Hello my gorgeous darlings!
Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another whirl through the fascinating world of ballet history! This month I'm back in the heart of the 18th century, December 12th 1775, to be precise, riding on the back of my gorgeous pink shimmering Shire, Magic Meg, with my trusty leather rucksack full of ballet treasures, ready for another time travelling adventure!
Did you know that ballet back then wasn't quite like the ballet we know today? Ballet was starting to develop a stronger, more sophisticated style and some of the things they wore and did were absolutely amazing! Today's blog post is going to delve into that wonderful world, full of fabulous costumes, and some of the most influential ballerinas in history. But first, a bit of personal news, if you don't mind my babbling!
As a little treat to myself, and because December is the season of glitter and good times, I just couldn't resist a spot of ballet shopping in the glorious vintage and second-hand shops of Derby! Now I don't want to boast, but let's just say, my tutu collection has expanded by at least three shimmering beauties this week!
And wouldn't you know it, I actually found an incredible, almost forgotten 1930s satin tutu in a dusky pink shade, almost like a sunrise - and just you wait until you see the delicate, sparkling sequins that are scattered across its surface! Honestly, it is a vision of ethereal beauty, just waiting to be twirled on a stage. The lovely lady in the shop swore she felt a whisper of magical ballet energy radiating from it - just imagine how fabulous it would have been in a 1930s ballet, when tutus really were all about that breathtaking drama! But I do love a good history chat... Back to our trip!
Onwards then to this grand journey, a quick ride on Meg back through the mists of time - remember to always bring an umbrella, the weather can be so unpredictable on these historical adventures - and we're there! Imagine stepping into a cobbled courtyard in London in 1775. There are candle lanterns casting dancing shadows on the cobblestones, and a bustling energy in the air. There's a whiff of warming chimney smoke and a festive energy as we approach Covent Garden. We are ready to explore what ballet is like in 1775.
The streets of London in 1775 are alive with the buzz of excitement. Theatres, filled with candlelight and vibrant red velvet, are the social heart of the city, drawing audiences from all walks of life to experience the wonder of live performance. Ballet is a captivating draw, but in 1775, it is evolving.
Just around the corner from Drury Lane theatre - home of so many ballet and opera extravaganzas, which would later be the stage for the first major ballet company - is one of the most famous dance academies of the day, founded by Mr. Desbarre! The elegant dancers were renowned for their exquisite technical skills, but their performance styles often emphasized the storytelling aspect, which I think is fantastic! You could feel a real dramatic passion in their movements, unlike some of the more robotic styles that came later. Just imagine a story coming alive before your very eyes, through the movements and grace of the dancers, accompanied by an orchestra playing some of the most beautiful and emotionally powerful music of the time! Isn't it amazing? I just love how different ballet used to be - much more emotive!
The Wonderful World of Ballet Fashion in 1775
Ballet fashion back then was truly amazing! Picture this, my darlings: Delicate white silk gowns were all the rage - so simple, yet utterly breathtaking in their elegance! Imagine a skirt that ripples and floats as a ballerina takes centre stage. This graceful image is one of the most influential moments in the evolution of the tutu, the foundation for those gorgeous tutus I wear on all my time travelling adventures! It was this elegant vision of the early tutu - called a "jupe à la Polichinelle" which was short and tiered - that revolutionised ballet fashion and allowed ballerinas like Marie Sallé, Anna Barbara "Baronne" van der Heijden, and Marie Camargo to finally free their movements and show the world the incredible power of their artistry!
Dancing Stars of 1775
As I venture into the historic performance venues of London, a wonderful sensation of theatrical excitement envelops me. It is time for some show-stopping magic and a bit of ballet-inspired history for you my dears! I'm going to whisk you back to a theatre filled with eager anticipation, as I transport us to a real performance of 1775 London! Imagine gaslight flickering over the audience, casting glimmering shadows as we all take our seats for a night of spectacle and grace, and the orchestra begins to play!
On the stage, the famous Auguste Vestris, a master of the ballet at this time, is commanding the attention of everyone, his technique elegant and effortlessly graceful. The "Jeune Vestris," a ballerina who had gained immense recognition, captivated audiences, known for the daring jumps she would incorporate into her performance.
Anna Barbara "Baronne" van der Heijden - known to all as "The Dutch Fury" - was known as one of the best and most fashionable female ballet performers at this time. Her famous 1730 performance of Les Caractères de la Danse revolutionized what the public thought ballet was all about! Her costumes were some of the most luxurious ever seen - silks, brocades, satins, glittering jewels... you can imagine what my eyes are doing right now - just dreaming of recreating some of her famous outfits - and, of course, what outfit would I be wearing? Why pink, of course - a gloriously vibrant pink silk gown trimmed with delicate white lace! The perfect choice for an enchanting night at the ballet.
This is just a taste of the enchanting ballet world of 1775. And now I must away! Back to my vintage ballet treasures and getting myself ready to watch Sleeping Beauty in Derby's gorgeous theatre! You just cannot go wrong with this classic ballet masterpiece! The tutus are going to be incredible - maybe even a pink one or two! - and those elegant steps are the most elegant I have ever seen in a classical ballet. Don't forget my darlings, spread the pink tutu love and I'll catch you all in the world of pink and ballet next month!
And oh my darlings! I absolutely must leave you with this thought for your week, to bring some sparkle and ballet joy to your world: Think pink! It’s a bold choice, it's utterly charming, it’s fun and it’s a fantastic statement to the world of your individual beauty and your own special kind of magic! Until next month... happy twirling!
With love, Emma.
