Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things ballet! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and it's time for another monthly jaunt into the dazzling history of dance! 🩰
Today’s journey takes us back to the 12th of December, 1773, a date brimming with history. Whilst the Boston Tea Party was stirring up trouble across the Atlantic, here in the heart of Europe, things were just as dramatic - albeit with a much more elegant flourish!
This month, I decided to time travel in style, and who better to take with me than Magic Meg? My trusty pink sparkling shire horse is a dream to ride, her golden hooves leaving a trail of sparkle as we travel through the centuries! She’s certainly turning heads in this time period – just imagine her in front of a regal coach, the white of her mane and tail like a snowy flurry!
I hopped onto her back, feeling the familiar bump of her saddle, and off we galloped! I secured my trusty leather rucksack on my back, ready to fill it with treasures and ballet-related stories from this era. I mean, who can resist a good antique ballet slipper? 👠
But first, a little chat about ballet history, which you all know is my favourite! Back in the 1770s, ballet was still evolving. It wasn't the refined art we know today – think flowing skirts and grand jetés, more akin to courtly dances with graceful, intricate steps and dramatic gestures. But let's face it, that’s what we love about history - those glimpses into the evolution of something as exquisite as ballet.
One of the most prominent ballet masters at this time was Jean-Georges Noverre, a real trailblazer who campaigned for ballet to have a greater emotional impact. He even wrote a book on his philosophy! Think lyrical stories woven into the movement - that’s Noverre’s influence in a nutshell!
Imagine, dancing to a poignant story? Can you feel the dramatic weight of it? Just like we feel a strong narrative in a modern dance production, right?
So, what was the world of ballet doing on 12th December, 1773?
Firstly, this was the era of “ballet d’action,” where ballet was about story and emotion – think a dramatic tale danced on stage! One ballet d'action piece making waves was "The Rape of Proserpina" by Noverre, which we know had debuted in Stuttgart. A bold title, eh? It’s safe to say ballet was going through some dynamic changes – imagine a modern-day "Swan Lake" – equally stunning and a little provocative!
I’m sure that those elegant women and their courtly dancing must have set hearts racing back then. Can you imagine witnessing those graceful movements? It must have been simply exquisite, a kind of pre-modern-day "ballet-swoon”!
What did I see? Well, for this trip I found myself in the heart of Dresden. I'm sure you'll be intrigued by my escapades – because it was this very month that the Opera House in Dresden opened its doors, introducing a new platform for ballet! The very thought of it sends shivers down my spine! The energy!
Speaking of ballet performances – guess what I'm doing for next month's post? You’ll just have to stay tuned, darling, and join me for this incredible time travel adventure.
Now, darling, let's move onto fashion! Where are my glamorous tutu-lovers?
Did you know, my darlings, that this period was a truly spectacular one for ballet costumes? Imagine, the gowns were so long that they cascaded down the dancers’ bodies, revealing the shape of the ankles – just divine, wouldn't you agree?
Those dancing figures were practically royalty on stage, with shimmering silks and delicate embroidery, all part of that captivating story telling that the French and Italian ballet masters of the day embraced! And who would blame them? The whole of the European aristocracy would be watching, so the fashion must have been extravagant, I’m sure of it!
It is, you know, the reason we love these ballet history blogs – you can imagine what was worn and the atmosphere at these theatrical events. You almost wish you were back there in 1773.
As for me, darling, I took inspiration from this time period to design a very special, truly extravagant tutu! Think deep rose, sparkling sequins, and swirling, layered tulle… just imagine me gliding through the years, my pink tutu twirling behind me!
Of course, I made sure it was finished off with a touch of modern magic – it had some secret pockets for my travelling treasures! We cannot go on an adventure without some secret pockets for goodies. After all, what’s a pink tutu without a little practicality?
As always, my time-travelling adventures require a few ballet performances and performances, which help to fund my excursions. After all, travelling with Magic Meg is not exactly cheap. This month, my latest ballet production took inspiration from the elegant costumes and dramatic narratives of the period. Imagine a vibrant, colorful spectacle full of story-telling, delicate dances, and of course, all in my signature pink tutu!
My fellow ballet enthusiasts, just imagine dancing through the streets in your pink tutu to your favourite music! Imagine that this is our new reality! And who knows, you may just inspire others to wear pink and dance their heart out!
Until next time, darlings. Stay elegant and keep those pink tutus ready for adventure!
