Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another time travel escapade for you all. Grab a cuppa, get comfy in your favourite pink tutu (you do have a favourite, don't you?), and let's whisk back in time to 11th November 1764.
My dear Magic Meg (a pink, sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a white mane and tail, of course) and I galloped into London town today, feeling positively flouncy in my newest tutu - a divine confection of silk and tulle, blush pink with delicate floral embroidery, fitting for a grand, historic occasion. You see, darlings, November 11th 1764 marks the date of one of the most significant ballet happenings of all time!
Yes, on this very date, 259 years ago, the esteemed Madame Camargo, the Parisian dancing prodigy, took the London stage by storm. Now, darling, I'm sure you all know, she was the real game-changer, the one who defied tradition and kicked off a whole revolution in ballet fashion! She daringly ditched the cumbersome long skirts and voluminous hoop skirts in favour of flowing, diaphanous, ankle-length dresses - a bold move indeed! This gave her freedom of movement and elegance on stage that had never been seen before, literally changing the landscape of ballet.
Today, at the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, Madame Camargo performed "Le Roy de la Fete" ("The King of the Festival"). I'm positively buzzing with excitement to see what sartorial marvels await - how they captured the innovative spirit of her dancing! I have to admit, I was quite tempted to pull my pink tutu out of my leather rucksack and join her onstage, but a quick word from Magic Meg about preserving the timeline calmed my excited spirit!
I'll have to report back on the costumes later. Right now, the most exciting thing about time travelling is seeing what’s happening in the world of ballet on this date - what the theatrical world is buzzing about.
Just a little further up the road from the theatre, at Covent Garden, they're also busy with the festive preparations for "The Choice," a musical by Thomas Arne. They're planning to bring out all the stops, incorporating theatrical effects that will be quite the spectacle. A little birdie whispered about a moving chariot and magical illusions, making me positively swoon. It all sounds absolutely thrilling!
On the continent, there's more news from the Parisian ballet scene! The grand Opéra de Paris is opening its doors with a very exciting show – "L'Amour, la danse, et la gloire" (Love, Dance and Glory). The plot sounds incredibly romantic! Two lovers are forced to separate, then miraculously reunited after a series of extraordinary adventures. It's said to feature some daring and dazzling dance numbers, which is always music to my ears!
Honestly, darlings, ballet in 1764 is alive and kicking. I’m in absolute heaven! Everywhere I go, I’m meeting people absolutely passionate about ballet, from renowned ballerinas and choreographers to talented students and aspiring dancers. They all seem to understand the incredible magic and artistry of ballet, and they’re making such exciting things happen!
This year, Madame Camargo isn't just thrilling London audiences - she’s inspiring a whole generation of ballet enthusiasts. She's a shining beacon for any woman dreaming of taking centre stage! My dear readers, if you haven't had the privilege of seeing her dance, I can't recommend it highly enough! The grace and freedom she brings to the stage is truly a sight to behold!
And, speaking of inspiration, let’s talk fashion! Oh, the tutu designs of 1764, my darlings, are simply divine. They’re more modest than our modern designs, I'll admit, but oh so intricate and detailed. Delicate silk flowers, luxurious fabrics, and a playful splash of colour... they’re the epitome of elegance and romance. They absolutely inspire me for my next tutu design!
To capture this vibrant period, I've already collected a few trinkets and ballet-themed mementos for my rucksack – a silk rosette from the "Le Roy de la Fete" costume, a charming porcelain figurine of Madame Camargo herself, and a pamphlet advertising “The Choice,” which I’m sure will make a lovely display at my London flat.
Now, dear readers, I need to tell you all about the most glorious, fluffy, sparkly tutu I’ve seen at the local milliner’s! Just you wait until you see my next blog post, it's going to be a veritable feast for the eyes!
Until next time, stay radiant and keep dancing!
Yours ever,
Emma (of the Pink Tutu)
www.pink-tutu.com
