Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time-traveller, and welcome back to my blog, Pink Tutu Time Travels! It’s February already, can you believe it? I’m just back from a whirlwind trip to the 18th century and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! 💖
This month, I wanted to take you on a trip back in time to learn about the beginnings of ballet, back when it was a very different dance form! I'm talking before pointe shoes, tutus and the glitz and glam we know today. Can you even imagine? The 18th Century! A time of corsets and wigs!
And, who better to join me on this adventure than my faithful steed, Magic Meg! This time, I needed all the magic Meg could muster because getting to the 18th Century wasn't exactly a breeze! Luckily, Meg’s golden hooves gave her the extra magic power she needed for the journey! She galloped us through the ages until, lo and behold, we were transported back to the grandest salons in Paris, home to the dazzling spectacle of French court ballet! 🤩
But first, let’s delve into some 18th-century history… the date was February 10th, 1748. This very day marked a significant point in the history of ballet. "The Ballet de la Reine", or "The Ballet of the Queen," a monumental ballet extravaganza, graced the royal court. Marie Antoinette herself took to the stage in a sumptuous gown fit for a queen, captivating audiences with her performance. I mean, imagine, our dear Marie Antoinette! The epitome of regal beauty and elegance, waltzing through history in a ballet fit for a queen! Talk about a glamorous history lesson! ✨
My rucksack is overflowing with beautiful sketches from the time - ballet movements frozen in art and incredible stories about this pivotal ballet! You see, at the time, ballet wasn't all about the lightness and fluidity we know today. Think elaborate and structured dance formations, focusing more on spectacle and grand design than individual artistry.
I, however, was all about bringing back my own brand of flair to this historically important event! A pink tutu, amidst the 18th-century grandeur? You bet! ✨
I'm absolutely in love with the stories I've collected from the 18th-century! My fellow time-travelers, this trip was not only a voyage through time but also a captivating dive into the heart of dance itself! From the elegant beauty of Marie Antoinette's presence to the majestic artistry of French court ballet, it was an adventure worthy of a hundred pink tutus! 😉
As always, my monthly blog post on www.pink-tutu.com (this one is post #4358) wouldn't be complete without sharing some contemporary ballet news, right? After all, ballet isn't just about the history! It's also about experiencing the present day with that lovely pink tutu sparkle!
*Right now, London is bursting with some exciting ballet shows. *The Royal Opera House is putting on a production of Giselle. Oh, how I loved witnessing the elegant dance of the wilis. They're even showing the famous Cinderella, too. My fellow tutu-enthusiasts, this is a must-see! Speaking of fashion and style, if you’re like me and can't get enough of ballet outfits, The Royal Opera House has launched a fabulous new line of ballet-inspired clothing! 💖
And last but certainly not least, have you heard? There’s an exhibition running at the V&A, exploring the history of dance costume. Who else is going? It’s simply divine! And I bet they even have a few tutus on display, possibly even in pink. My fingers are crossed! 😉
My next ballet journey takes me all the way to ancient Greece, and oh, how I can’t wait to get my pink tutu dancing with the gods and goddesses.
So, stay tuned! See you in the next Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog!
Love, Emma 🩰💖
More Pink Tutu DelightsThis blog post is just a little taste of the adventures Emma and Magic Meg embark on! Follow their adventures on www.pink-tutu.com for monthly dose of pink tutu joy!
