Hello lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another blast from the past! This month, we're pirouetting back to 1st January 1770 – a date that, while not particularly bursting with ballet-specific events, gives us a chance to explore the broader cultural context of ballet during this era.
But first, let's talk about outfits! Can you imagine a world where ballet wasn't dominated by sleek, black leotards? 😱 Imagine my surprise when I arrived in 1770 to find a dazzling array of colours and textures in the theatre! Imagine the most opulent ball gown imaginable, now imagine it with an added layer of panniers and even more layers of ruffles - that was the ballet costume of the day!
I, of course, brought along my trusty pink tutu, just for a dash of colour against the vibrant hues of the period. Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire horse, was a perfect picture in the streets, pulling my vintage-inspired carriage. Honestly, everyone just stared, their jaws dropped open as I flitted around with my rosy, fluffy skirt. It was glorious! 😍
Speaking of Magic Meg, you'll never believe the ballet-related incident I encountered this month!
While I was browsing the local bookshop for any snippets of ballet history (I managed to snag a first edition of "The Dance" by Jean-Georges Noverre, the famous choreographer – so exciting!), a chap with a powdered wig and a rather bewildered expression came up to me.
“Madam,” he said, his eyes wide with disbelief, "Are you –"
“A ballerina?” I finished, beaming. "Yes, I am!"
"But you're... well, you're just a bit..." He gestured vaguely towards my pink tutu, the twinkle in his eye melting the confusion. "So lovely! Such a lovely shade of pink!"
Turns out he was a wealthy merchant, just back from a grand trip to Paris! His eyes lit up as I recounted stories of Parisian ballerinas and the beautiful theatrical spectacles I'd seen. And, to my delight, he asked me about my travels! "My, my! So you traverse time with this most unusual… carriage?"
“Oh, it's not just any carriage," I giggled, "it’s Magic Meg!”
After my initial shock at the sight of a pink-tutu-wearing woman, the man found himself captivated by my stories, which was absolutely brilliant! I learned all about the ballet craze in 18th-century England – especially in the grand opera houses in London. The aristocracy flocked to ballet performances, wearing their finest silks and diamonds, creating a true spectacle.
That same day, I learned that this man was an ardent ballet enthusiast, and that a group of theatre patrons were planning a special ballet performance on the 1st of January in his grand ballroom. What an amazing opportunity for me to witness how ballet was experienced by the upper class at the time!
I eagerly joined their celebration. The stage was grander than anything I’d ever imagined, and the choreography, though not the same as what I'd learned, still carried an incredible sense of elegance. The costumes, oh, the costumes! Like a symphony of satin, silk and lace, every dancer was a piece of living art.
Even though I was mesmerized, I knew I needed to head back to my own time, back to my own world. I gathered some more amazing stories and a few antique dance programmes, added them to my trusty rucksack, and hopped back into my pink-sparkling time machine!
This journey brought home to me the idea that ballet has always been an evolving art form. While the costumes and styles may have changed dramatically over time, the heart of ballet, the beauty and emotion of its movements, still resonate. I know, even with all the amazing discoveries I make during my time travels, I can't imagine ballet without the beloved pink tutu. Even today, I find that the brightest shade of pink somehow shines the most brilliantly on the stage. 😉
Until next month, my lovelies! Keep dancing, keep sparkling, and keep on wearing that pink! 🌸💕
Don't forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com for even more behind-the-scenes stories and fun fashion tips for every time traveller, whether it’s to 1770 or even a local performance down the road! 😉
