#BalletHistory during 1767 10 October

Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another fabulous voyage through time! I’m Emma, your resident pink-tutu clad, ballet-obsessed, time-travelling blogger! This month we’re heading to a date that's all about exploring the roots of ballet in a way that's both exciting and inspiring – we're journeying to 10th October 1767!

Now, I’m sure you’re all wondering how a girl like me, who loves all things pink, sparkly and tutued, finds herself exploring the past! Well, let’s just say my dear horse Magic Meg – a majestic shire with the most dazzling pink coat, golden hooves, and a snow-white mane and tail – has a few secrets of her own. Magic Meg has this amazing ability to teleport us through time, making all my ballet history dreams come true. She’s not just my trusty steed; she's the key to my most spectacular adventures.

For this trip, we're galloping into a time where the art of ballet was starting to bloom, to flourish, and find its way into hearts across Europe! 1767 was a fascinating time, as ballet was blossoming beyond the opulent French courts. And yes, you guessed it – I’m rocking my trusty pink tutu and a collection of beautiful, antique ribbons in my hair – always paying homage to the ballet tradition with a bit of Emma’s flair!

Okay, let’s rewind the clock! We are just a couple of decades away from the arrival of Marie Antoinette, who would revolutionize fashion, and it's only a year away from the founding of the world famous Royal Ballet School!

On this very day, in London, dancers are getting ready to take to the stage at the newly reopened Drury Lane Theatre. It’s not quite the grand West End we know today, but still a hub for ballet enthusiasts! I’ve been to many performances at the Drury Lane over the years – and even gotten to dance a little myself! But we’ll get back to that in another post.

Remember, I travel not just for the stunning costumes and intricate choreography, but for the chance to gather tales, treasures, and tidbits of ballet history that are tucked away like precious jewels. And that's what my leather rucksack, strapped comfortably on my back, is for – holding my discoveries, ready for sharing with you lovely readers!

Well, this particular date is notable because of the burgeoning influence of Italian dancers and choreographers like Gaetano Vestris. Now, Vestris was known for his astounding athleticism and his charisma on stage – imagine Fred Astaire on steroids! He was a huge figure in the world of dance during this period, paving the way for the ballet world as we know it.

The 10th October 1767 marks the anniversary of one of the great ballet dancer-choreographers of this era, August Vestris! Imagine being a ballet dancer born into the most prestigious family of dancers in Europe - the Vestris! His talent was renowned, and his performance styles helped shaped the development of ballet. I even discovered a little gem in my collection that says his father was famous for executing 32 Fouetté en tournant (a ballet term – google it!), – just crazy, isn’t it?! I tried learning it at class yesterday and let’s just say that Magic Meg still had more agility than me!

This period, especially in London, is brimming with change and exciting new trends! Dance enthusiasts are devouring stories about ballet dancers and new dance trends! We are witnessing a shift from the heavier, stately styles of the courts toward something much more athletic, dramatic and dynamic – which, I am proud to say, would later pave the way for the ballet styles I adore in the late 1800s.

The 10th October 1767 takes us into the vibrant heart of London – bustling streets full of fascinating characters. And guess who is absolutely captivated by this journey! Me! There is something so invigorating about watching people in their fine apparel strolling down the streets of 18th century London. This is long before the arrival of Victoria's stricter etiquette and fashions, but it was a period where clothes were ornate, and women and men loved showing off their opulent accessories! I am all for that - if you know me, you know I adore all the bells and whistles, but maybe a bit less opulent! I did try on one of the ladies' silk dresses, but oh my goodness! Talk about a fashion challenge! Let's just say that those corsets were anything but comfortable! My pink tutu was far more sensible! I think it was the sheer volume of silk that got me, but to tell the truth, I still feel more at home in my ballerina outfit!

The theatres and dance halls are filled with vibrant and dramatic colours. I’m talking lush, emerald velvets, emerald greens, and splashes of sunshine yellow – imagine these amazing colours reflected in the light from the chandeliers – divine! The theatregoers' hair is often coiffed with flowers, ribbons, and powder. It's a whole other world. Now I can just imagine being a dancer on that stage in those days. And, believe it or not, I actually got the chance to experience that - thanks to a little sprinkle of magic from Magic Meg.

Magic Meg had this amazing moment where she dropped me onto the stage with a beautiful dancing scene happening around me – an exciting, but also slightly frightening moment! I wasn't on my own though, the performers in the ballets were wearing such fabulous, but impractical, costumes with big, puffy skirts – kind of like balloons stuffed with satin! There was a lot of movement and dramatic dancing - you have to admit that the fashion of those times was both daring and stylish – especially with all that layering! I'd describe it as being dressed up as a flamboyant cake for a giant doll’s party. But, oh, how I love those outfits! And of course, you won’t believe this, but, I actually encountered a real royal! The King and his courtiers were enjoying the show that evening – all dressed in powdered wigs and those beautiful coats! You know those long, sweeping velvet jackets with an abundance of embroidery and bling! Quite impressive - much more fashionable than what the ballet dancers were wearing on stage. Just goes to show you that fashion was evolving back then!

One of the highlights of my visit was the charming shops in Covent Garden – so much gorgeous fabric, silk, and feathers – like a treasure chest for an obsessive ballet costume designer like me! I managed to sneakily acquire a gorgeous little bit of fabric for my next ballet design. You know me – I just had to bring back a little memento! But don't worry, my dear tutu enthusiasts! I don't steal! I offer a beautiful, bespoke ballet performance to the local theater owners – who are thrilled to be introduced to this new dance trend! They don’t call me a ballet whisperer for nothing, you know.

Later on, I ventured to the London ballet school. What fascinating class it was – a chance to step into the ballet shoes of the early dancers and experience firsthand how those rigorous routines built muscle and honed their grace. It also gave me a little insight into what the ballet schools of that era were all about.

And of course, as a good time-traveling blogger, I've also discovered several fascinating tidbits, secrets, and tales about ballet, from this period – which I’ll be sharing in my upcoming posts on pink-tutu.com – look out for them next month, my dears!

Remember, every journey through time is not just about learning, it's about sparkling new inspirations, experiencing joy, and discovering that ballet isn’t bound by time - it’s about passion, movement, and expression that transcends the centuries!

And for now, remember, the world needs more pink tutus!

Your ballet-obsessed blogger, Emma, xoxo.