Hello, darling ballet lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another fantastical journey through time! Buckle up, grab a cuppa, and get ready to twirl through the 18th century with me, because we're headed for the magical year of 1764!
This month, my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg, with her glistening hooves and majestic white mane, whisked us straight to August 8th, 1764. As I sat astride Meg, her gentle sway and the feel of the leather saddle beneath me filled me with a sense of excitement. Oh, the wonders that awaited us today!
As usual, I had my trusty rucksack strapped to my back, its worn leather promising another hoard of enchanting ballet finds! The vintage floral print lining inside is already bursting with scraps of music, photographs of enchanting ballet dancers and sketches of gorgeous costumes – oh, I can’t wait to show you all later!
The day was positively breathtaking, and a delightfully balmy August breeze rustled the leaves of the trees as I dismounted Meg. A soft hush fell over the little town square, and the smell of fresh-baked bread floated in the air, a delicious invitation to explore!
Of course, I couldn't resist the chance to indulge in a little sartorial exploration myself! I sashayed down the bustling high street, mesmerised by the rich fabrics and elaborate embroidery on display. Just imagine, darling! My very own pink tutu was a beacon in this world of browns and greys! It sparked quite a stir, people were whispering and staring as if I'd come from another world. You know I’m all about the fabulous, and I believe pink is the perfect colour for expressing individuality and flair, especially when it comes to the beauty of ballet!
Now, on to the ballet itself, for there were certainly exciting happenings on the world's stage this particular date. Whilst I don’t think anyone would have dreamt up a term like “ballet” back then, people in this time period still loved the artistry of dance. Let's explore the world of ballet in 1764 – and how you, darling, can use this insight to unleash your own inner ballerina!
Firstly, you’re right, darling – ballet, as we know it today, wasn’t exactly on the scene! What we saw were court ballets – think pageantry and lavishness with themes inspired by myths and grand historical narratives. These grand performances involved intricate costumes, exquisite sets and musicians.
And who are the stars of the 1764 ballet world? We must salute those brilliant dancing stars in France and Italy! The ballets of this era were filled with panache and charm! It was a time of exploration – new dance styles and innovative storytelling. The grand, noble style of ballet from the previous era, Baroque Ballet, had already taken its bow!
This was also a time for incredible ballerinas like Anna Mançini. This extraordinary ballerina captivated audiences across Europe with her technical brilliance. Oh darling, to have been there to watch her!
This, darling, was the time for truly fabulous ballerinas to steal the spotlight! Even at that time, ballerinas in pink (although probably a more muted shade than my fuchsia fabulous tutu) were all the rage. Can you imagine the delight of seeing those beautiful figures glide across the stage! I simply adore these little glimpses of the history of ballet.
Speaking of ballet’s glorious past, imagine what we’d be seeing at this very time, if we could peek inside some theatres. I’m envisioning beautifully dressed audience members watching mesmerising dance narratives unfolding in a sparkling Parisian ballroom. Oh my goodness, just gorgeous, no?
Don’t be disheartened by my wanderlust – I will be sure to bring a delightful slice of 1764 into my own pink tutu-themed dance studio back in Derbyshire. Let’s all have a little taste of this magical era through a few steps and movements I’ll share on my blog this week.
As for this magnificent rucksack – this time, my haul is particularly fabulous! I found a book of music written by Jean-Philippe Rameau, a 1760’s dance choreographer! The score itself, in intricate handwriting, with intricate little drawings – it’s pure delight! Just wait until you see it on Instagram!
There you have it, darlings! Our August journey through ballet time! Next month, Meg will be galloping into yet another ballet-filled destination! You can keep up with my adventures and my dazzling pink tutu on www.pink-tutu.com! And of course, you can always come along to my ballet studio, where I teach and spread the message of pink tutus to all! I’ll be back here in a month with a brand-new story, full of vintage wonder.
Until then, embrace your inner ballerina, darlings! Remember, there is magic to be found everywhere, you just have to embrace the fabulous.
And let’s all aim for pink tutus all around the world!
Yours,
Emma (Pink Tutu Time Traveller extraordinaire)
