#BalletHistory during 1790 08 August

Welcome, my fellow Tutu-ers, to Post Number 1556 of Pink Tutu Travels! This month, we’re whisking ourselves back to August 1790, to a time of powdered wigs, panniers, and a growing interest in dance – a time when ballet was evolving from its formal roots into a more expressive art form. As always, I’m your Pink Tutu Time Traveller, Emma, and my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the dazzling pink Shire with golden hooves, is already pawing the ground impatiently!

Buckle up, Tutu-ers, for a ballet blast from the past!

1790! Can you imagine the opulence of that era? Think grand balls with glittering chandeliers, ladies in towering headdresses, and gentlemen in richly-embroidered coats. Ballet costumes, whilst still formal and somewhat restrictive compared to today’s flexible styles, were no less dazzling. Silk, satin, and lace adorned the ballerinas, their skirts carefully controlled by the cumbersome but undeniably beautiful panniers. And just imagine – even back then, some fashion-forward ballerinas wore shades of pink! It’s no wonder my heart flutters at the mere thought of stepping into that time.

Our first stop is none other than the Théâtre de l'Opéra de Paris in Paris, France. 1790 was a tumultuous time, France was in the throes of revolution, yet, amidst the upheaval, ballet remained a cherished entertainment. As I step into the grand, chandelier-lit hall, my eyes light up at the elegance of the theatre. The audience is hushed, all eyes on the stage. Tonight, the ballet company is performing a piece by the famous dancer and choreographer, Jean-Georges Noverre, called "La Fête du Seigneur". It is a breathtaking experience, watching these dancers tell stories with their movements, a style that paved the way for the expressive dance we see today. I can’t resist reaching into my rucksack and sketching the movements, adding another cherished memory to my ever-growing collection of ballet stories!

We wouldn't be true Pink Tutu Time Travellers if we didn't take a hop across the channel to London. Now, it's a secret I rarely share with anyone else, but, well, King George III was a bit of a ballet fanatic, in my humble opinion! During my travels through his era, I've encountered stories of lavish performances at the royal courts and the King's fascination with the choreography of the French dancer and teacher, Pierre Gardel. That's right! This gentleman, a legend in the ballet world, was in London in the 1790s! I have a hunch that King George’s enthusiasm played a significant role in elevating ballet to a more prominent place in English society. My, how the world changes!

But we don't have to stop there! The magic of dance knows no boundaries, and 1790 is testament to that. Our time-travel journey continues to Vienna, the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where ballet thrived in court circles and even found a place in public theatres. In the enchanting Vienna Hofburg, home to the imperial family, dancers would captivate the Habsburg court with their elegance. Oh, how I imagine those exquisite ballroom performances, every movement imbued with the grand elegance of that bygone era!

Of course, no ballet escapade is complete without a little fashion exploration! During my time-travel exploits, I always sneak into a few shops – it's not unusual for a ballet blogger to have a secret passion for historical fashion, after all. 1790 is overflowing with delightful ideas! I found exquisite ballet slippers with satin bows, bonnets adorned with pearls, and an enchanting pink shawl that would fit perfectly in a dancer's wardrobe, just perfect for that bit of stage presence!

Remember, dear Tutu-ers, my rucksack is a treasure trove of dance history! Today, I’ve collected a newspaper clipping about "La Fête du Seigneur" from August 1790, a beautifully handwritten programme of performances in Vienna, a fragment of fabric from a ballerina's costume, and several sketch notes about Noverre's innovative approach to ballet choreography. My rucksack may be small, but it carries with it a world of untold stories.

My friends, this journey through August 1790 has reminded us of something truly magical – the power of dance transcends time, connecting people from different cultures and generations with a universal language of movement and emotion. And as always, my mission – to spread the joy of the pink tutu – goes on! So tell me, my lovely readers, do you have a pink tutu in your closet? Or is it a pink tutu that’s just waiting to be created?

Until next month, when we embark on another grand ballet time travel adventure, may your tutus be pink, your hearts be full, and your steps be light and full of joy!

Love, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com