#BalletHistory during 1781 06 June

Hello my dearest pink tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to another adventure with me, Emma, your time-traveling ballerina blogger. This month, I'm whisking us back to the enchanting era of 1781, June 6th, to be exact. My trusty steed, the majestic, sparkling pink Shire, Magic Meg, galloped me straight into the heart of history – all in the name of discovering ballet's fascinating past.

The world, as always, was in a spin, both literally and figuratively. From the vibrant courts of Europe to the bustling city streets, there was so much to experience. As I always say, the best part of time travel is soaking up the atmosphere and seeing how ballet fits into the bigger picture.

We started our journey in Paris, the heart of ballet during this time. The French revolution was just a few years away, yet the air buzzed with an exciting sense of freedom and change. And who better to embody this spirit than Jean-Georges Noverre, the revolutionary choreographer who changed the landscape of ballet! He was at the peak of his fame, stirring up the Parisian ballet world with his daring and innovative ideas. Noverre wanted to break free from the rigid, ceremonial ballets of the past, focusing on dramatic expression, narrative, and a more naturalistic approach. The world of dance, much like fashion, was shedding its layers and moving toward something bolder and more individualistic.

It was like I had stumbled onto the set of a play – all elegant powdered wigs and beautiful swirling silks, even on the men! You’d never catch me out without a touch of pink, so I couldn’t resist joining in with a sprinkle of sparkle and the flutter of my tulle in the vibrant Parisian air. And can we talk about those shoes? They were dainty little slippers, with no heel and made from silk! Just imagining those silk slippers fluttering over the stage, making such light, elegant movements... well, I felt a tickle in my toes just thinking about it!

Speaking of ballet, there were many exciting performances happening across the globe! Imagine the spectacle of seeing Marie Allard, one of the greatest dancers of the time, performing at the Paris Opera! The whole scene just oozed elegance – the velvet curtains, the dazzling lights, and, of course, the graceful movement of the dancers. It felt like a dream, watching these legendary performers and thinking, “I’m here, living this moment.” My ballet rucksack bulged with excitement as I added sketches of the costumes and descriptions of the ballets to my collection of the most enchanting moments from the world of ballet.

No trip back in time is complete without my fabulous friend Magic Meg! Imagine, my dear, this pink beauty, sparkling like a jewel, with golden hooves that shimmer with a warm glow, all capped off with a glorious, flowing white mane and tail. And did I mention the feather plume? Just perfect! You wouldn’t believe the reaction I got from the horse enthusiasts in the period! “What a wondrous horse!” they’d exclaim, and my heart would swell with pride as I thanked Magic Meg with a little wink. My favourite part? She even managed to eat the flowers they gave her while we stopped to rest during our time travel - talk about sophisticated tastes!

Our journey led us to London, where the fashion scene was buzzing with elaborate powdered wigs, stunning gowns, and exquisite lace trimmings. Can we talk about the intricate floral decorations? The hair! My dear, it was truly an inspiring feast for the senses.

Oh, but of course, my favourite thing in any city, is seeing what ballet was like. Here we found the royal court celebrating the 19th Birthday of King George the Third’s son, with opera singer Mr. Waldron giving a rendition of "L'Angoisse", which was composed for his famous voice. It is believed to have been accompanied by ballet and this reminded me of why we should never overlook the smaller moments, because each of them contributed to the grand art form of ballet.

This month’s time travel adventure reminded me, once again, of how incredible the world of ballet is, how connected its history is with other forms of art, fashion, and the world in general. It's about much more than just dancing; it's about sharing stories, emotions, and culture with the world.

And as always, I’m on a mission to bring the joy and grace of ballet into the lives of everyone around the world. Remember, pink tutus are not just about appearances; they are about self-expression, confidence, and a sprinkle of magical, joyful energy.

Join me again next month as we venture to another enchanting point in history!

Stay sparkly!

Love, Emma 💖