#BalletHistory during 1762 02 February

Hey fellow tutu lovers! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller, back with another whirlwind adventure. This time, we're whisking ourselves back to the 18th century, to the bustling, vibrant world of 1762, a date forever etched in my memory, thanks to the glorious ballet performance I witnessed. This is post number 1214 for my www.pink-tutu.com blog, a monthly record of my extraordinary journeys. As always, let's dive in, shall we?

My faithful steed, the radiant Magical Meg - a shire horse with a flowing white mane and tail, a shimmering pink coat, and hooves of gold - was champing at the bit, as excited as I was. I adjusted my own bright pink tulle tutu, its layers swirling like a joyful storm around me. I'd already filled my trusty leather rucksack with an assortment of ballet ephemera for my collection: a beautifully printed programme, some costume swatches, and even a few scribbled notes detailing the choreography from a ballet master who performed that evening! (I always say, there's no detail too small!)

We galloped through time with Meg’s pink magic, leaving the familiar Derbyshire hills behind for the snow-dusted landscape of Russia. The cold wasn't too bothersome; my trusty, soft, hand-knitted pink shawl kept me snug and cosy.

As we approached St. Petersburg, a sense of excitement fizzed through me. 1762 was a year of change and innovation, and ballet was right at the heart of it! Catherine the Great, the empress, had just ascended the throne. A passionate admirer of the arts, she embraced the theatrical, and ballet was becoming incredibly popular. I knew this would be a memorable night.

Tonight's ballet, “Le Faux Coureur ou L'Ambassadeur Trompé” (The False Runner, or the Deceived Ambassador), was performed at the Hermitage Theatre. As the glittering stage lights illuminated the elegant costumes and the intricate set, the whole scene came alive with theatrical magic. I gasped - how much these early 18th century dancers moved! Grace, fluidity, and strength - they held their bodies with such exquisite control! I immediately recognised some elements of technique that formed the foundation of modern ballet. I found myself scribbling in my notebook, wanting to capture every moment, every feeling.

After the curtain fell, I watched with delight as the performers took their bows. A vibrant swirl of pastel silk and lace costumes whirled across the stage as applause echoed from the royal boxes, with their intricate detailing of velvet and gold, a sight to behold! I, for one, wished I was onstage!

I lingered after the final bow. My eyes twinkled with excitement and intrigue. And as luck would have it, I overheard a group of dancers discussing the evening's success, a trio of talented women, one of them a petite and exceptionally talented prima ballerina. The stage lights reflected on the satin and jewels adorning their powdered wigs and their elegant, if slightly restrained, costumes. Their gowns were made of silk, the colours muted, but exquisitely detailed, which suited the courtly formality of St Petersburg ballet. Their laughter, as light and airy as a graceful turn, wafted towards me.

Mustering my courage, I stepped into their circle.

“Bonsoir, Mesdames. Wonderful performance, magnifique! ” I beamed. I introduced myself as Emma from England and confessed I was a bit of a ballet aficionado.

Their eyes widened. “Ah, Mademoiselle Emma, from England. We've heard so much about your country! Are you travelling?” They each had charming accents – their Parisian inflections were a treat to my ears!

I nodded. "And my travels often bring me to ballet performances," I explained. "I’m actually a time traveller." They seemed delighted and surprised – their mouths formed 'O's and they giggled at the idea.

“And what kind of ballets do you have in England?” one of them asked with sparkling eyes.

“We love everything from Italian operas, to traditional French ballets," I replied. “But we're just beginning to explore a new kind of ballet, where the story and emotion are conveyed through the dancers' movements.” I went on to describe our newest choreographers – I even mentioned how ballet fashion was changing and evolving! They listened with rapt attention.

We shared anecdotes about our favourite dancers, the music we enjoyed, the costumes we loved. They showed me an elaborate and heavy powdered wig they'd worn. "It takes three maids and an hour each morning to create it," they confided. “And, we never wear it out in the cold. Imagine!” I gasped! “Such glamour.” I made sure to sketch it in my notebook – just imagine how gorgeous it would look under a pink tutu!

This, I mused, was a special night for the world of ballet – for me, for my journey and, indeed, for my pink tutu!

Here’s what I learned from that night in St Petersburg, about 18th century ballet, a world which still echoes in many aspects of dance today:

• Courtly Charm & Elegance: In 1762, the ballets at the Imperial Theatre were quite formal, featuring a grand style with emphasis on technique and precision, very beautiful and a touch stiff, as if a choreographed celebration of the social etiquette of the court. This was evident in the precise positions, elaborate steps, and dignified poses of the dancers.
• Storytelling through Dance: Though they emphasized technical excellence, these ballets also told a story. “The False Runner" explored themes of deception and intrigue through the dances. The narrative wasn’t necessarily spelled out - the power of the story was more subtle and sophisticated, requiring imagination on the part of the audience.
• French Ballet Dominance: During this period, France remained the world’s leading ballet centre. So it was not surprising that ballet techniques were based on French ballet tradition – think grand jété and arabesques. But new innovations were on the horizon.

It occurred to me that, even as we were seeing a refinement of the elegant grand ballet style of the 17th century, new and daring ideas about ballet were already bubbling under the surface. A revolution was coming! It was time for ballet to evolve, become a powerful art form that expressed emotional depth and power - the path, it seemed to me, that we would all embark on in years to come.

Before departing back to Derbyshire with Meg, I thought about the future. If these 18th century dancers could make a splash with their sophisticated dance styles and exquisite, beautifully crafted costumes, then surely we could do even more in the present day. Imagine those early ballets, re-imagined with the sparkle of pink!

A grin lit up my face, for that's precisely what I was determined to do.

Until next time, fellow tutu-lovers! I hope I've inspired you to seek out the magic of ballet – and perhaps you’ll be thinking of the wonders of pink as well!

Remember, everyone should wear a pink tutu at least once in their life!

XOXO Emma

(www.pink-tutu.com)