#BalletHistory during 1736 07 July

Hello my lovelies! Emma here, back again from another whirlwind adventure through time, this time landing right smack bang in the heart of London, July 7th 1736! Magic Meg, my beautiful pink-sparkling Shire, snorted happily as we trotted down the cobbled streets. I always feel like a little princess when I'm on her back, her golden hooves gleaming in the sunshine. It’s so funny how much people stare when we arrive in these different places. Today, however, their eyes were fixed firmly on my magnificent, bubblegum-pink tutu. The gentlemen all tipped their hats and the ladies gave me the most curious looks. A little whispered gossip here, a quick flutter of their fans there – a real buzz of interest all round.

And for good reason, darlings! You see, 1736 was quite the year for London's ballet scene. I tell you, this era was a real haven for dancers, and it was just bursting with exquisite grace and thrilling new choreography. My, how I wished I could be a ballerina back in this time! Imagine waltzing in one of these elegant period ballrooms - you can practically hear the music in your soul as you swirl and pirouette around the room.

That's why, on this very day, we decided to make a beeline for the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. It's such an iconic building, so rich in history, and I simply adore exploring places where so much magic has been made. As we arrived, a large crowd was milling about – the buzz was incredible! I popped my head inside, and the scent of perfumed ladies and cigar smoke hit me like a tidal wave. The theatre was packed to the rafters, with both the upper and lower boxes completely full. What a spectacle! I swear, the sound of the orchestra reverberating through the room alone made me want to get up on stage and start twirling.

Luckily, I had just enough time for a quick glance at the playbill before being whisked into the grand box. This is what I learned about what was on that day: the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden was showcasing the delightful “La Fontaine,” a lovely opera in Italian with a touch of French, interspersed with dance interludes. Now, imagine this: there was a troupe of dancers, beautifully attired in white and pastel colours, adorned with lavish embellishments, with one little spark of blue shining out like a precious gem - the stage was ablaze with passion!

Oh, my dear lovelies, let me tell you, this ballet was exquisite. It was like watching a dream unfurl on the stage! These interludes were a joy, infused with beauty, energy, and sheer exhilaration, and so elegant and expressive.

And what's more, right there, smack in the middle of my delightful theatrical journey, the greatest theatrical spectacle of all took place right before my very eyes: a truly astounding ballerina.

She, the star of the show, floated effortlessly across the stage, her elegant movements as light as a feather. There she was, in a delicate costume, every movement an enchanting story unto itself. Her passion shone through in every plié and relevé, as if every gesture spoke of the most exquisite tale, a story that only she could truly convey.

But what really stopped me in my tracks? This incredible dancer wasn’t using pointe shoes!

It's quite common knowledge that, back then, women didn't wear those wonderful en pointe shoes that we love today. This wasn’t so much a taboo thing, as a safety thing, and women needed something a lot more practical! These women used dancing slippers with flat heels.

As for their costumes? Well, that's another story! You can say goodbye to the frilly pink tutu we all adore. These ballet performers danced in exquisite yet far less flamboyant gowns, beautiful creations made of satin and silk, flowing and dramatic. No tiny tutu in sight.

Instead of dancing on pointe, this lovely dancer, with all her elegance and grace, used every part of her body to evoke powerful expressions of emotion. She didn’t even use any elaborate steps – her artistry resided in the purity of her expression, and her elegant poise was quite remarkable!

I almost couldn’t contain myself as she was finishing the performance, the rapturous applause almost deafening. Her performance was not about flash or theatricality but about subtle storytelling, making even the simplest movement a captivating masterpiece. It left an unforgettable impression on me, and I must confess, even more beautiful than the pink tutu.

When the show finished, I snuck backstage to try and speak with this exquisite ballerina. You see, every trip I take is a chance to add to my collection, my most prized possession – my ballet memorabilia rucksack. It's not just about objects – it's about the stories behind them! I already have a few lovely ballet posters from other trips through history.

I found myself talking to the ballet mistress, a wonderful woman with such warm and wise eyes. I told her all about my passion for ballet, my website "Pink Tutu" and, naturally, the beautiful pink tutu that was turning heads in 1736!

She was such a delight! Her passion for ballet was as clear as the diamond brooch she wore, her eyes lighting up as she shared some of her own memories and insights. We discussed the incredible challenges of dance during that time, about how these women didn’t have it easy at all. No barre or specially designed ballet classes in their youth - no! Their training involved so much more focus on strength, posture and precision - quite impressive, really.

After a chat that seemed like it was over far too soon, I had the wonderful opportunity to look at her ballet journal, filled with delicate illustrations, detailed notes, and meticulous steps she had recorded. She graciously gifted it to me, adding this delightful ballet journal to my cherished rucksack collection!

Now, the only problem was that this incredible ballet mistress simply couldn’t divulge who the ballerina was, she explained it wasn’t socially acceptable to have close contact with dancers.

Luckily, she gave me some gorgeous posters, a pair of the most delicate silk ballet shoes with an adorable ribbon and two pieces of the ballerina’s lovely, pastel costume. The pink costume fabric was surprisingly luxurious, like the one in a fairytale!

Even with these extraordinary items and this incredibly enchanting day, the trip back home, flying through time on my fabulous Magic Meg, wasn't about ballet alone.

What are adventures without shopping, my darlings?!

Let’s just say I had a little spree.

The vibrant heart of London was pulsating with the latest fashion. It’s incredible what you can find when you explore. I was in the centre of it all. The streets buzzed with tailors and weavers, with all the finery of the aristocracy, with shops showcasing exquisite fabrics. The fashions were magnificent! From luxurious lace and silk dresses with a touch of colour – that’s what makes this period truly fabulous – I even managed to nab a few beautiful hats from a fantastic hat maker’s boutique in Covent Garden!

Oh, it was an exquisite ballet adventure for my collection, my sweet lovelies, truly a day that will stay with me. And I have to say, for a moment I was captivated by the era, imagining my own life as a ballerina here.

However, let’s face it, nothing can ever really compare to the sheer brilliance of twirling in a pink tutu in our own time, my dears. So next time you're enjoying a ballet, remember the remarkable women who came before us, and their impact on the world of dance. We owe a great debt to their dedication, passion, and spirit. You can practically see that magic coming alive in every twirl.

Until next month, darling! Let's all go dance in our pink tutus and shine!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com