Hey beautiful ballet lovers! 💖 Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballerina! It's time for another magical trip back through history, and this month we're heading to…wait for it… April 4th, 1777!
You're probably wondering what was happening in the world of ballet on this date. Well, let me tell you, 1777 was a pretty special time! We're talking the dawn of the Romantic Era, with all its dramatic costumes, beautiful storytelling, and emphasis on graceful, ethereal movements. Ballet was really coming into its own!
But first, let’s talk about Magic Meg! She’s looking fabulous today, with her mane and tail shining brighter than a spotlight. She just adores time travelling, and she's already rearing to go! I love this pink-loving shire horse so much – she’s like my best friend, my faithful companion on all my time-traveling adventures! She’s even wearing a pink ribbon in her mane today! 💖
Anyway, back to 1777! The French Revolution was brewing, which brought a whole new set of social changes. It wasn't always easy to dance and be merry in such a turbulent time, but you know what? Ballet is an amazing way to escape from reality for a little while and let your imagination run wild. Just imagine the joy it would have brought to those in Paris – perhaps even the revolutionaries!
This year, however, the most significant event was a major one – the debut of the ballet Zephyr, by Jean-Georges Noverre, who many believe to be the true father of ballet as we know it today. He introduced real storytelling and emotional expression into his work, revolutionising how people perceived dance. He changed ballet from a courtly tradition to something everyone could enjoy, something full of passion, beauty, and life. I can't wait to witness this milestone and witness the first performance!
Fashionwise, the 1770s saw some major trends that I find utterly divine! Imagine women in graceful dresses with flowing silks, with bodices intricately adorned with ribbons and lace. Just perfect for swirling, twirling, and dancing! The costumes worn by the ballerinas of this era were so extravagant. Think long, trailing skirts, puffy sleeves, and plenty of sequins! They were almost like walking, breathing, shimmering dreams!
Just thinking about this era gives me the urge to shop! Imagine all the lovely brocades, silks and lace that I could be wearing… I'd probably pick out some divine ruffles for my tutu, and I’d definitely want to try on those pretty, high-waisted gowns, perhaps with some charming lace trims!
But speaking of tutus, the 1770s didn’t exactly see tutus like we know them today! Ballet skirts were more flowing and elegant, almost like gowns! I imagine they danced beautifully in these ethereal creations! The ballerinas themselves looked simply divine! Can you imagine dancing in those garments with such exquisite finesse? Just beautiful.
To help preserve this amazing era, I’m packing my leather rucksack with all sorts of goodies. I have a brand new ballet shoe I'll be gifting to a young dancer, some lovely silk for a charming outfit, and some handwritten poems about ballet for a dancer's keepsake! This year's prize, however, will be a first edition copy of Noverre's 'Letters on Dancing and Ballets,' one of the most important texts about ballet ever written. Imagine owning that – a piece of history! It will be my newest and most precious find.
I have to admit I’m a little bit nervous for the ballet performance. It's all a bit different from what I'm used to in my own time! There’ll be no giant digital screens, no orchestra in the pit, no plush, red velvet seats! But I have a feeling that the storytelling and emotion of this era’s ballet will truly amaze me! Just wait till you hear about the story and characters of Zephyr – so romantic! I can hardly wait!
And who knows what we'll find on our adventures in the world of ballet?
Don’t forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com! That’s where I’ll be posting photos and videos of my incredible time travelling trip! Let me know in the comments below what other historical eras you'd love to visit! Perhaps I could even have a pink tutu dance-off with a dancer from the 1770s! Imagine the photos for the blog! 🩰
Until next month, my lovely ballet fans, keep twirling! ✨
