#BalletHistory during 1779 04 April

Hello, darling readers! It’s Emma, your resident tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This month, my shimmering pink tutu and I have travelled back to the 4th of April, 1779. Let me tell you, this date has a special place in my heart – the date of the very first ballet to be performed in Russia, my absolute favourite place to indulge in some ballerinas and bonbons!

We’re still riding the magic that was last month’s Italian adventure. My dearest Magic Meg, my majestic, pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, pulled my travelling carriage (with enough room for a wardrobe change or two, naturally) right through the magical portal to St Petersburg. And oh my goodness, what an amazing adventure!

This specific day in history was quite the spectacle! You see, the Imperial Russian Theatre put on the first-ever ballet performance in their gorgeous theatre, right in the heart of the city. Imagine my delight – ballet, a brand-new, grand stage, and beautiful tutus all rolled into one? Heaven! I have to tell you, my darling readers, seeing that magnificent theatre all lit up, ready to bring this wonderful form of art to life, it was almost as thrilling as seeing a ballet itself.

This performance wasn’t just any random ballet, either! It was the premiere of a piece called ‘The Symbolic Feast, Or The Feast of Neptune’ - it featured some incredible dancers (one particularly fabulous performer, Monsieur Guillaume was definitely a fan favourite) and costumes with the most intricate embroidery I’ve seen in my travels!

Of course, I snagged myself some stunning bits and bobs from that era - a couple of delightful beaded garters and a fabric swatch of a beautiful, blush pink tutu worn by one of the lead ballerinas! (Let’s just say that’s not something you find at a typical vintage market, haha!)

But don’t think for a second that I’m letting history be just about the glamour – I learned SO MUCH about the background of Russian ballet. I’ve added some incredible tales about how the company, known as the “The Ballet Imperial” (now the iconic Mariinsky Theatre) evolved and changed its ways of creating this magical dance form, to my ballet historical knowledge and it was a joy to witness firsthand.

## Fashion and Shopping:

Now, we can’t talk about Russian ballet without indulging in their exquisite fashion, wouldn’t you agree, darling? The dancers were breathtaking! I’m positively dying over their gorgeous embroidered ballet slippers (and yes, darling readers, I nabbed a few for my personal collection). They reminded me of those gorgeous shoes that ballerinas still wear today, only much more elegant and embellished. And those tutus, with all those tiny, twinkling crystals! Talk about pure elegance!

You know how much I adore those stunning, swirling tutu skirts and this historical trip provided me with even more inspiration! I couldn’t help myself from acquiring a vintage embroidered silk shawl which perfectly complements a lovely pale pink satin tutu. I might even wear it to my upcoming show, but I won't spoil the surprise - all in due time!

While in St Petersburg, I spent hours browsing through antique stores. (They have some exquisite crystal jewellery – perfect for a sparkling look!). But I must say, darling readers, finding antique ballet garments – now that’s real treasure hunting! And yes, I did get my hands on some seriously unique items – including an exquisite, embroidered bodice (which will definitely be on my website very soon) - and of course a delightful porcelain doll of an iconic ballerina that I just can't leave behind.

Before we wrap up this adventure, my darlings, I want to share with you some news that made my time travelling heart skip a beat: on this very day in 1779, the ballet world was brimming with excitement. You see, the great ballet choreographer Gaspard Angiolini, whose choreography captivated audiences across Europe, was finishing up the second act of ‘The Love-sick Soldier', a comedic ballet full of heart-warming scenes and dazzling choreography (and tutus, naturally! My favourite! ) that was set to premiere the very next month. It makes me think - just how incredible are those dancers who learn a brand new piece in such a short time?! Talk about dedication to art!

You see, my lovely readers, ballet wasn’t limited to one city, oh no! It was a truly global sensation back in the 1700s. Even though our journey brought us to the frosty, glamorous capital of Russia, the world of ballet was swirling around us! Think Vienna with its grand Imperial Ballet company, England with its exciting and playful ballet scenes (more about this in my next post!), and even India – yes, even India had its own form of ballet back then! The world was full of stunning movement and artistry, which just goes to show how the beauty of ballet transcends borders.

That brings us to the end of my whirlwind adventure for this month, my dears. But before you go, a reminder, my Pink-Tutu readers, to embrace the elegance and joy that ballet brings! Pick up your ballet slippers and twirl to your heart’s content. Let me know what you're reading, wearing, watching, and most importantly, where you'd love to see me travel next in the comments. Remember, you can find all the information for my next performance in Derbyshire (and to support my time travelling!) on my website. Until next month, darling readers, happy twirling and dreaming big, just like a ballerina! ✨💖🩰

Stay fabulous, Emma