Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, and I'm back with another adventure through the magical world of ballet history!
This month, we're jetting back to the 1st of January, 1774. Grab your hot cocoa (with a dollop of whipped cream, naturally) and settle in for a tale of glittering ballrooms, powdered wigs, and a dance through the Georgian Era.
As always, my trusty steed Magic Meg, my sparkling pink shire with golden hooves and a flowing mane and tail as white as snow, is ready for our time-bending journey. This time, our destination is none other than London, the beating heart of the Georgian society!
Oh, how I wish I could capture the air of the London streets on that frosty January morning! Thereās a bustling energy, an anticipation of the new year, and of course, a splash of fashion I could only dream of back in Derbyshire. I just adore the elaborate hairpieces, the delicate lace trimmings, the silks and satins! Imagine trying to execute a fouettĆ© with all that fabric flowing about!
My rucksack, overflowing with treasures and stories from the era, feels heavier than usual today. Just this morning, I snagged the most exquisite vintage dancing shoes ā imagine the craftsmanship, each one handmade! I found them tucked away in a dusty shop, barely visible under a pile of hats. What a find! I know just the little outfit for them back in my own timeā¦a delicate pink silk number with a cascade of pearl beads!
But enough about me, letās turn to the real stars of the show: the dancers! In 1774, ballet is still very much under the reign of King Louis XIV of France. Imagine, just as I try to bring back the pink tutu, this incredible king decided he wanted the French aristocracy dancing!
Across the channel, England, in their traditional fashion, is catching up! A new theatre had just opened in 1773, Covent Garden. This year, 1774, it was busy with the finest opera and, of course, the occasional ballet! Imagine the exquisite music, the soaring melodies! Unfortunately, little is known about ballet in England around this date, the focus is still firmly on opera.
But fear not! We shall not be idle. As we traverse the time-worn streets, Iām looking for traces of ballet! Perhaps, I might even spot a graceful dancer in a tavern, showing off their skill, the elegant sway of their silk skirts, an almost ballet-like gesture! The elegance, the artistryā¦ itās all around us, just waiting to be noticed, to be brought back to life!
While this January may be quiet on the ballet stage, that does not mean thereās a lack of excitement in our hearts!
Back in our own time, darling, imagine how wonderful a world it would be if everyone embraced their inner ballerina! How dazzling the streets would be with swirls of pink tulle! Picture a world where, instead of staring down at your feet, weād be encouraged to lift our heads and gaze at the possibilities! And for a special treat this month, why not try a bit of āpink balletā yourselves! This week Iāve added some amazing tutorials on my website, pink-tutu.com, of the basic steps from 1700's ballet - with, of course, a pink tutu twist! Itās going to be so much fun to discover together, how ballet could beā¦even moreā¦pink-tastic!
And who knows what treasures Iāll find next time on our magical adventures through time! Remember, darlings, it's never too late to put on a pink tutu and make some magic!
Until next time,
Your Time-Traveling Tutu Whisperer,
Emma
PS: I just couldn't resist grabbing the most stunning antique cameo ring depicting a dancer with her flowing tulle skirt in the middle of a grand jetƩ - the details are divine!
PPS: Remember, you can always visit my website pink-tutu.com for more on my time-traveling adventures, fashion updates, and dance tips. Itās always full of surprises, and lots of pink of course!
Let me know your favorite things about ballet, what are you most curious to discover in ballet history, and, of course, share your own pink tutu experiences! Letās keep the spirit of dance alive!
