Hello, my darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink, twirling, and ballet-tastic! This month, I’ve whisked myself back in time to July 7th, 1785! It’s an exciting date, packed with so much to discover, so hold onto your tiaras and get ready to leap through history with me!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, a magnificent pink-sparkling Shire with a mane like spun gold and hooves that glint like diamonds, has once again carried me through time. Today, the sun is shining in a perfectly dreamy way, and even my very pink tutu doesn't feel too out of place (although I might need a few adjustments for a more "18th-century chic" vibe!). I'm in Derbyshire, my beloved home county, where I always feel a sense of comfort and belonging – it’s the perfect backdrop for this ballet-infused adventure.
This time travel, dear readers, isn't just about dancing. I’m on a mission to bring back fascinating tidbits of ballet history, the most stunning costume inspirations, and a few snippets of revolutionary ballet performance trends. Oh, and you know me! It wouldn't be a proper Pink Tutu time travel if I didn't grab a few darling little trinkets for my ballet collection (because even my favourite time travel has a healthy dose of shopping involved! 😉).
Now, onto the main event: What’s the ballet world looking like back in 1785?
Well, imagine a time where the very concept of "ballet" is still quite new. This wasn’t a time of the grand ballets we know today – think "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty." Back then, ballet was mainly used to showcase dance in a more courtly and social setting, and these little “ballet performances” were generally considered to be very lavish events. There weren’t many ballet schools or studios in the sense that we know them. They were more like private studios where noble families could hire tutors to learn the graceful moves of ballet, usually to show off their status and beauty.
However, even in these early days, the power of dance was growing, and several notable personalities were shaping the world of ballet. The "ballet master," Pierre Gardel, was absolutely killing it on the ballet scene back in 1785. He'd created new techniques and styles which were all the rage amongst the fashionable Parisian circles. We’re talking elaborate steps, intricate movements – a whole lot of dazzling drama for a time when dancing was more about graceful swaying!
The highlight of 1785? Oh, how I would have loved to see it! That’s right – on this very date, a whole new dance craze took Paris by storm! The waltz was born! Imagine the whirlwind of romance, the light airy steps, the swirling skirts... oh, it makes me just want to leap back into that era and spin right alongside everyone else. You just have to think, all those ballet lessons finally paying off, with such elegance and grace. It’s the ballet version of falling in love! *
Of course, no time travel to the 18th century would be complete without a dive into the dazzling fashion! I can imagine a beautiful silk and satin pink tutu being a hit for that era, with frills, ruffles, and a little sprinkle of sparkle for good measure! They weren't afraid of a bit of colour back then. And speaking of colours, my pink satchel is overflowing with beautiful scraps of silk, brocades, and delicate lace I've found tucked away in little shops and antique markets – pure ballet fashion inspiration right here! I’ll be sharing those with you later in the week.
My time travel always brings a sense of connection, knowing that the love of dance has always been a powerful force, driving individuals across the centuries to leap, twirl, and share their passion. I feel a deep kinship with those who danced in 1785, dreaming their ballet dreams.
But my journey’s not quite over! You’ll be seeing me again next month for a ballet adventure to another fascinating date in history, full of new stories, inspiring discoveries, and oh, a new pink tutu, of course.
Remember, every ballerina's journey starts with a single pirouette – so get out there and twirl your heart out!
Stay sparkling and ballet-tastic! 🩰✨
Love,
Emma 💕
