Hello, my dearest fellow ballet enthusiasts! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another thrilling time-travelling adventure! August 8th, 1762 is our destination this month, and let me tell you, my lovelies, this was a truly magical day in ballet history. It all began, as it always does, with a little "magic" from my gorgeous pink sparkling Shire horse, Meg. She loves nothing more than galloping through time with me on her back.
We arrived in London with a twinkle in Meg's golden hooves, the scent of freshly baked bread in the air, and a rather curious gentleman wearing a wig looking rather perplexed as we materialised outside the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. As always, I made a beeline for the ballet section, my trusty leather rucksack bouncing on my back ready for a new haul of ballet treasures. I felt so much excitement about what I was about to see and the treasures I'd find! And indeed, this trip did not disappoint, darlings. This date was truly exceptional for ballet and theatre lovers! Just let me tell you about it!
As you all know, I just adore discovering what is going on in the ballet world from various time periods! So I was beyond excited when my research told me about the opera "Orpheus and Eurydice". This Italian-style Opera, composed by Christoph Willibald Gluck, debuted right here at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane! Can you believe that? The exquisite music was so elegant. It was captivating. So beautifully theatrical!
Not just a feast for the ears, darlings, it was also a delight for the eyes! I could barely contain myself as the ballet performances started! They weren't the ballets I know, however. This opera included an intricate "ballet-pantomime" telling the tale of the myth! A tale of loss, longing, and hope - such an elegant story told in graceful movements. It was the first of its kind in England.
To get us all in the mood for dancing, there was also a magnificent “Ballet de l’Opera.” Now, you can picture this: a joyous ballet sequence, full of beautiful dancers in intricate costumes! It was truly beautiful and reminded me of so many Ballet shows I have seen in the present. I was lucky enough to spot one of the performers - Mademoiselle Théate. Oh, she was so captivating and skilled, she's got real talent! It was such an honour to see this remarkable performance and meet one of its most talented stars.
What is wonderful is that "Orpheus and Eurydice" truly began a new style in the English opera scene. This was the introduction of dance and music working in tandem. Imagine a world where operas are not just beautiful sound but a full sensory experience, so dynamic and elegant!
Naturally, darling, no journey to the past would be complete without a spot of retail therapy, so I popped into Madame Bertin’s new fashionable store on Rue de Richelieu in Paris, darling. She really does make some fabulous pink and blush silk ball gowns, don’t you think? Oh! and while in Paris I spotted so many pretty costumes and garments, many which reminded me of the beautiful ballerina costumes worn by the amazing dancers at The Theatre Royal. It truly showed how important fashion was at this time, especially for theatre and ballet. There are certainly similarities today with how much fashion still affects ballet! The designers! The beauty! It is incredible!
Just think, darling, even in 1762 ballet was a global sensation! This elegant dance style was sweeping through the globe, reaching Paris and across to England! Even now, its popularity never seems to wane, which shows how beautiful ballet is - both old and new!
Don't forget to subscribe to the pink tutu website at www.pink-tutu.com for my next travelogue post next month, my dearest. I shall be travelling on August the 14th, 1898 to Paris. Until next month, remember - stay pink!
