Hello my lovelies! It’s Emma here, back from another delightful dance through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the pinkest, sparkliest Shire you ever did see. This month, we galloped back to the 4th of April in 1813 – a date overflowing with historical intrigue, especially for a ballet aficionado like myself!
You see, my darlings, I’m always on the hunt for fascinating ballet history, and this particular date in the past had a little something special brewing in the world of dance…
Before we delve into the theatrical delights, I just have to show you the delightful ensemble I picked for this trip. Imagine, if you will, a voluminous, bubblegum pink tutu, with delicate layers of tulle billowing like the most charming of clouds. It’s adorned with pearl-like beading that sparkles in the sunlight, and I've topped it off with a matching pink ribbon that dances in the breeze. The perfect attire for a time traveller with a passion for pretty things!
Of course, no Emma travel experience is complete without Magic Meg. She was positively radiant in her own pink satin-trimmed bridle and saddle, and her golden hooves barely made a sound on the cobbled streets. We really were the picture of a fashionable, historical fairytale.
Speaking of cobbled streets, we were right in the heart of London, and this time, not to the glittering theatres, but to a more intimate gathering, one with far more whispered secrets and elegant whispers than anything found on stage. It was a drawing room party in Mayfair – think lavish furniture, beautifully adorned ladies, and conversations that drifted between society gossip and literary critique.
But the secret guest in this particular gathering? A ballet dancer from Paris, a graceful gentleman by the name of Jean-Pierre Gardel, one of the first étoiles to cross the English Channel since the Napoleonic wars! His tales of the Parisian Opera were truly spellbinding – can you imagine being at the heart of French dance history? I'd be positively swooning with excitement! He told stories of costumes, choreography, the vibrant spirit of the Parisian dance scene. My bag already filled with beautiful notes on the French Romantic style of the time, and of course, my heart was aflutter with the dreams of ballet dancing on the stages of the grand Parisian opera house.
Oh, darling, I have so much more to tell you.
What was going on in the world of dance on 4th April, 1813?
While there weren’t any grand ballet premières on this particular day, the year 1813 was a significant one for the development of dance in London.
This was the year that the Royal Ballet Company (then called the Theatre Royal Drury Lane) was still rebuilding its prestigious dance program. They had gone through a period of immense growth and upheaval in the previous decades, battling financial hardship and the influence of Italian dance troupes in London, culminating in a catastrophic fire that consumed their theatre in 1809.
But in 1813, a phoenix was rising from the ashes. New plays, operas, and ballets were premiered and there was a surge in creativity across all theatre genres. While this period still favoured ballets that were predominantly French in influence and technique, the desire to create something distinct for London theatre, was definitely growing.
As for Jean-Pierre Gardel, he was an absolute phenomenon in London, his star rising just as brightly as his pink ballet slippers! He wasn't just a dancer, my lovelies, he was an influencer, an ambassador for French ballet on the English stage. Gardel was creating a real stir – he was attracting new audiences, influencing choreographers, and the energy of his performances was captivating everyone who saw them. The French technique was really making its mark, the elegant, light style of dancing so different from what they had previously known in England.
This dance through time reminded me that ballet isn't just about twirls and jumps; it's also about stories, people, and the changing spirit of an age.
Speaking of spirits, have I told you about the delightful afternoon tea at Mrs. Dashwood’s drawing room? My goodness, she had the most delicious cakes and dainty sandwiches, served on Limoges china, all amidst a whirlwind of conversations on literature, philosophy, and, naturally, ballet!
And just so you can have a taste of those delicate cakes at home…
I'll be sharing my recipe for lemon-infused madeleines next week on Pink-Tutu.com – just imagine them, pink with rosewater and served with a delicate rose petal tea. It's all about bringing those Parisian sensibilities to life in a quintessentially British setting!
Until next time my darlings,
Keep twirling,
Emma
P.S I simply adore my travels, my ballet-inspired outfits, and my life of graceful movement. You can support this pink tutu princess's adventures by attending my monthly ballet shows at the Derby Theatre. I'd be thrilled to dance for you! Tickets available on the Derby Theatre website. You’re invited to join me in spreading the love of ballet… and a little pink tutu magic!
