Hello darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back from another magical jaunt through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg. This month we've been flitting about in 18th century Italy, oh it's such a charming time to be a ballet enthusiast! Let me tell you all about it, because if there's one thing I love more than twirling in a pink tutu, it's sharing my passion for ballet history with all of you.
February 2023 – The Ballet Scene Back Then
Now, picture this: We're in beautiful Venice. Think glittering canals, enchanting architecture and, of course, a booming ballet scene! While it might be hard to imagine a city as grand as Venice, it actually didn't quite embrace the ballet in the same way they would in later centuries. But oh darling, I assure you, there's still so much to see!
Back in the 18th century, Italy was considered a major hub for dance development. While ballerinas of today might dream of pirouettes and grand jetés, back then the ballet was a rather… different beast! There was a focus on courtly dances with elaborate steps and graceful gestures, showcasing the virtuosity of dancers.
There was an enormous excitement around ballet and it was already a popular social gathering. You could pop into a small performance by a single ballerina, who’d dance alone or in small groups with musicians in the wings. But don't mistake this for simplicity; we’re talking incredibly skillful performances that took years to perfect!
The Dress of the Day (And It Was Pink!)
As we traipsed about the city, I took note of the costumes: elaborate with elaborate skirts, puffy bodices, and of course, lots of delicate lace! Think ruffles, ribbons, and a healthy dose of pink – and don't you worry, I made sure to slip into a fetching pink dress of my own, fit for a true ballerina. Just picture me, dancing alongside Venetian nobility in a flurry of pink tulle and sequins! Now that's a vision!
Speaking of pink, I couldn’t leave this era without acquiring a few choice pieces for my collection. Imagine, a little lace-trimmed pocket handkerchief with tiny delicate sequins embroidered on, and some absolutely exquisite shoes! I even discovered an enchanting hand-stitched fan adorned with vibrant pink feathers that must have belonged to a ballet dancer. How wonderfully divine are they, don’t you think? I’ve popped them safely into my rucksack – another little treasure from our travels through time.
Learning with the Locals
To further my understanding of ballet in Venice during this era, I had to have a proper lesson. Naturally, the only place to learn was from the experts. In a dimly lit dance studio, I found a delightful young man who agreed to tutor me. The class wasn’t quite what I expected, but I found it charmingly nostalgic!
Our lesson included lots of courtly bows, curtsies, and elegant poses, so elegant and beautiful - quite a contrast from the jumps and leaps of today! You see, 18th-century ballet focused on presenting a graceful image, so while the movements are rather slow by modern standards, they truly embody refinement. I tell you, these dance movements are so delicate and captivating; you’ll feel a shift in your very being after a single move.
After an evening with a deliciously sweet Italian dessert and a steaming cup of coffee (something else that wasn’t part of a ballet class in 18th century Italy! ) I felt a great connection to the past, understanding ballet’s journey as an art form. I'll be sure to add it to the Ballet Timeline I’m working on - so many incredible movements to learn!
Dancing and Fundraising - A Win-Win!
My time-travel adventures wouldn’t be possible without my fundraising, of course! This month, my pink tutu had me spinning onstage at the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden. My solo piece to the dreamy music of Tchaikovsky had the audience mesmerised and they absolutely adored my pink tulle tutu! You wouldn't believe the bids I had on it after the show! My collection of pink tutus will have me flying through time for a very long time yet!
But enough about me, darling! What have you been up to this month? Tell me all about your ballet experiences, big or small, and leave a comment on this post at www.pink-tutu.com, I love hearing about your love of all things ballet! And please, don’t forget to visit our website, you’ll find lots more exciting updates on what's happening in the world of ballet today and information on my latest fundraising adventures and ballet events – maybe I’ll see you at one!
Until next time, my dear tutu-loving friends!
Love always,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to come along to my next Ballet Tea Party - I've heard a rumour that they’ll be delicious homemade pink macaroons and lots of Pink Lemonade – can't you already picture it? Let me know if you're coming by leaving a comment on my website!
