Dearest ballet-lovers! Welcome back to another magical voyage through the annals of dance history, here on Pink-Tutu.com! This month, I'm taking you all the way back to 1793 - a fascinating year filled with both societal upheaval and balletic brilliance!
My faithful steed, Magic Meg - she’s a true beauty with her pink shimmering coat, golden hooves, and flowing white mane and tail - is champing at the bit to set off, so let’s get going! We’re off on a grand adventure back to a time of powdered wigs, powdered faces, and perhaps most importantly - powdered tutus!
As always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed with eager anticipation and enough space for all the stories and treasures we encounter. It's going to be a full bag this month, I can feel it!
First stop - France. And what a stop it is! We're right in the heart of the French Revolution, a time of massive political and social change. But while the world was busy turning on its head, ballet still danced on! This year, one of my favourite ballet dancers, Marie Camargo, was in full swing at the Opéra Garnier, a stunning building that remains a beacon of balletic beauty even today.
Oh, to see her on stage! Marie’s grace, her vivacious personality, her energy… truly a wonder to behold! This was also the year of her groundbreaking debut, the celebrated ‘Terpsichore’, a dance that pushed the boundaries of movement, leaving audiences in awe of her unparalleled technical ability and captivating storytelling through her art.
Speaking of art… imagine the beauty of those grand costumes of the era! A mix of luxurious fabrics, elaborate designs and intricate detail. Think corsets, panniers, elaborate headdresses, and yes, you guessed it – beautiful tutus!
Although I can’t be certain of their colour, those tutus of the late 18th century, paired with the delicate pointe work of ballerinas like Marie, surely looked stunning in the warm glow of candlelight. Imagine a shimmering ensemble of silk and tulle, a vibrant colour like blush pink, and a perfectly placed pearl on a delicately laced tutu - divine!
Moving across the channel, to England, we find a flourishing theatrical scene. While I wouldn't say the theatre scene was as pink as my ideal, it was buzzing with activity, especially in London! The Theatres Royal Drury Lane and Covent Garden were filled with lively performances, operas, and of course, ballet. The audiences were abuzz with excitement for the arrival of a new, revolutionary dance - "ballet d’action", a type of story-driven ballet with spoken dialogue!
And speaking of stories… in this era, my favourite form of storytelling is in the grand narrative ballet. Imagine witnessing 'The Triumph of Virtue', or perhaps a story of love and romance? With elaborate set designs and dramatic costuming, these stories transport you to another world, taking your breath away and captivating your senses!
The whole ballet world in 1793 is alive with a sense of change. New techniques, new styles, and a shift from purely symbolic to story-driven dance – oh what a glorious time for our art!
We’re now in my beloved Derbyshire, England! Even though it feels a million miles from the vibrant Parisian and London scenes, it has its own charm and a lovely theatre tradition! We’re visiting Chatsworth House, and enjoying a leisurely stroll through its majestic gardens, and catching the local travelling ballet company performing on stage! Imagine the warmth of their presence, the artistry of their movements. It's magical.
Now, this brings us to our 'Pink-Tutu’s Pink Picks’ of the month, chosen for their historical impact and fashion-forward brilliance!
- The Corset: A piece of fashion that every ballet enthusiast needs to see to believe! This delicate piece of clothing not only accentuated the beauty of a dancer’s form but was a significant part of their costumes for the duration of the 18th century. It adds structure and grace, reminding us that fashion and dance go hand-in-hand! A reminder that even the tiniest detail can have the biggest impact.
- The Ballerina Bun: Imagine hair as sleek as a polished floorboard. Ballerinas wore their hair up in the most perfect buns you could imagine! This iconic look is a masterpiece of its own, accentuating the feminine features and showcasing those graceful movements with absolute freedom!
And for our ultimate ‘Pink Tutu Pink Pick’, I chose… a ballet costume from 1793, as seen in a museum near the Parisian Opera! Though the actual garment didn't make it back on Magic Meg's back, my memory captured every elegant ruffle, graceful flow of fabric, and carefully crafted details.
And just like that, we are back in Derbyshire. As I look through the treasures from my rucksack - pieces of silk, costume details, sketches, handwritten programs… It’s all been tucked into my treasure chest of memories. I have to say, that even for me, a time-traveling, pink tutu wearing ballet fanatic, this journey into 1793 was extraordinary. It’s proof that ballet isn't just something we do now - it’s a tradition, a journey, a constant evolution.
This month, while enjoying your next ballet show, take a moment to picture a grand Parisian theatre, filled with powdered faces, elegant costumes, and some of the most iconic ballet performers of the late 18th century. See their stories in motion. Enjoy every delicate turn and intricate movement, a beautiful reminder of the timeless appeal of this beloved art form.
Now, on to the future! But before I say goodbye, tell me what you think? Share your thoughts on ballet in 1793 - do you know any dances from this era? What fascinates you about the past and its dance trends?
Until next month, stay pink, stay beautiful, and most importantly - stay twirling!
Love, Emma, Pink Tutu Traveller www.pink-tutu.com
