Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time traveller, back from another exciting escapade through the glorious history of ballet! This month, I've whisked myself back to a very special date - 10th October 1764! It's time to grab your ballet shoes, darlings, and let's pirouette back in time together...
Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire horse with those golden hooves and a white mane and tail like spun moonlight, is champing at the bit, eager for our journey. With my trusty pink tutu, leather rucksack, and a smile wider than a triple pirouette, I'm ready to step back in time!
Our first stop: Paris, 1764. I just had to see what all the fuss was about, because rumour has it this year, the royal family held an extravagant, lavish ballet ball at the Opéra de Paris. Can you imagine? Dancing the night away with King Louis XV and the aristocracy in one of the most magnificent theaters in Europe!
But let's rewind the clock a little...
1764, a golden era for ballet, my dears. While I couldn't witness the magic of the legendary Marie Camargo and her innovations (sadly she'd retired just a few years earlier), I got a taste of her legacy - those shortened skirts and more dramatic, virtuosic dancing. It's thanks to figures like Camargo, and later, Marie Sallé, that ballerinas embraced lighter footwear, allowing for leaps and a newfound agility. This was a revolutionary change, and the world of ballet was about to be completely transformed.
Imagine, my darlings, wearing your own little pink tutu and dancing with that revolutionary spirit, defying convention with every plié and relevé. What an incredible feeling!
Now, back to that magnificent ball in Paris. Picture a room bathed in candlelight, glittering with gold, jewels and lace. The scent of roses and citrusy perfumes lingers in the air, carried by the cool breeze coming through the grand windows. It’s not just the crème de la crème of society that attends, but esteemed artists too! Sculptors, painters, and musicians mingle amongst the royal families. The grandeur is almost overwhelming, but then the music begins - strings swell, and dancers, dressed in vibrant silk and satin, swirl across the ornate parquet floors.
The energy is infectious, a beautiful synergy between art and aristocracy. This wasn’t simply entertainment, darling, but a way to showcase artistic talent, a dialogue between refined taste and creative expression. I have to say, there's a charm in this period that continues to resonate today.
What a treasure trove I found in my rucksack: sketches, theatre programmes and a pamphlet advertising ‘The Four Quarters of the World, a spectacle of dancing and music,’ starring the esteemed dancer and choreographer Jean-Georges Noverre. I even came across a beautiful pair of antique pointe shoes (almost pink!), evidence of an evolution in technique. It’s incredible to think of those tiny shoes carrying such weight - they signify the transition from flat footwear to the delicate pointe work we know and love today!
As for the rest of the world in 1764…well, it’s a story of blossoming ballet in different corners of the world. I couldn’t resist hopping back in time for a quick tour, with Meg, of course, ready for action.
I had a delightful encounter with a very young Giulio Perugino, one of the pioneers of Italian ballet. It seems that, even at that age, he already had a strong artistic vision - a natural performer with boundless enthusiasm. It made my heart sing, knowing that this incredible artist, so passionate about dance, was just beginning his career journey!
And in London… Well, that's always a must-see for any time-traveling ballet aficionado. The Italian choreographer Giovanni Gallini had already established himself at Covent Garden, showcasing new ballet compositions, while the theatre continued to host the beloved Italian Opera. Such a whirlwind of artistic energy!
During my visit to the Haymarket Theatre I discovered a surprising treasure: a rare early 18th century copy of a ballet libretto for "A Pastoral Opera." You know I'm a sucker for those antique prints! Now, this precious treasure is nestled in my rucksack, safely secured until my next time-travel blog!
But my adventure wouldn't be complete without mentioning my visit to the ballet scene in Russia. Even then, dance was deeply ingrained in their cultural heritage! And while their theatre wasn’t yet as developed, I witnessed a passionate dedication to artistic expression.
I was amazed at the beauty of the traditional folk dances in Saint Petersburg, seeing those stunning costumes. A world of vivid hues, swirling fabrics, and intricate footwork! I swear, some of the techniques, the rhythm and agility were quite extraordinary. It made me feel proud to be a ballerina, to know that the love of dance transcended time and borders.
Speaking of boundaries, my darling lovelies, why not take a page from 18th century history? Don’t let any societal expectations hold you back, embrace your own inner spirit of expression! And that brings me to the most important piece of wisdom I’ve gathered today - dance with a free and adventurous heart. Be the author of your own ballet story!
It’s time for me to head home, but before I sign off, I want to ask you a question: what ballet time period are you yearning to travel back to? What’s at the top of your wish list? Do you dream of meeting Marie Camargo, or exploring the intricate dances of Tsarist Russia? Let me know, darling! I may even whisk us back in time together!
Until next month, may your tutus twirl gracefully, and your heart be filled with the joy of dance!
Love, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
