spoken drama, ballad tunes and even a sprinkle of ballet steps – it really was an entertainment phenomenon.

In the squares and grand salons, social dance was all the rage! I couldn’t resist getting swept away in a minuet or two myself, and learned some new variations from a group of elegantly dressed gentlemen and ladies! They were delighted by my pink tutu – they’d never seen anything like it! It was clear that in 1760s, dance was not confined to the stage – it permeated everyday life.

Speaking of fashion, I’ve just had a delightful encounter at a charming shop with the most exquisite collection of pompons! Imagine: fluffy, colorful spheres, the perfect accent for ballet costumes, hairstyles, and even outfits for the discerning gentleman! They looked stunning, so I snuck a few for my own collection - maybe I'll wear them to my next time travel.

1760 was an era of flowing silks, delicate lace and graceful silhouettes. The women’s clothing, in particular, were stunning. The Watteau Pleats at the back, with all their graceful drapery, would be ideal for the elegant sweeping gestures in the ballet, don’t you think?

Oh, and I’ve discovered the most stunning pink-toned rose water used as perfume - oh, the aroma is divine. It smells absolutely beautiful and would certainly elevate any ballerina’s outfit.

And then, I saw the shoe store! The craftsmanship is exquisite. And the ladies here are all about heels! I'll need to get Magic Meg used to some extra inches – these high-heeled pumps are just captivating!

Time travel is so much more than just seeing grand performances. It’s about soaking up the stories and discovering the little things that made this time period unique.

That's why, when I travel, my rucksack fills up with delightful oddities that hold memories of the era. Tonight, I've added a collection of playbills for those wonderful theatrical productions, and even a hand-written music sheet for one of the minuet dance routines – perhaps a future blog post is in the making!

And I couldn't resist buying a tiny miniature of the "The Death of a Hero" performance. Imagine my excitement: a porcelain figurine capturing the very essence of the tragic drama, ready for a place of honour in my growing ballet collection.

My favourite discovery, of course, is fashion! Oh my goodness, I have some thoughts about what I’ve seen, and how pink can truly revolutionize fashion.

Right now, women’s underwear – the “stays” – are tight and restrictive, designed for a long, flat torso look. Imagine what the gentle swirl of the ballet would do for this style! And speaking of pink, these women wore delicate pale pinks that could make my tutu blush with delight.

However, ladies, there is always a twist with fashion! They do love a dramatic splash of colour - the reds, yellows, and blues in their fabrics are just mesmerizing. You wouldn't believe the variety of colour - and they definitely don't shy away from bolder statements, that's for sure. The creativity of their costumes is fascinating. I've just seen the most striking scarlet dress, complete with elaborate embroidery. Just imagine a ballet with a dash of vibrant red, or even a bolder yellow – the drama would be off the charts!

You can already tell I'm brimming with ideas for my next ballet production - maybe I'll bring some 1760s fashion trends to a modern dance, and who knows, I might even design a tutu inspired by those splendid pompons! I’m certainly ready to create a modern ballet that blends history and my favourite colour - pink, naturally!

It’s time to head back to the 21st century with a little more time-travel wisdom tucked under my tutu, and a pink-tinted vision for the future. I leave 1760 with the promise of new ideas, more stories to tell, and an absolute conviction: that dance, in all its forms, will forever captivate our hearts and imaginations, past, present, and future!

So, my dearest ballet buddies, keep your twirls lively, your spirits high, and never forget: you are all beautiful in your pink tutus! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for updates on my latest ballet adventures and dance performances. I can't wait to share more pink-filled magic with you next month.

Until then, happy dancing,

Emma