Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another installment of your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballet blog. As always, my magical pink shire horse Meg and I have been busy galavanting through the corridors of time, uncovering fascinating ballet moments and secrets for your delightful consumption. This month, we’re taking a twirl back to 1st January, 1776, for a journey to the heart of the … drum roll … American Revolution! Yes, you heard me right! I know, it doesn’t sound very ballet-y at first glance, but trust me, the links are there, and we’ll unravel them all.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Emma, time-travelling through a revolution? What could be ballet-related in that chaos?" But that's where the fun lies, lovelies! As we gallop through the history books, I’m always uncovering fascinating connections between the world of dance and other seemingly unrelated events. It's all about understanding how dance was evolving in that period, and how the wider world of fashion, art, and politics were shaping ballet and its influence.
I’ll confess, my first impression of this time period was somewhat surprising. You see, I’m a bit of a girly-girl, so stepping back into the pre-French Revolution era, I half expected to encounter some serious corsetry and powdered wigs – you know, a bit of a historical fashion nightmare. Luckily, 1776 had just a touch of that – enough to be interesting, but not so restrictive that we couldn’t sashay around! I felt a little bold venturing out in my bright pink tutu in a period so focussed on formality and muted colour, but as I strutted confidently around London streets, I realised that maybe it was a chance to be the first person to bring a touch of daringly flamboyant ballet style to the 18th century.
I’ve got to tell you, though, I’m a sucker for any occasion where I can wear my gorgeous pink tutu, so naturally, Meg and I galloped right into London for some fashion inspiration. It was amazing! While ballet as we know it didn't have the same mainstream popularity back then, that didn't stop the aristocracy from making their grand entrances. It seems every social gathering, from royal balls to country-house parties, became a performance. Can you imagine waltzing your way into the London Season with your finest feathered headpiece and silk panniers? Just picture yourself with a grand entrance at a gathering at The Pantheon, or waltzing in an elaborately adorned drawing-room in Covent Garden! Imagine me, in my vibrant pink tutu, gliding through the crowd. They would have been aghast and absolutely entranced! Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
Okay, okay, I know you're dying for some proper ballet updates from 1776. Let me fill you in. On the 1st January 1776, no major ballet premieres were scheduled. I'm sure that doesn't come as a surprise. However, behind the scenes, ballet schools were buzzing with activity. Even though the stage might not have been alight with grand productions, aspiring ballerinas, adorned in the era’s ballet footwear - think dainty, soft leather slippers - were practicing their elegant poses, mastering the technique that would set the foundation for the ballets of the future.
However, the revolutionary mood that was bubbling up in the colonies of America did have a slight impact on the English ballet world. While most of England remained a world of formality and powdered wigs, there was a certain element of revolution in the air. There was a strong call for change - just as the Americans wanted their freedom, the ballet world was longing for something different and a fresh expression. You could feel it in the innovative choreographies being developed by master dance teachers, in the whispers of new ballet movements gaining traction in exclusive training studios, and in the bold leaps that were starting to make their way into performances in London's fashionable circles.
Of course, ballet didn't stand still in 1776. Some big-time movers and shakers were gracing the stage across Europe. There were some fascinating and flamboyant Italian ballerinas captivating audiences with their performances, especially in Vienna, where Italian choreography was highly valued. And in the Paris Opera, you had Madame Contri, who brought the Italian style to the French ballet with an exquisite touch, a true style icon, leaving the French ballerina audience enraptured! I'd love to step into the wings of that theater. Oh my goodness, how thrilling! Can you imagine, to witness these magnificent dancers with your own eyes? I would have been pinching myself to be sure I wasn't dreaming!
Talking of fashion, darling, have I got a surprise for you! You know how I adore the extravagant costumes and accessories of ballet. 1776 was a fascinating period for the evolving look of the ballet dancers. They loved to experiment, embracing the fashionable elements of the day. From elegant dresses in silks, satins, and velvets, often adorned with embroidery or lace, to elaborate coiffures, to delicate jewels and striking headdresses. They certainly knew how to steal the show with their ensemble. Just like today, those magnificent details turned them into stars!
Don't worry, darlings! My trusty leather rucksack is always packed with exquisite relics from my travels, a whole collection of snippets and stories of this historical moment in time. My favourite find in my travels? A delicately crafted dance shoe - a ballet slipper from the time, it's beautifully preserved, a precious reminder of the balletic elegance and artistry that graced this period. This little shoe whispered to me stories of dancing, artistry and resilience, how dance was evolving to take its rightful place in society. It feels almost magical to hold a little part of this incredible world!
The ballet scene, just like our little world of pink tutus and time travel, is always in flux, a vibrant expression of the world around it, ever-changing and brimming with creativity! As I stand here in the bright light of a new day in 1776, with my shimmering pink tutu catching the morning sun and Meg pawing at the ground impatiently, I’m already planning my next adventure! Maybe next time we’ll explore the world of ballet during the French Revolution... what do you say, darlings? Are you ready for more pink-tutu filled fun?
See you next month for another whirlwind adventure, darling!
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com! There you'll find all the pink-tutu goodness - behind-the-scenes stories from our adventures, my ballet performance schedule, and, of course, fabulous photos of me in my favourite pink tutu. Go ahead and give it a click - your next ballet adventure awaits!
