#BalletHistory during 1784 11 November

Post Number: 1487

Hello darling dancers, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It’s time for another exciting journey through ballet history. This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and I have galloped all the way back to the 11th of November, 1784! Can you believe it? Imagine, London buzzing with energy, the wind whipping through my pink tulle, and the scent of freshly baked bread lingering in the air. What a treat!

As I'm sure you know, darling, time travelling is a taxing but thoroughly rewarding hobby. And just to give you a sneak peek into the workings of this whole time travelling lark, let me assure you that my sparkly pink shire horse is much more than just a pretty face – or rather, a beautiful mane and tail, in Magic Meg's case! The golden hooves are absolutely crucial for getting me to my destination in one piece. It’s no easy feat travelling back through time, you know!

Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. We all know why we’re here, right? It’s all about the ballet! Today’s post is all about discovering what ballet life looked like back in 1784.

So, darling, let's settle into a comfy spot with a cuppa and explore the vibrant world of ballet from almost three centuries ago!

1784, oh what a year it was! Not only did we have the first performance of Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Vienna Court Theatre, but we also witnessed the growing popularity of ballet across Europe. As I meandered through the bustling streets of London, I was fascinated by the diverse and intriguing ballet scene unfolding. From the stately ballet balls in elegant townhouses to the vibrant street performances showcasing impressive athleticism, the art of dance was everywhere!

Remember darling, the ballet world we see today wasn’t the structured world of classical ballet that we’re familiar with. In 1784, we still had much evolving to do in terms of choreography and the roles women played on stage. Don’t get me wrong, women were powerful figures in the ballet world. Take Marie Camargo for instance - a daring and trailblazing ballerina! In this period, there were plenty of strong women like her paving the way for ballet history. However, the choreography was not yet what we know and love today, and it was not solely focused on telling a story.

Oh, and one of the most delightful aspects of that era? Let me tell you all about the fashion!

Now, imagine yourself in a plush velvet gown with lace trimming, a voluminous pannier skirt creating a delightful silhouette, and maybe even a hint of silk stockings peeking through the delicate fabric. Imagine it, darlings, because that was the norm for women's ballet attire! This was long before the advent of our beloved pink tutus. Oh how I wish I could have had a pink tutu back then. You just know it would have looked magnificent.

For the male dancers, imagine elegant breeches, embroidered vests, and long, flowing coats. Can you picture the intricate patterns and opulent details? Think of them strutting across the stage, their movements a symphony of elegance and power. I did, in fact, purchase a stunning piece of brocade for my ballet rucksack. My collection is growing!

In a way, darling, this era represented an extraordinary moment in the history of ballet, where fashion and dance became intertwined in a whirlwind of glamour.

So, while I’ve been time travelling and doing all that shopping for ballet goodies for my collection, I have to tell you about a particularly exciting discovery. In an antique bookshop tucked away in a London side street, I came across an intriguing document – a rare journal belonging to a ballet dancer named Charles Le Brun. Now, Charles wasn’t just any dancer, darling, he was a renowned teacher, and this journal documented his ballet routines. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks transcribing and translating this amazing treasure. Oh, darling, I cannot tell you how wonderful it has been. It’s a fascinating peek into the world of ballet and dance during the 1780s. Just wait till you hear me dance these routines! Imagine them in pink! It will be an unforgettable ballet event for the ages.

Of course, it would be churlish of me not to mention that I have been enjoying some wonderful performances in London’s playhouses. I witnessed an enthralling ballet with incredibly acrobatic dancers - some of the moves made my knees wobble! Imagine all those pirouettes! Imagine if you had a tutu made from pink spun silk, it would have twirled gloriously! Sadly, my pocket money for the time has gone to these wonderful shows.

Well, that brings our journey back to 1784 to a close, darling. I simply can’t wait to tell you about our next trip! For now, why don’t you head over to the comments section and share your thoughts on the ballet world of the 18th century! Oh, and let me know if you’d like a suggestion for a lovely pink tutu – I’m more than happy to offer my expert advice!

Remember, darling, never forget to twirl!

With love and lots of twirls,

Emma, The Pink Tutu Blogger

P.S. Do keep an eye on the blog next month for my exclusive post about the world of ballet fashion from the Victorian Era! You won’t want to miss it!