Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another tantalising tale from the realms of time travel. This month, I've taken a delightful jaunt to the year 1773 - what a trip! Let me tell you, my lovelies, that my trusty pink shimmering Shire horse, Magic Meg, has been a total angel as ever. This time, however, she didn't only whisk us to the correct spot in time but to the beautiful, bustling city of London, oh how delightful. My rucksack was practically overflowing with tulle, feathers and sparkly baubles as I eagerly anticipated seeing what the 18th Century had to offer.
Now, as you all know, I am utterly smitten with tutus. Every one I wear feels like a little piece of magic, and let me tell you, dear readers, the tutus of 1773 were utterly divine. Of course, they were nothing like the magnificent concoctions we have today. Back then, ladies had an even stronger obsession with 'the pannier', which, I imagine, must have felt incredibly cumbersome to dance in, and the dresses themselves were certainly grander in their overall form. Yet, it is amazing how many layers of detail and decoration could still be found – a glorious explosion of colour and artistry on every lady's dress! There were yards of elegant fabrics and even some hints of lace, a little taste of the intricate patterns to come.
I couldn't resist a stop at a charming boutique selling fabrics in Covent Garden. Let me tell you, it was an experience. Everything, even the shop itself, reminisced of days gone by, just pure Victorian elegance. Such delicate silks, flowing satins and satins - just perfect for dreaming up elaborate tutus. And let's not forget the colours! The most beautiful hues imaginable - deep ruby red, vibrant sapphire blue and of course, my beloved pink in a stunning shade that matched Magic Meg’s tail. I was completely captivated. Oh, and those gloves, dear readers. So dainty and perfectly matched with their owner’s dress - you’d think each glove was made just for each lady. It’s truly remarkable the level of individualisation they possessed.
Talking of individualism, and moving on from those scrumptious fabrics, the dance world of London was already bursting with incredible talent in 1773. Of course, it wasn't exactly the ‘ballet’ we know and adore. Ballet in this era was known as ‘opera-ballet’, and my oh my was it all the rage. Ladies and gents would flock to witness performances full of flamboyant costumes, complex steps and an explosion of colourful drama. A wonderful way to escape the day to day. The Italian ‘Commedia dell’arte’ theatre troupes were already hugely popular - those clever improvisations on the stage! - and their energy was positively infectious. It was incredible to witness these vibrant storytelling performances in a society just beginning to find its feet on the international theatre scene.
Naturally, I attended every opera-ballet I could find! Sadly, they were far removed from the ballet performances I was used to. It's not that I wasn't entranced; far from it. However, my dear readers, there is simply nothing like watching a perfectly executed grand jeté or an exquisitely controlled pirouette in a beautifully fitting, classic tutu. The dance itself was grander than any modern day ballet could hope to achieve. They used every square inch of the stage and had a distinct, almost whimsical quality - perfect for capturing a fairy tale like the wonderful pieces from Tchaikovsky. I have so many sketches from that trip I feel inspired to create new routines based on my adventures in time.
Now, it’s almost time to pack up for my next trip - but before I do, a few interesting discoveries:
It seems that Madame Vigée Le Brun, the famed portraitist, was just getting her name known, oh my, wouldn’t she have been perfect to paint me in my magnificent tutus!
Marie Antoinette, Queen of France was at the height of her fashionable reign, oh wouldn’t it have been delightful to dance with her in one of those flamboyant Versailles ballrooms! I’ll be sure to pop in and pay her a visit sometime.
The infamous "Boston Tea Party" took place that very year. The rebellious American Colonists threw all those tea leaves into the sea! That must have been quite a sight!
That concludes this month's trip - the magic of pink is already working on me again. What a perfect way to start a spring! Remember, dear readers, if you are considering exploring the world of dance, embrace those beautiful hues. Pink, yellow, turquoise… you’ll find your colour of joy within dance, the pink tutu is a great way to do it!
Until next time, darling,
Emma
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