Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where ballet history and fashion twirl together! It's your girl Emma here, ready to take you on another time-travelling adventure, this time landing us in July 1734!
This month, my trusty steed, the magical Meg (she’s a stunning pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a white mane and tail – she gets all the looks!) has taken me on a wild ride to 18th-century London, where a vibrant ballet scene is blooming. Buckle up, because today, we're taking a peek behind the curtain of the Royal Ballet!
Remember this is post number 883 on my ballet time-travel blog – it’s been so much fun exploring all these different eras with you all! If you’re enjoying the posts, do leave me a comment. Maybe share your favourite era? I just love reading all your feedback and sharing the magic of ballet together.
What was happening in the world of ballet in 1734?
Imagine a grand, ornate theatre filled with candlelight and a buzzing audience. That's the scene in London as the Royal Ballet company flourishes under the direction of the legendary John Weaver. Now, this man was a true innovator - a composer, playwright, choreographer, AND dancer, a true master of all the theatrical arts! His ballet creations were truly revolutionary for the time - he incorporated pantomime and musical scores that really brought his stories to life, and he's often credited with paving the way for the full-length narrative ballets we see today.
I just had to peek in at one of Weaver's performances - can you believe it? I had the most enchanting experience seeing “The Loves of Mars and Venus.” Imagine delicate steps and flowing gestures woven together with mythical themes – I was mesmerised! I saw the dazzling footwork and grand gestures – those intricate steps and daring leaps - just breathtaking! The costumes too - opulent satin and silk gowns, jewels, and of course, plenty of feather trimmings, a real testament to the fashion sense of the period. And the ladies' hair styles, a whirlwind of intricate plaits, ribbons, and powdered curls – quite the statement!
A Peek Behind the Scenes with a 21st Century Dancer:
Being a ballet fan and a time traveler means I get to see a truly remarkable cross-section of ballet history! While I adore a classical ballet tutu, the simple costumes in 18th century London had a grace all of their own. I always say a well-chosen dance outfit allows you to move freely without feeling constricted – it’s all about expressing yourself. Back then they focused on elegance, they were like a second skin, which just highlights their focus on form, flow and fluidity of movement, which makes it so intriguing!
One of my favourite parts of the time-travel journey is getting to collect stories and artifacts to share back home. So today, my rucksack (I just love the practicality of it) has been filled with snippets of fascinating 18th-century dance choreography, plus a beautiful, delicate ballet fan (so very elegant, of course, in pink!). I have such fun sharing my little treasures when I’m back home.
I found out the most delightful news: that ballet classes for women became increasingly popular throughout the 1730s! What a lovely time to be a dancer. The fact that ladies embraced ballet during this time was truly ahead of its time. Of course, for me, it was a definite cause for celebration. There is nothing more empowering than finding a way to dance your way to a better you. I even learned that ballet studios in London had special teachers for ladies – and I believe some dancers might even have worn light, airy silk dresses (almost like tutus!). Now there is a little nugget of information for my fellow time-travel fashionistas!
The fact is ballet has such a fascinating story and that’s why I'm committed to spreading the love of ballet through time – and reminding the world about its wonderful journey. Now if you ask me, what better way to spread that love than wearing a pink tutu? Remember – no matter what era, ballet has something for everyone. It's an art form that transcends time, uniting generations through the universal language of movement!
And don't forget, dear friends, I post new entries to my time travel blog here on www.pink-tutu.com once a month. So pop back and see where I will take you next. Maybe I’ll even reveal more fashion secrets – think corsetry, layers and long ribbons, as we head through time. Maybe I’ll even do some dance classes at the next stop. But until then, my lovely followers, go forth, find your inner pink tutu, and dance!
