#BalletHistory during 1797 07 July

Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu Time Traveller, ready to whisk you away to the enchanting world of ballet through the ages! This month, we're waltzing our way back to July 1797 – a year brimming with vibrant artistic expression, exciting premières, and a growing passion for all things ballet.

Buckle up, my dears, because we're about to embark on a journey that’s guaranteed to leave you twirling with excitement! As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg (the most magnificent pink sparkling Shire horse you ever did see, with those golden hooves!), is waiting to whisk me off on our grand adventure. I’ve even packed my trusty leather rucksack, ready to collect a smattering of ballet delights from the time period. Now, grab a cup of tea and join me, as we travel through time!

The world of ballet was bubbling with exciting happenings in 1797! Here’s a little peek into what captivated audiences and stirred imaginations back then:

• The Romantic Era Takes Centre Stage: 1797 was a crucial time for ballet, right at the dawn of the Romantic era. The ballet world was shedding the grand and stately, courtly ballets of the past, and moving towards stories of love, longing, and ethereal beauty. These new themes were beautifully expressed through exquisite costumes and ballets, like the much-loved La Sylphide – just a few years away from its first dazzling premiere.

• France's Leading Lights: Paris was the epicentre of ballet in the late 18th century, and 1797 was no exception! The Paris Opera Ballet was at the forefront of innovation, showcasing beautiful and elegant productions that delighted Parisian audiences.

• A Whirl of New Choreographers: New choreographers like Charles Didelot were leaving their mark. His La Fille Mal Gardée, based on a charming French rural story, had become a popular piece, evoking a sense of countryside simplicity and a whimsical spirit. It was a step away from the heavier courtly ballets of earlier eras, reflecting the lighter, more graceful feel of the Romantic era.

Oh, the dresses! The dancing, and of course the TUTUS! Can you imagine? The 1790s saw the rise of elegant and feminine styles. We’re talking soft, flowing lines, delicate lace trimmings, and the beginning of a shift towards a more natural waistline (though still a touch more accentuated than our present-day comfort!). It was the era of Romanticism, and this feeling is truly echoed in the balletic costumes and dance steps. Imagine a symphony of silken tulle, satin, and soft, pastel shades, each delicate stitch echoing the dreams of the times. You bet your pink tutus I’m going to try on some of these charming creations. They are so feminine and utterly delightful! Don't worry – I’ll be sure to post the results to my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for you to see!

This month's journey has been quite special, dear readers! Magic Meg and I have travelled to Derbyshire, my beautiful home county, in 1797. The rolling hills and the soft breeze made for a truly delightful trip, perfect for a horse-and-rider journey. But more than the views, it was the atmosphere that filled me with magic. Everywhere I went, I could feel the echoes of the Romanticism era.

Imagine this: picture-perfect cottages with climbing roses, blooming gardens bursting with vibrant hues, and bustling market towns alive with chatter and music. It was a world that still held on to tradition, with strong bonds of community and a deep love for their local theatre, filled with all manner of performances, from plays to concerts, even musical and dramatic ballets, probably a tad more “folk” than the modern stage shows you see nowadays, but fascinating all the same!

I took in all of these beautiful scenes as I trotted on Magic Meg, her pink sparkle adding a touch of whimsical magic to the day. You could almost see the ladies gathering around the inn, sipping tea and whispering excitedly about the latest fashion, or the children skipping across the lanes, dressed in their charming frocks. What a wonderfully charming time to have lived.

What I have gleaned from my visit to 1797, is how important it is to keep the spirit of dance, theatre, and music alive – to pass down our traditions and, in this case, even revive those forgotten pieces that haven't had their day on the world stage. Every time we explore a new period, we gain a better understanding of where we come from and where we're heading. So here's a message for my dear readers, to inspire us all. Embrace your inner ballerina, wear your pink tutu with pride, and dance through your life with a smile, knowing the enchanting world of ballet has a place for all of us.

And to my fellow pink tutu lovers, don’t forget to follow me on my journey by logging onto www.pink-tutu.com each month. The more pink tutus we see, the more beautiful and magical our world will become. Happy dancing!

Yours eternally in pink,

Emma, your Pink Tutu Time Traveller

P.S. - Did you see the latest performance at the London Coliseum, dear readers? I can't tell you how much I loved seeing the Royal Ballet's stunning performance of The Sleeping Beauty. Oh, it was just exquisite. I do wish you all could have been there with me, twirling around in your pink tutus!