#BalletHistory during 1807 04 April

Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another exciting blog post for www.pink-tutu.com! This month, we’re waltzing back to the year 1807, the era of Napoleon, grand balls, and some seriously interesting fashion! Buckle up, my dears, because we're about to dive headfirst into history, and of course, we’ll be rocking pink tutus along the way. 😉

Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkly Shire horse with her golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, is already pawing the ground excitedly. She loves our time travel adventures almost as much as I do, and she always makes sure I look my absolute best for the occasion. After all, one can’t time travel in just any old pink tutu, can one? Today's choice is a fluffy, voluminous number, with layers of tulle that shimmer under the soft light of the English countryside – a perfect combination of practicality and pink fabulousness! And just in case we need a bit of extra storage for all our ballet adventures, my trusty leather rucksack is slung across my shoulders. This month I'm hoping to discover something super exciting to add to my growing collection of vintage ballet goodies!

Landing in April of 1807, I was immediately swept up in the grandeur of it all. The cobbled streets, the bustling markets, the elegant carriages – everything felt like it had stepped straight out of a Jane Austen novel! But my mission, as always, was to explore the world of ballet in this fascinating time period.

And the ballet world of 1807? Let's just say it's a far cry from the elegant pointe shoes and sleek lines we're accustomed to in our time. Think long, flowing skirts, more emphasis on mime and storytelling than technique, and oh, the intricate headdresses!

The most popular form of dance was called the "ballet d’action", and they were truly dramatic performances! These ballets told stories, often with themes of chivalry, love, and heroism. Think 'Romeo and Juliet', but with even more drama and much more dancing. And remember, dear readers, a time traveller needs to be respectful. I always try to fit in with the locals. After all, you can’t be an amazing dancer and a complete faux pas queen!

The theatre scene was particularly vibrant, so I hopped off Magic Meg and made my way to a bustling London theatre. The performances were full of excitement – and let me tell you, the costumes were truly elaborate. Layers upon layers of silk and lace! Imagine tutus adorned with beads and feathers! Oh, how I would love to have these pieces for my own collection!

Talking of collections, my trusty rucksack is already filled to the brim! I managed to snag a rare ballet booklet, some pamphlets of upcoming performances, and even a fragment of an old tutu from a street performer - talk about an amazing find! These pieces tell me so much about the history of dance, the people who lived and danced through this time, and it is the greatest joy for me to get these rare items for my collection and eventually my own personal museum back home in Derbyshire.

My exploration of the ballet world also led me to a lovely dance studio. Imagine, dancing barefoot in this beautiful world with dancers dressed in flowing silk skirts, so delicate and graceful! Their movements were expressive and full of heart, and the music played softly in the background. After a lesson, I felt incredibly happy and peaceful! You know what they say: 'ballet keeps you grounded!'

The world of 1807 has so much inspiration for us modern dancers! From the delicate beauty of the dance to the sumptuous fashions that flowed so gracefully, this time period reminds me that ballet is so much more than a mere art form. It's a reflection of society, of beauty, of dreams. It's about letting your imagination run wild and taking flight.

And let’s not forget the food, darling! It's the stuff of dreams. Fancy pastry, creamy tarts, hearty pies - even the smallest bakeries presented a spectacle. I managed to convince a local baker to whip up some lovely teacakes, and even shared some with a group of elegant ladies in silk bonnets - all this in return for sharing some of my time-travelling adventures! The ladies loved hearing my tales!

Well, my dears, time for this ballerina to make her farewell. This time travelling adventurer needs her beauty sleep, and Magic Meg is pawing impatiently, ready to take us back to Derbyshire, where I can catch a lovely ballet show tonight. The programme features a charming new ballet called 'Sleeping Beauty', based on the fairy tale. How enchanting is that?

So, as I drift off to sleep, I’m thinking about all of you lovely readers. Maybe you'll don a pink tutu, step out of your comfort zone, and give your imagination free rein. After all, dreaming big is what ballet is all about!

Stay fabulous, and keep on dancing!

💖 Emma xx