Hello fellow ballet enthusiasts, and welcome back to the world of pink tutus and time travel! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger from the Peak District, and I'm so excited to take you on a journey back to the 17th of July, 1767. Grab your pinkest tutu, because this trip is going to be utterly fabulous!
As you know, my mission is to share the joy of ballet, one pink tutu at a time. But with the time travel skills I've honed thanks to my trusty steed, Magic Meg – a pink shimmering Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane as white as a fresh snowfall – I can spread the love for ballet even further. This month, we’re whisking back to the era of powdered wigs, frilly ruffles, and – brace yourselves – the birth of ballet in England!
Imagine it: London, 1767. The streets are alive with horse-drawn carriages, bustling merchants, and the sounds of street performers. Amidst the hustle and bustle, something quite revolutionary is about to unfold.
A Ballet Debut in London
You see, this very date marks a monumental milestone in the history of English ballet. The London Opera House – a theatre located where Covent Garden stands today – opened its doors to the world's very first performance of a ballet! The show? A charming, albeit somewhat tongue-in-cheek piece titled “The Favourite.”
The story revolves around the rather melodramatic tale of two rival lovers vying for the attention of a mysterious and captivating young woman, and – you guessed it – lots and lots of beautiful ballet.
Now, the tutus might not have been as extravagant or dramatic as ours are today, but imagine the sheer delight of witnessing something so captivatingly beautiful taking centre stage! It would have been like watching the world's first glimmer of ballet history, a thrilling experience not to be missed.
Shopping for My Pink Tutu:
Even in 1767, ballet fashion was no joke! The ballerinas would have been dressed in costumes reflecting the grandeur of the period, full of silk and intricate embroidery. Sadly, pink tutus hadn't hit the scene just yet – those are a much more modern invention! But that doesn’t stop me from trying to bring some pink magic to the era.
We stopped by the bustling silk shops along Drury Lane, just outside the Opera House. I couldn't resist scooping up some beautiful pink ribbon to adorn my leather rucksack, which, by the way, is bursting with treasures I've collected over my time-travel adventures. This month's loot? A delicate ballet fan hand-painted with a delicate floral design, and a lovely handwritten manuscript on ballet in 18th century England. Can't wait to add these to my ever-growing collection!
The Rise of the French Dance Master:
The success of “The Favourite” was largely attributed to the presence of Monsieur Noverre, a legendary French choreographer. He was a real pioneer in the world of dance, who pushed boundaries and experimented with innovative choreography. Imagine that: ballet history in the making right in front of my eyes!
He believed that ballet should tell a story, like a silent play. This sparked the trend of ballet as a storytelling medium, which continues to captivate audiences across the world even today.
Meeting the Royal Family!
To think, on the very day I was time travelling, the King and Queen would have been dancing! Imagine dancing with Royalty, what a privilege! Back in 1767, ballroom dancing was a prominent feature of royal gatherings. So it's safe to say that even in this era, people loved moving and expressing themselves through dance!
As always, I can’t help but daydream of spreading pink tutu fever to all corners of time! Just picture it: a ballet performance, filled with pink tutus, against the backdrop of 18th century London, where even royalty might be sporting their very own shade of pink! The thought brings a smile to my face, just thinking about it!
From Stage to Street
Speaking of dance in the streets, one thing that struck me in 1767 London was how much dance was an everyday occurrence, from the bustling street vendors to the performers who gathered in public squares. The energy was so alive and vibrant! It made me reflect on how our modern world has somewhat lost that sense of spontaneous joy and expression in everyday movement.
A Blast from the Past: Pink Tutu in the Future!
After spending a memorable day back in the heart of 18th century England, Magic Meg and I hopped back to our time, hearts filled with ballet history and inspiration. The experience cemented my love for ballet’s ability to transcend time, its beautiful history, and the joy of movement, even with none of the pink tutu wearing ballerinas, at least not on stage.
I encourage you, fellow dancers, to step outside of your comfort zones and explore the magical world of ballet. Whether it's delving into its rich history, experiencing the beauty of live performances, or simply allowing yourself to be captivated by its grace, let your own love of dance inspire you to wear your pink tutu proudly, even when dancing on the street, the park, and all over your hometown!
Until next month, fellow ballet lovers, may your steps be light and your twirls filled with joy! Remember, the power of ballet is all around us. 🩰💖
Remember to check out my blog next month, where we'll travel back to another incredible date in ballet history, full of dazzling discoveries, breathtaking stories, and perhaps a few extra pink tutu surprises along the way. See you there!
With twirling love,
Emma xx
