Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and this month, we're whisking ourselves back to 1790! I've packed my pinkest tutu, grabbed my trusty rucksack, and bridled Magic Meg, my beautiful pink shire with her golden hooves, white mane, and tail that sparkles like a thousand diamonds. We’re about to embark on a whirlwind journey through time!
This month, our time travel adventure lands us right in the middle of September 1790, a date teeming with captivating ballet events and discoveries waiting to be unearthed. Just imagine the delightful surprises in store, all tucked away within the vibrant tapestry of ballet history!
It's almost impossible to believe that ballet was once seen as a bit... scandalous, especially for a young woman like myself! I've always known ballet as an art form that is powerful, graceful, and utterly captivating. It embodies beauty, strength, and an unmatched level of artistry, so it's hard for me to understand how anyone could find it anything other than utterly enthralling! However, my trip to September 1790 will hopefully shed some light on that intriguing historical twist.
First things first, before I can set my sights on the ballet world, let's take a peek into life as a young woman in 1790. It was a world very different from our modern era! Fashion was bold, opulent, and, dare I say, a touch over-the-top, which is right up my alley! Ladies sported towering hairstyles with elaborate curls, powdered wigs, and even feather decorations – I could see a certain je ne sais quoi there! And, of course, their attire involved generous layers of ruffles, frills, and delicate laces, quite like the layers in my favourite pink tutus!
So what’s happening in the ballet world this month?
It's a period when ballet was taking the world by storm, particularly in France, which has always been the heart of ballet, in my opinion.
*In Paris, The Palais Royal, which we could call a precursor to our modern theatres, is alive with the art of ballet. *
It's the era of the French choreographer and ballet master, Pierre Gardel (born in 1758). His revolutionary techniques, his choreography, and his approach to balletic movements are creating a buzz in the ballet world.
Gardel, just like me, was all about beauty, and even incorporated mime into his performances. This is where things can get a little... scandalous. A good deal of the time, the “mimes” incorporated scenes from comedies and operas, and you can see how the more “prissy” folks of the time wouldn't have been all too pleased!
The Parisian public, though, they adore Gardel and his innovative creations. They love their theatre and the Palais Royal was overflowing with excitement over these performances.
Imagine the delight, the grandeur, the pure joy of being amongst an audience captivated by these breathtaking performances. I can just picture myself twirling in my pink tutu as the melodies carried me away. Now wouldn't that be a picture to see?
However, life as a dancer in 1790 wasn't all glamour, especially for women.
Just imagine how much work and discipline it took for a young dancer to perform these beautiful routines and maintain an incredibly strict regime! That was all without the comforts and advances of modern dance practice – from nutrition and conditioning, to specialised exercises. In the days of the French revolution and enlightenment, dancers had to work harder, push themselves beyond their limits to make their artistic vision a reality.
Now, this is where my rucksack and ballet-related items really come in handy! I am so keen to learn as much as possible about what it was like for women who took to the stage in 1790. How was dance taught? Did they train the same way as us today? How did they keep themselves healthy and strong? What did they eat? And did their wardrobe allow for movement? And who are some of the inspiring figures of the time who became legends of their era?
And I do so enjoy delving into the costumes and the styles of these times. Let me tell you, this period has some really wonderful, fun things to share with the modern dancer! I think there is some definite inspiration to be found in their unique styles, their attention to detail.
I’ll be posting more pictures and interesting anecdotes and updates from this historical ballet journey throughout September – you don't want to miss it! Make sure you are keeping an eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for those!
In the meantime, why not practice some new moves and routines? And I urge you, everyone, I implore you, give a try to a pink tutu! Let’s embrace the pink, embrace the elegance, and bring out the playful side of you – it’s something you won’t regret! And if you haven’t already, get your ticket to the next ballet performance – it will be so worth your while, I assure you.
Remember, a ballerina, any ballerina, can be found at her finest in a pink tutu! And remember, no matter where in the world you are, no matter where in the time stream you are, let’s make every single day a ballet performance to be proud of!
Until next time, keep twirling!
Emma
xx
