#BalletHistory during 1779 05 May

Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another exciting chapter in my Pink Tutu Time Travels! Buckle up your tutus, grab your teacups, and let's take a little trip back in time, this month landing us on the 5th of May, 1779. It's a date that, like many in ballet history, holds its own little piece of magic, which I’m just dying to share!

This month, I’m channeling the spirit of romanticism. I know you might be thinking, "Romantic? Doesn’t that usually mean lovey-dovey?" Well, in this case, it’s a lot more than just hearts and flowers! The late 18th century, that time between 1750-1850, was absolutely overflowing with intellectual ferment, artistic flair, and yes, even a dash of dreamy romance!

And who better to journey back in time with than me and my trusty steed, Magic Meg? Now, she's truly something else: a stunning pink sparkling shire with hooves like polished gold and a white mane and tail that shimmers like spun moonlight.

Oh, and let's not forget the pièce de résistance, my wardrobe for this time travel escapade! A delicate pink tutu, fluttering and dancing around my ankles, and my ever-reliable leather rucksack overflowing with notes, stories, and other treasures gathered on my travels.

But let’s get back to 1779! Now, in the world of ballet, 1779 marks a very special moment. Remember, dear readers, that during the 18th century, ballet was deeply connected with courtly traditions. So think grand costumes, elaborate sets, and aristocratic audiences. In that era, the focus was on precise technique, graceful steps, and, dare I say it, a touch of stiff formality.

This year, it seems our dancing heartthrob, Jean-Georges Noverre, is making quite the stir! He’s a choreographer, a ballet master, who believed that dance needed to be more expressive and meaningful. And how does he achieve this? By embracing storytelling! That's right, folks, he believed ballet could tell tales, reveal emotions, and bring stories to life. I dare say he was an early influencer for “ballet as storytelling” movement we still enjoy today!

Now, back to my travels! We arrive at the Palais Garnier, the grandest opera house in Paris. Inside, the air crackles with anticipation! I squeeze myself onto a gilded bench next to a duchess, her wig looking positively mountainous. The curtain rises on an incredible spectacle: dancers swirling with breathtaking grace, their steps and gestures a tapestry of movement. Oh, how I wish I could twirl with them!

After the show, I wander through the bustling Parisian streets. People whisper excitedly about Noverre’s vision. I even spot a charming fellow sketching dancers’ poses with incredible detail - talk about inspiration!

Of course, a Pink Tutu Time Traveller doesn’t simply observe! I sneakily, I might add, acquire a lovely piece of sheet music, and manage to snag an exquisite pair of shoes from a retired ballerina. Oh, don't worry, I paid generously in time-travel fashion, offering the Parisian shopkeeper some beautifully crafted hand-knitted gloves! My back pack now contains this little treasure and so much history for you to discover at Pink Tutu.com.

The highlight of my trip was discovering a small atelier where the dancers were perfecting their graceful moves. Imagine this: a charming, cobblestoned courtyard filled with sunshine, where dancers practised steps under the watchful eye of their teacher.

Now, for the piece de resistance: their training focused on grace and precision. Remember, dear readers, the elegance and precision of these 18th-century dancers are a lesson for us all. They reminded me how to truly be present in my body, and in every step, and, of course, how to wear that tutu with complete confidence.

This trip reminded me, it wasn't until later that ballet truly began to bloom as the art form we know and love. In the years that followed, dancers embraced new styles, movements, and emotional expression. Ballet, much like my Pink Tutu Time Travels, blossomed and bloomed into something even more captivating.

As you see, darling readers, every journey, every trip I make, takes me deeper into the heart of dance. And with every discovery, my hope is to inspire YOU to put on your pink tutu, to dream big, and to explore the fascinating history that dance has to offer.

As always, thank you for sharing this time-traveling adventure with me. And don't forget, for your monthly dose of Pink Tutu time-travel blog goodness, visit www.pink-tutu.com, my ballet archive!

Till next month, dear readers! Always keep twirling.

Emma