Hello my darling ballet-lovers! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, and welcome to Pink Tutu Travels! I’m so thrilled you're joining me for another fabulous adventure in ballet history. 💖 Today, we're jetting back in time to September 9th, 1769! (Just don't tell my horse, Magic Meg, we're not actually using our trusty shire mare this time.)
Post number 1305 – You can always find all my latest escapades on my little corner of the internet at www.pink-tutu.com. So grab a cup of tea, settle in with a yummy ballet bun, and let's begin our magical journey!
London Calling!
Imagine my excitement – landing right in the heart of London on a crisp autumn day! I always try to time my time travels for when the leaves are changing colours, the air has a touch of nip to it, and the city sparkles with a hint of autumn magic. It just adds a dash of romance to any historical excursion. ✨
Stepping out of my time portal, I found myself amongst bustling cobblestone streets and a heady mix of scents – fresh bread, roasted meats, and even a touch of jasmine floating through the air. A cacophony of noises filled the streets: the clatter of carriages, vendors hawking their wares, children playing…and can you guess what else? Drumroll...BALLET music! 💖
It turns out I’d stumbled upon the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane! One of London’s oldest theatres – a treasure trove for any ballet aficionado, with its gilded balconies, intricate designs, and an aura of theatrical wonder that hasn't faded since its inception.
Now, you wouldn’t be able to tell from its grandeur today, but in 1769, the Theatre Royal was only just finding its footing. After several dramatic fires, the theatre was facing reconstruction, but its stage had a fascinating past - with performances dating all the way back to the 17th century.
And just imagine the excitement! The Theatre Royal Drury Lane housed one of the very first professional ballet companies in London, boasting impressive choreographers like August Vestris, a flamboyant Parisian who, believe me, brought an element of true theatricality and glamour to London’s stages. He's a real highlight in ballet history – even my little ballerina notebook is overflowing with his captivating details!
Speaking of excitement, this evening was no exception! The programme at Drury Lane that very night was a comedic opera with the alluring title of “Love and Revenge”! I just adore how theatrical and full of passion even opera was back in the day – the themes are so deliciously over-the-top and deliciously dramatic. Just what a ballet loving girl wants in a good night's entertainment. 🎭
Dress for the Occasion!
As I headed inside, my pink tutu danced to the beat of my own drum as I weaved through the crowd of onlookers - a ballet-mad, glitter-loving, pink tutu sporting girl on a mission in 18th century London! People definitely did double takes, and for a moment, it felt like I'd walked onto the set of an Austen novel – I could almost hear a fiddle playing in the background! But everyone was so friendly and welcoming - particularly the children - especially when they saw my fabulous, sparkling horse. I managed to exchange a few shillings with a street vendor for a delicious plum and currant tart. 💖
Of course, my signature pink tutu with all its glittering detail had its origins way back in the early years of ballet, just imagine – we were doing things right then, rocking the vibrant colours, the flouncy ruffles! This, my dears, is the true genesis of all ballet fashion - a timeless statement! 💕
A glimpse into the past - ballet in a revolutionary year.
This year, 1769, saw the birth of a nation. A year where the United States of America began its exciting journey toward independence! It felt surreal to imagine this bustling metropolis, in its elegant chaos, being linked to the monumental events occurring in the New World. Just as ballet continued to evolve, forging new paths, this too was a time of unprecedented change in the world, making the ballet performances of this time more poignant and exciting. 💖
In 1769, ballet was on the cusp of some truly iconic advancements - like the emergence of a style known as the "ballet d'action" (dramatic ballet). Think action packed choreography, themes, storytelling, and powerful character performances. I have to say it is a very romantic and charming way to be introduced to ballet, but don't you agree my fellow ballerinas?!
As I bid farewell to the Theatre Royal and its magical history, I thought back to the passion and excitement surrounding ballet in 1769. I can only imagine what this would have felt like for someone back in that time! The elegance, the stories woven in every performance - it truly makes my heart soar. ✨
Packing for Home
I'm bringing back a piece of 18th-century history tucked away safely in my trusty leather backpack. Today I found a stunningly beautiful dance program, and you won’t believe this - a tiny, but delicate pair of ballet slippers – which I’m sure have graced the very stages of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane itself! My backpack is starting to get pretty heavy, so perhaps it's time to send it back to my London ballet museum, for safe keeping, or even use some of these vintage treasures to put together my own time capsule! 💕
I must admit, sometimes I worry I’m overloading my backpack with so many fascinating treasures from my time travels - But you just can't resist, especially when they are ballet related! But alas, back to the future!
Remember, my dears, keep dreaming in pink and dancing your way through life! Let your own story be told with passion, style, and, of course, the most exquisite, gorgeous pink tutus you can imagine. Until next time, my lovely dancers - happy twirling and I'll see you on www.pink-tutu.com! 💖
