Hello lovelies!
Welcome back to my pink-tutu-tastic blog, where we waltz through time, one shimmering step at a time! This month, we're whisking ourselves back to 1736 - a truly spectacular year in the world of ballet. I'm absolutely buzzing to share all the exciting discoveries I've made!
As you know, I'm a complete ballet fanatic - from the graceful movements to the incredible costumes, I adore it all! My greatest passion is digging into the history of this art form, discovering those little hidden gems that make up its rich and varied story. And believe me, my darlings, 1736 is a veritable treasure trove of ballet brilliance!
Today, we're setting off on a delightful journey back in time, aboard my trusty steed, Magic Meg. She's a vision in pink, of course, a stunning Shire horse with a flowing white mane and tail and golden hooves – the perfect companion for a pink-loving ballerina like me!
My trusty leather rucksack is packed to the brim, ready to hold the wonders I'll unearth from the past. I'm talking exquisite ballet slippers, captivating costume swatches, and snippets of exciting theatrical history! My ultimate aim is to share this incredible heritage with you, my lovely readers. So buckle up, grab your pink tutus (mine's on, naturally!) and let's go!
1736: A Year of Ballet Breakthroughs
1736 was a year of thrilling changes and groundbreaking advancements for ballet. Imagine, my dears, a world where women were starting to make their mark as ballerinas. The traditional, strong roles were finally beginning to open up to the talents of women! And the world took notice.
Just as we're seeing more and more incredible female choreographers take the stage today, back in 1736, Marie Sallé was making a statement with her stunning ballet choreography. Can you picture it, my darlings? Women in their elegant, flowy tutus, spinning and leaping, captivating audiences with their talent!
Now, you all know I love a good outfit - it’s what makes a ballerina, right? And 1736 was brimming with fashion! Gone were the elaborate, heavily decorated costumes of the past - we were seeing more graceful and fluid designs! This move towards a lighter style emphasized the elegance and athleticism of the dancers. I'm absolutely swooning over the elegant slippers and the beautiful silks and satins of the era!
A Look at Ballet Across the Globe
This was also a time of thrilling international development. Our favourite French dancers, who brought a certain je ne sais quoi to the stage, were gracing the theatres of Vienna, showcasing the unique artistry of French ballet to new audiences.
But it wasn't just France that was on fire with ballet fever! In Italy, the vibrant Italian ballets were also taking the world by storm, leaving a lasting impression on the evolving landscape of this art form. And what do we see happening across the Channel? You guessed it - English ballets were becoming a prominent force in the theatrical landscape, captivating audiences with their captivating storylines and captivating dance routines.
My journey took me to Paris, a city that practically breathes ballet. I spent days in the Louvre admiring exquisite 18th-century ballet illustrations - pure magic! And oh my, my darlings, the fashion! The elegance of the dancers in their silk costumes is simply stunning. I even found a charming shop that specialised in tiny shoes - I snagged a pair for my collection, naturally.
Speaking of magic, did you know that 1736 was also the year the great choreographer Jean-Georges Noverre made his ballet debut? His work is still considered revolutionary for introducing expressive movement, innovative story telling, and a strong sense of character to ballet. This kind of passion for telling a story is what really elevates the art form. We might not have seen him dance, but I just knew I had to find out more about this man who brought ballet into the 21st century!
Where Did I Find All of This Wonder?
You might be wondering how I, a mere ballerina, find these treasures? It's a little bit of magic, a lot of passion, and some really excellent ballet performances! My dear friends, I absolutely adore dancing - not just for the joy of movement, but to raise funds for my extraordinary time-traveling adventures. Every grand jeté, every pirouette, helps bring the history of ballet alive for all of you.
After all, I wouldn't be here sharing this journey with you without your unwavering support. It’s through your enthusiasm and your love for ballet that I'm able to dive into this glorious history. I see so many of you in my pink tutus – inspiring me with every pirouette! And every time I go out onto the stage, I see those twinkling lights reflecting in your eyes. It fills me with so much joy and excitement to be able to share this journey with you!
As we bid farewell to this trip through time, remember, darlings, to keep your hearts and minds open to the world of ballet. And remember, everyone can be a ballerina, whatever their shape, size, or style! Keep dancing, keep smiling, and keep those pink tutus twirling. See you all next month for more time-traveling adventures!
Until then, remember, life is a dance.
Your darling ballet blogger,
Emma
