#1254 Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my darlings! This month's adventure in ballet history takes us back to June 6th, 1765, a truly exciting time in the world of dance. I'm currently sitting on a park bench, right here in London, in the year of Our Lord 1765, surrounded by the bustle of city life. But for now, it’s all about ballet! Let's get into it...
As I mentioned, the year 1765 is particularly captivating. Imagine – ballroom dancing was considered the height of fashion! Everyone was waltzing, minuetting, and showing off their finest moves. While my darling, Magic Meg, and I are here for the ballet, there's something wonderfully charming about stepping back in time and seeing how people moved with such grace and elegance.
For a proper ballerina like me, the dance world back then felt very different, mind you. Imagine this: ballet was more about storytelling and grand gestures than the precise, intricate movements we enjoy today. Think leaps and flourishes, flowing gowns, and expressive poses. It's like stepping straight into a scene from a fairy tale. I love how each era in ballet history had a unique flavour, a beautiful journey in time.
Today, as we journey through 1765, I have an absolute treasure to share. As usual, Magic Meg and I were snooping around the city's backstreets, my trusty leather rucksack ready to be filled with treasures. It was in an attic, cluttered with antique trinkets, that we stumbled upon a faded manuscript, one containing an old, but beautiful, ballet script.
It is written in an elegant cursive and includes stage directions – such as “a sudden flourish of ribbons,” "a passionate embrace," and, of course, “the ballerina pirouettes elegantly across the stage.” My heart fluttered as I saw that little word “pirouette”, a move as loved in the 18th century as it is today. A wonderful testament to how the love of dance truly transcends time.
Fashion of the Day:
Now, let’s chat fashion! Just picturing myself waltzing with the ladies and gentlemen of 1765 makes my toes tingle. Those powdered wigs, elaborate gowns with their ruffles, and silk-clad gentlemen just bursting with style - what an image to behold!
As for me? Oh darling, you know I’m going to embrace every single aspect of fashion from this period. This month, my pink tutu (custom-made of course) is taking on a romantic, flowing design. Think billowing tulle, a touch of delicate lace, and a ribbon that's practically begging to be twirled.
And Magic Meg, as always, complements my attire perfectly. Today, she’s wearing a sparkly saddle, her mane and tail are adorned with pink ribbons, and her golden hooves are... well, they’re just gleaming like gold. It's truly a spectacle!
Where Ballet was Happening:
The theatre scene in 1765, London was alive! My darling Meg and I made a beeline to the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. While the actual ballet wasn’t quite my usual flavour - it was a dramatic interpretation of "Orpheus and Eurydice” - I was totally engrossed! I am so pleased that back then, there was no separating opera from ballet. You simply got the complete spectacle!
We also paid a visit to Vauxhall Gardens, the epitome of London's social life, where the air is always buzzing with conversation, music, and dancing. Even back then, everyone loved a bit of ballet street - outdoor performance and flash dancing!
As for ballet schools...oh my dear, those were definitely not like the ones you find today. If you wanted to be a dancer back then, it wasn't the structured, studio-based lessons we're used to. It was more about mastering the ballroom arts and observing professional dancers, or you know... just lots and lots of waltzing!
The Heart of The Dance:
Here's the thing – no matter what era you find yourself in, dance speaks a universal language. You don't need a translator to understand the emotions expressed in a leap, the passion of a turn, or the sheer joy of dancing.
From the ballroom to the stage, from the street corner to the grand salon, dance has the power to captivate and connect. Even with different styles, with more of the "swirling" in the early days and less precision, the spirit of the ballet - the beautiful, expressive form - is undeniably timeless!
And I wouldn't have it any other way!
What's Next:
Oh, darlings, my little heart is filled with such anticipation for what our next ballet adventure has in store! My little notebook is full of ideas for our travels next month, and, you know me, there will be so much to see and discover!
Until next time, my lovelies, remember to embrace the beauty of movement, wear pink, and don't forget to twirl!
With a pink twirl and a sparkle in my eye,
Emma
