Hello my dearest fellow pink tutu lovers! Emma here, back from another exhilarating trip through the swirling mists of time! I'm bursting with excitement to tell you all about my latest adventure – 4th April 1773, a day filled with the captivating melodies of a bygone era, and an intriguing peek into the world of ballet back then.
This time, my faithful steed, the majestic Magic Meg (a pink sparkling Shire horse with a mane and tail as white as fresh snow and hooves that glint like golden coins!), carried me to a time where powdered wigs and frilled waistcoats were the height of fashion. The air hummed with anticipation for a ballet performance, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in this era of graceful elegance. As we trotted through cobblestone streets, I couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgic longing for a time when life moved at a slower pace, a time when the delicate art of ballet reigned supreme.
Arriving in a bustling London, the city was buzzing with life. Music, chatter, and the distinct scent of pipe tobacco filled the air. I donned my signature pink tutu (a slightly more conservative style than the modern ones, but just as lovely), carefully ensuring my leather rucksack, filled with treasures from my travels, felt comfortable on my back.
And oh my, my darlings, the fashion! I felt like a princess stepping into a fairytale! Delicate silk gowns adorned with ribbons and lace, powdered wigs as elaborate as delicate sculptures, and hats of unimaginable styles - a veritable explosion of colours and textures! But amongst all this, I was eager to get to the theatre to witness a performance.
The ballet company at the King’s Theatre in London was, in fact, just starting a new run of *‘La Fontaine de Jouvence, ou l’Amour et les Grâces’, * and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I slipped into my reserved seat, filled with the anticipation of what was to come. This beautiful ballet had just premiered in London in 1772 and followed the story of a young nymph called Hebe, who discovers the secrets to perpetual youth at a Fountain of Youth and is then, of course, challenged by love itself. There was an air of magic as the performers, adorned in gorgeous costumes (it's worth mentioning that even men had elaborate, intricately embroidered outfits!), danced gracefully on the stage, weaving tales of romance, jealousy and ultimately triumph through the medium of dance.
You know, while ballet has evolved over the centuries, the sense of beauty and grace was just as evident back then as it is now! Seeing how passionate the audience was about their dance, how they gasped, cheered, and clapped in unison to the rhythms of the music, left me feeling that a dancer's soul transcends time and speaks directly to our hearts.
After the performance, I made my way backstage to speak with a dancer. I wanted to learn about their lives and understand what fuelled their passion. To my surprise, I met Madame Celeste, one of the most sought-after female dancers of the day! I learned about her life, how hard she trained and that many young girls saw her as a role model. This incredible lady made me understand that, throughout history, dancers have shared a unique dedication to the art. I left with her autograph, a small pamphlet advertising the current performance, and a renewed passion for the beautiful and timeless magic of dance.
On my journey home, I contemplated the lessons I learned today. I realised that even though dance has evolved dramatically since 1773, the soul of dance, the passion, and the pursuit of artistic perfection, have remained unchanged. I remembered Madame Celeste's final words to me before parting ways: “Dance for the joy it brings, and never forget the strength it takes to reach for the stars”.
Until next month my dears, remember that the best dance moves are made in a pink tutu. And, please, keep visiting www.pink-tutu.com.
Emma.
PS. If you're feeling adventurous and want to take your ballet journey to another time, let me know. I'd love to hear what eras interest you.
PPS. Don't forget to take photos and share your favourite pink tutu outfits on Instagram and TikTok using #pinktutu. Let's spread the joy of ballet across the globe, one sparkly tutu at a time!
