Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast and time traveller! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to September 9th, 1775 - can you believe it's almost been three hundred years since that day?
Buckle up, darlings, as we gallop back through time aboard Magic Meg, my fabulous pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane and tail like spun white silk. She might not be as quick as a rocket ship, but a good trot is just as good, wouldn't you say?
Now, where in the world of ballet did our time-traveling tutu find itself? Well, back in 1775, the world of ballet was alive with fascinating developments! Let me fill you in on all the pink-tastic details!
The Ballet World in 1775 - A Glimpse Through Time
Imagine, my dears, the world without the dazzling costumes and precise movements we adore in modern ballet. In 1775, ballet was still very much in its formative years, with strong roots in the French courtly dances.
The Italian School of Ballet: Italy, you see, was a hub for ballet back in the 1700s! The renowned Italian choreographer Gaetano Vestris was known for his leaps and pirouettes, captivating audiences everywhere with his “voltige” or aerial technique.
The Royal Ballet: Across the Channel, the Royal Ballet in London was gaining traction, but its style was still evolving. Back then, there weren't many opportunities for women to take centre stage; it was a world dominated by male dancers. Imagine that - no ballets filled with graceful ballerinas, oh the scandal!
Fashion Trends: Think opulent gowns with heavy fabrics, bodices cinched tightly, and powdered wigs that reached incredible heights. The ladies of the day loved the romantic charm of bouffant hairdos and elaborate ruffles and bows on their gowns, giving a touch of dramatic flair. Of course, the colours were very much in the natural palettes - think silks and satins in emerald greens, vibrant blues, and dusky roses.
My Tutu Adventure: So, as I trotted down memory lane aboard Magic Meg, I felt the buzz of anticipation. Today, our destination was Paris. You see, 1775 marked a very special event: The birth of the famed dancer Jean-Georges Noverre. Known as the “Father of Ballet”, he revolutionized ballet, introducing mime, dramatic choreography, and storytelling elements to the stage, creating what we know today as “ballets d’action.”
Dressed in a vibrant pink tulle tutu with intricate ribbons swirling down the front and a cascade of matching pink tulle trailing behind, I arrived at the Theatre des Tuileries. The city was vibrant and bustling with excitement, a kaleidoscope of colours and chatter.
It's funny, as I sat in the dimly lit theatre, I almost forgot about the powdered wigs and frilly ruffles that adorned the audience! Their fascination and applause when the curtain rose was pure theatre magic.
Finding Ballet Inspiration
Back at my Derbyshire farmhouse, surrounded by the scent of fresh tea and the sounds of country birdsong, I unpacked my rucksack, brimming with inspiration and treasures from my trip. This time, my treasure chest included a beautiful faded booklet containing Noverre’s choreography notes for his groundbreaking ballet “Psyche et Cupidon”, and an exquisitely detailed illustration of an elaborate stage costume. Imagine the delight of seeing how fashion was merging with dance back then.
I can't wait to recreate this look for our next ballet performance at the Derbyshire village hall!
Stay Pink, my loves!
Until next time, let's keep the pink tutu dreams alive! If you're ever curious about a date in ballet history, send me a message!
Love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
