Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller extraordinaire! I'm just back from a simply delightful jaunt through the pages of history, all thanks to my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg. We've been whisking through time again, and this month's destination? A rather lovely little date, the 10th of October 1774!
Before we embark on our time travel adventure, do pop on over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for some exquisite ballet-inspired fashions, fabulous tutus, and, of course, the chance to read all about my time travel escapades. And don't forget, my latest show is happening this month! You can catch me performing a little pirouette and pas de deux at the Derbyshire Theatre, a darling little venue, I just adore it. And you can join me for a spot of tea and chat afterwards!
The Past Is Calling
My rucksack is packed, filled with anticipation for another dazzling adventure. I must confess, the 1700s had such a certain elegance and glamour, wouldn't you agree? Oh, to have been a ballerina back then! So, let's whisk back in time, shall we?
The Magic Meg Express!
The air crackled with excitement as I snuggled into my saddle. Meg, my darling shire with a white mane and tail as bright as snow and hooves that glimmered with gold, nudged me gently, sensing my thrill. We galloped through the air, leaving a trail of pink sparkles in our wake, the magic taking us through time in a matter of seconds. Oh, my, I'm already missing the wind in my hair!
A Step Back In Time: London 1774
We found ourselves deposited on a bustling street corner in London. Oh, the charming horse-drawn carriages! London in the 1700s was simply alive with a delightful mix of hustle and bustle. But I wanted to delve deeper, not into the streets, but the theatres, my darling!
The World of Ballet In 1774: A Peek Behind The Curtain
1774 was a very interesting year in the world of ballet. You see, my dears, the 1700s was a period where ballet in England started to bloom in its own unique way!
In 1774, one of England's first ballet troupes, the 'Royal Italian Opera' was flourishing. The troupe had only recently formed in 1766 but had become immensely popular in London. This group of ballet performers were mostly Italian, and their dancing brought the drama and passion of Italy to London audiences, truly captivating those who loved the theatrical, vibrant nature of this new form of entertainment.
That evening, I was so delighted to find that the "Royal Italian Opera" were performing the beautiful "La Caccia". Imagine, a whole evening devoted to dance and stories brought to life with every plié, pirouette and arabesque! And while I was mesmerised, I tucked away notes for my time travel blog, little tidbits of the history and magic that swirled before my eyes. Oh, wouldn't it be simply lovely to have performed with them?!
But The Stage Isn't The Only Story...
Did you know that ballet was also beginning to grace the streets in a new, unexpected form in 1774? It's true, darlings! It wasn't just about theatre performances, you see.
Ballet started to weave its magic into more everyday activities - there were dancing masters giving lessons in the finer points of graceful movement to the society of London. It was a whole new avenue for young women to learn about posture and etiquette, and the way to carry oneself with the poise and elegance that society prized so much! It was delightful! I even overheard a few young ladies discussing how much they admired the delicate movement of a particular ballet dancer they had seen perform at a performance.
Ballet, A Force To Be Reckoned With
As the day drew to a close, the pink glow of the setting sun painted the sky, it felt almost like a goodbye, but a goodbye filled with hope. Ballet had blossomed and it was taking root, in the theatre and in the lives of the people themselves. And what a privilege it was for me to witness it all!
My Favourite Fashion Moments
The ladies of London! Oh, how I love those fashionable ladies! Such a sense of style. While it may not have been tutus (not yet, darlings, but I'm hoping I'll encourage a trend for pink tutus, wouldn't that be simply enchanting?) I fell in love with the dresses!
Imagine, darling, skirts that rustled like silk, gowns adorned with beautiful laces, and the intricate ribbons, and sashes...all part of the exquisite elegance of the ladies in 1774. The colours were like a symphony, pastels, muted blues, all perfectly balanced to highlight the natural beauty of each lady. So enchanting.
I even found an opportunity to pick up a delightful lace fabric at a charming market for a bit of bargain. I think I know just the perfect tutus I can create from this. And oh, if I could get my hands on some of the ribbon, I just adore how it twirls with movement! I can picture it now! A shimmering pink tutu accented with ribbons that twirl like a dancing fairy. Oh, it's enough to make any ballerina heart beat faster!
Back Home: More Time To Explore!
The air crackled again as we, Magic Meg and I, sped back through the years, with the gentle shimmer of her pink and gold, back to my world. As I write this, my blog entry, it's only just starting to sink in all the magic and elegance I have encountered. It's this magical exploration that makes me excited, thrilled to the bone! It is these voyages that help me shape my dreams of bringing more people into the glorious world of ballet!
It was so wonderful to witness how much ballet meant to the ladies in the 1700s, both as a spectator and in how they were learning how to move. They reminded me of myself, devoted to everything dance and graceful.
Remember, darlings, never stop dreaming about the places you might go and the memories you might collect. Time travel may be a fantasy for most, but I believe in the power of dreams and of finding your passion! It makes every journey, no matter how far or how long, an adventure.
Until next time, and keep those tutus twirling, my darlings!
Love,
Emma,
Your time traveling tutu enthusiast
