Hello, darling ballet bunnies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history, fashion, and all things pink! I'm your hostess, Emma, and today we're twirling back to August 8th, 1771! My trusty steed, Magic Meg, is already pawing the ground, ready to take us on a journey through time!
Now, I know what you're thinking. 1771? Isn't that a bit, well, before tutus were a thing? But that's where the magic of time travel comes in! It's not all about the pretty costumes (although, I must confess, I love a good tutu!) It's about understanding the history of our beloved dance form and appreciating its journey through the centuries.
Before we set off on our adventure, let's get into the look. This era calls for something a little more refined, my lovelies! Forget those elaborate pouffy skirts for a moment and let's think elegant and flowing. I'm envisioning a silky, pink chemise à la française (which, if you're wondering, is basically a super fancy and chic long white nightgown!) paired with a delicate lace shawl. Maybe a sprinkle of pearls for that extra touch of je ne sais quoi? After all, a little bit of sparkle never hurt anyone!
Now, let's imagine we're trotting along the cobbled streets of London with Magic Meg (oh, and don't forget your fancy pink riding hat - pink is the perfect colour for any occasion!). It's the 18th century, and ballet is beginning to take root across Europe. No longer just a courtly entertainment for royalty, it's slowly but surely capturing the imaginations of everyday folks. But wait! Do you see that poster on the wall?
It reads: “The celebrated Mlle. Sallé, in the beautiful *'Pygmalion’s statue”. Yes! You heard me right, dear readers. That very day in London, Marie Sallé, one of the most renowned ballerinas of her time, is dancing the lead role in her famous ballet *“Pygmalion's statue”.
Can you imagine the excitement?! Imagine those crowds lining the streets, all eager to catch a glimpse of this dazzling talent! Sallé was renowned for her graceful artistry and for breaking free from the stiff and ceremonial conventions of earlier ballet forms. She was a true innovator, paving the way for future generations of dancers with her expressive movements and breathtaking stage presence.
We’d hop off Magic Meg, secure her safely in a stable (after a thorough grooming with a pink, sparkly hoof brush!), and whisk ourselves inside the theatre. My heart beats faster just thinking about it! The atmosphere would be electric - anticipation building as the lights dim and the music begins. I’m sure the audience would be captivated by Sallé’s incredible performance and that famous ‘Pygmalion's statue’. You see, in this ballet, Sallé played a marble statue of Galatea that miraculously comes to life! This revolutionary story resonated with audiences in ways previous ballet performances didn’t!
We'd spend the entire evening soaking up the energy and the spectacle of it all. Afterwards, as we strolled home under the starry London sky, we’d share stories of this momentous occasion with each other, discussing the exquisite costume details and the thrilling leaps and twirls. And when we arrived back to my pink and glittery apartment ( yes, even my time-traveling home needs a good dose of pink, darlings!) we’d meticulously write everything down in my special journal. That way, my fellow ballet bunnies could travel back in time, too, with just a click of the page!
Before we say goodbye, let's quickly summarise everything you need to remember:
On August 8th, 1771, one of the most acclaimed dancers of the era, Marie Sallé, captivated audiences in London with her groundbreaking performance in the ballet “Pygmalion's statue.”
This performance paved the way for a new era in ballet, where artistic expression and emotional depth took centre stage.
Our outfit for this time trip? A pink and flowing chemise à la française with a delicate lace shawl! (Plus, a pink riding hat, of course.)
To add an extra bit of magic to your life, why not sprinkle your own Pygmalion’s statue moment into your week? I know, I know, most of us can’t exactly bring a statue to life - but think about how you can elevate your life with creativity, expressiveness, and grace! Just like Sallé, you can embrace a 'dance' for life in all your endeavours!
And remember, darling ballet bunnies: Always wear a pink tutu - it never fails to add a little bit of magic to any occasion! 🩰💕
Until next time,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to Pink Tutu Time Travels on www.pink-tutu.com for monthly doses of ballet history, fashion, and pink sparkle! We'll be whisking you through time again soon! ✨
