Hello, darlings! It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another exciting trip through time, this time landing us right in the heart of May 1761! As you know, my life is a whirl of tulle and twirls, and it wouldn't be a proper adventure without a touch of pink! So, naturally, I was rocking my new pastel pink tutu with matching shoes as Magic Meg galloped us back in time to the year of the French and Indian War and a brand new royal baby.
It’s the little things, isn't it? Today I decided to add a few pale pink satin ribbons to Magic Meg's magnificent golden hooves - a touch of sweetness for such a powerful steed! You should see the sparkle when she prances! But I'm digressing.
Before we talk about 1761's ballet scene, I have to tell you about the gorgeous new ballet shoes I picked up from a lovely little boutique in the time travel marketplace! It was crammed full of beautiful ballet accessories - feathers, lace, ribbons, you name it - and they even had a stunning collection of shoes for all sorts of dancers, from the tiniest pointe shoes to gigantic clog-like slippers fit for a giant (the ballerina-equivalent of sensible shoes, I think!)
I fell in love with a pair of lavender satin shoes, embellished with delicate silk rosettes and tied with long satin ribbons - I swear I could practically hear the waltz music when I put them on! Magic Meg, my trusty steed, neighs with approval every time I add a new sparkly accessory to my wardrobe. She's a great fashion critic!
Now, onto the big story of 5th May, 1761: it's the birthday of George III, future King of England, who was born on this very day! In a world just starting to come out of the Rococo period, his birth became a grand celebration, even for the dance world.
Just imagine a little prince learning his first steps, his mother a queen in her glittering jewels. Did you know the famous ballet master, Jean-Georges Noverre was performing in London during that year? I’d give anything to have seen his iconic choreographies during this period!
Sadly, ballet wasn’t quite the global phenomenon it is today in 1761. There were beautiful and passionate dance pieces being performed all over Europe, but it hadn’t truly hit its stride yet. The world of dance was dominated by ballet-like elements woven into elaborate operas and even religious ceremonies - ballet was everywhere, even in your Sunday mass! I would love to see these beautiful hybrid pieces of music, storytelling and movement – they must have been a treat!
Talking of religious performances, I must share with you the delightful scene I stumbled upon during my travels. In the cathedral of a little village, I watched as the children performed a beautiful folk dance in celebration of the Queen’s new son, a small act of kindness that captured my heart.
After all that, a proper ballerina needs her treats, don't you think? Magic Meg always makes sure we find a local market to pick up something yummy, and today I couldn’t resist some sweet cherries soaked in delicious brandy - a taste of the past, even if my ballet teacher would give me a good talking to for eating anything remotely sugary.
Before I hop off this blog and get ready for my next time travel, I wanted to give you a little preview of what's next: on 1st July 1761, the Parisian Opera House was being rebuilt and reconstructed after being destroyed by fire! A brand new opera house – a brand new world of dance! Who wouldn’t be intrigued? I’ll be sure to take plenty of pictures and stories from the opening nights. And Magic Meg and I will be rocking our most elegant tutus!
Stay pink,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more exclusive pictures of my travel adventures and exclusive video footage of some amazing ballet shows I’ve seen! And if you’re keen on time travel but don’t have your own shire horse, then why not send me a message to join me on my next trip? Let’s take ballet all over the world - together!
