Post #1417 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history, fashion, and, of course, pink tutus! 🎀
This month, I’ve taken a delightful trip back to January 1st, 1779, and let me tell you, it was an absolute whirlwind of petticoats and powder!
I set off from my little cottage in Derbyshire, my faithful companion Magic Meg pawing the ground excitedly. Magic Meg is a truly magical pink Shire horse, you know - her coat shimmers like a thousand rose petals, her hooves gleam like gold, and her mane and tail are as white as the fresh snow falling around us.
She loves travelling back in time as much as I do, and together we’re a force to be reckoned with in the world of time travel! 💫
So, I settled into the saddle, my custom-made pink leather rucksack snug on my back, ready to collect all the ballet-licious bits and bobs from the past.
As we landed on a cobblestone street in London, my senses were overwhelmed! There were carriages rumbling by, gentlemen with powdered wigs, and ladies in voluminous gowns. I mean, seriously, I couldn’t help but wonder if their clothes weighed a ton! It took all my willpower not to rush to the nearest dressmaker and request a ballgown as fluffy as a cloud. 😂
Anyway, as always, I had to start my adventures with a spot of ballet. Now, in 1779, ballet was still evolving, and a true balletmania was yet to sweep across the nation. But the excitement was bubbling!
One of the highlights of the early 1770s was the incredible Noverre, who brought a new passion to ballet. You see, back then, it was more about beautiful costumes and extravagant decor than genuine expression. Noverre, the “Father of Modern Ballet”, wanted to tell stories through movement and emotion, and oh boy, was he doing a stellar job!
He'd established a "ballet d'action" in London back in 1772 and even introduced a ballet company that featured stunning choreography inspired by myths and legends. Sadly, it didn’t last long, but he had truly inspired the next generation of dancers, and London's ballet scene was alive with fresh ideas and daring movements!
I actually stumbled upon a tiny ballet performance tucked away in a tucked-away theatre! It was more of a little gathering than a grand spectacle, but the dancers were full of fire and grace. I particularly adored one little dancer with a mop of ginger hair - she danced with such enthusiasm and a contagious smile that she could have melted hearts in a room full of icy kings! I couldn't help myself, I ran up to her after the performance, giving her a warm hug, praising her talent and whispering my wish for all young girls to experience the sheer joy of dancing. ✨
Speaking of fashion! Let's just say 1779 had me seriously coveting some historical styles. Imagine! Fluffy powdered wigs for everyone! I just adore the elegance of powdered curls, even if it seems like it would take a week to get ready for a simple ballet class! And the elaborate gowns, the beautiful floral prints, and the delicate ruffles – I wanted to wear them all! But then again, my pink tutu always brings me such joy. It's a little piece of me and reminds me to embrace the world with sparkle and delight! 💖
Later that evening, I found myself at a theatre in London. While I didn’t get to see Noverre’s work, I did see a magnificent performance featuring a mix of music, singing, and dancing! There were pantomimes, operas, and a spectacle called "The Wonders of Nature" with elaborate scenery and theatrical tricks. Oh, the world of theatre back then was something truly spectacular.
The next day, I rode Magic Meg out of London and back to my home in Derbyshire. As I saw the rolling hills and quaint cottages, I was filled with a sense of peace. But I knew, deep down, that my heart would forever be drawn back to the world of ballet, of past and present, and of all things pink and tutu-licious! 💖
I'm sure you're wondering what the next chapter holds for me in the world of time travel! And you know what, I’m ready for it. I have my tutu ready, my rucksack is filled with notes and ideas, and Magic Meg is patiently waiting by the stable. Just give me a shout, and I’ll be ready to jump through the annals of time to another fabulous adventure in ballet!
See you soon, darlings! ✨
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
