Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another whirl through time, this time landing in the captivating year 1769. As always, my trusty steed, the fabulous Magic Meg, carried me safely back to Derbyshire, leaving behind a sprinkle of pink tutu magic. Iâm absolutely thrilled to be writing post number 1297, and it feels especially poignant to be sharing it on New Yearâs Day, a time for fresh beginnings and new dreams.
Now, you may be wondering why Iâve landed in 1769, particularly on January 1st? Well, it's all part of my ongoing mission to spread the joy of ballet across every era! It's a year packed with intrigue in the ballet world. Remember my dear readers, ballet history isnât just about grand tutus and perfectly executed fouettĂ© turns, it's about evolution, passion, and the boundless spirit of dance. And trust me, 1769 was no exception!
The Parisian ballet scene was alive with exciting premiĂšres. The legendary Jean-Georges Noverre, that ingenious mind who gave us such modern ballets like âThe Judgement of Paris,â had just premiered âLes FĂȘtes Chinoises.â I must tell you, it was said to be utterly delightful, an opulent spectacle infused with vibrant Asian influence. My darling, the colour palette? Why, it was almost as breathtaking as a pink tutu! And I was particularly taken by the enchanting character of "Le Fils Unique" (the only son). Can you imagine a dancer gliding across the stage in a flowing silk costume, a perfect embodiment of oriental grace? Now, THAT is something Iâd like to see for myself!
Meanwhile, Londonâs own Drury Lane Theatre was buzzing with activity, even at this early stage of the year. Just last month, Mr. Garrick's âCymon and Iphigeniaâ premiered there, a play intertwined with ballets composed by the Italian maestro, Tommaso Traetta. Talk about your diverse artistic feasts! Can you imagine the exhilaration of seeing these performances â so rich, so varied? It is an inspiration for my own dance choreography!
It feels fantastic to witness the world's appetite for ballet and its growing influence beyond just French and Italian court circles. But you know me â a girlâs gotta have fashion, so, let's delve into what the ladies were wearing at these exciting premiĂšres. I simply have to describe the fashion of the day, which in the world of 1769 was becoming, shall we say, "a touch on the restrained side.â As an avid fan of all things frilly and flamboyant, it wasnât my cup of tea (but what can you do?). The panniers, the intricate hoops used to give skirts their ample shape, were being slowly replaced by what they called "false waists", which created an exaggerated, cone-like effect in the lower back.
Imagine, dear reader, those restrictive, boned corsets - definitely NOT a graceful ballet move! But they do give you an insight into how ladies felt the pressure of fitting into âthe fashionable mould.â As always, I find myself advocating for more fluidity in attire, where movement is celebrated above rigid conformity. And let's be honest - when it comes to expressing ourselves, nothing makes us feel quite as liberated as twirling in a pink tutu, right?
Speaking of freedom, while 1769 was filled with grand celebrations (Queen Charlotte giving birth to the Prince of Wales, for instance) I've just returned to the peace and tranquility of my home, Derbyshire, ready to share these insights and much more with you. My trusty steed, Magic Meg, has already set about polishing those golden hooves and I am so excited to be returning soon. For next month, my darlings, Iâm journeying back in time to February 1815. Do join me! Thereâs always something delightful and captivating about stepping into the past with a pink tutu by my side.
Before I close, I can't resist leaving you with my very own little ode to 1769, penned by me, Emma, just for you. This is how I see it, the dance, the spirit of it:
1769, a year of beginnings anew,
Where ballet's flames burn, bright and true.
In Paris and London, audiences enraptured,
By leaps and grace, forever captured.
I feel it, this year's pulse, so bold,
In every step, stories untold.
My pink tutu, a symbol, I declare,
Of beauty and joy, and passion laid bare.
Until next month my darlings, and always remember - the best things in life are best enjoyed while wearing a pink tutu!
Warmly, Emma x
