Hello darling darlings,
Welcome back to another thrilling adventure on my magical ballet journey through time! It’s Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed time traveller, and today we're venturing into the world of 1736 - a time when ballet was taking its first tentative steps towards becoming the dazzling spectacle it is today!
This month, I'm celebrating all things pink, so grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's go on an enchanting journey with me - my pink-sparkling shire horse, Magic Meg, is already snorting impatiently! We’re galloping off to 10th October 1736, armed with my trusty leather rucksack, ready to fill it with the most delightful ballet stories and finds.
Time Travelling Tutu:
Can you believe it, my darlings? It’s the year 1736. No grand tutus yet! Instead, ladies are twirling and swirling in lavish gowns and elaborate wigs. The elegance of ballet was very much in its nascent stage, still very much part of the courtly celebrations. This just adds to the adventure though - my fabulous pink tulle tutu definitely turns heads! (The onlookers gasped when I pirouetted around the market square, the wind billowing my pink tulle). They’re always so fascinated by my hair-bows too! **
Magical Meg’s journey:
We galloped through Derbyshire countryside, with Magic Meg's golden hooves glowing brighter with each passing moment. I dote on her – and she is my ultimate accessory!
We landed in the bustling London theatre district - just a stone’s throw from the iconic Covent Garden Opera House, (which was more or less the size of my Derbyshire barn in 1736). Today, Covent Garden is bursting with shows, but back then, ballet was only just beginning to find its place within the world of entertainment. But this meant a fascinating day, meeting those at the very start of what is our treasured artform!
Dancing in the Past:
Back then, my dears, you couldn't simply attend a ballet at a dedicated theatre! You had to seek out these performances in palaces, courts, and grand country homes! It wasn’t even known as "ballet" – instead, they called it “Ballet de Courte” - so elegant! I think it's so much prettier than “Court Ballet" as the word translates to, though I must admit it was still highly formal with elaborate movements, lots of grand steps, and exquisite costumes!
My rucksack was filling with the excitement!
The "Ballet de Courte” involved, for its time, revolutionary elements. They were not afraid to tell stories through dance – from myths and legends to history, all expressed through incredible athleticism and elegance. Imagine all the possibilities! Just makes me yearn to be on stage – the costumes of this period, all velvet, silk, lace, and bows! I wish we could pop into a 18th Century haberdashery! It’s the little details that matter so much.
London's vibrant Dance scene:
This wasn't just about ballet; dancing was embedded in London life. The balls! Imagine! Grand, opulent, ballroom dance nights - think waltzing and minuet - so much inspiration for ballet! These were the heart and soul of 18th century London's society. Everyone - aristocrats, gentry, and the rising merchants – everyone came together, moving, swirling, and smiling as music poured from a hundred instruments. Even if they did wear powdered wigs, (just picture the wigs) I'm sure it would have been an incredible scene!
*Pink Tutu Trends: *
There’s so much fashion inspiration for today. Think opulent brocades, velvets, and ruffles for your ballet practice attire, my darlings, because if there’s one thing I have learnt from my travels – there’s no end of possibilities to channel these historical designs and styles.
What about lace on those dancing slippers? Can you picture the dancing shoes with lace detailing around the ankles! Or imagine a full brocade bodice, a tutu, and a pair of tights - you’d have every dancer looking glamorous. And of course – my ballet class outfit has to be pink. I think we can agree on this!
*And, there are the grand wigs! *
I have my eye on a bright, beautiful pink feather for my own wig. (That would have looked great in a "Ballet de Courte"). What a delight, it is, and such fun – but I suspect it wouldn’t go down so well at Derbyshire dance class. Maybe it's time for my next travel adventure - the 1700’s and France! Think pink and feathers – the 18th Century was the age of the “powdered” and “bejeweled" (and the perfect time to pull out all the sparkly pink tutu stops).
Pink-tutu memories:
I have so many ideas for new routines - maybe something a little slower this time, maybe inspired by the beautiful steps I have been watching this evening at London's Covent Garden - a ballet which is more or less the size of my Derbyshire barn!
I’ll share them in the next issue! Do leave me a comment on www.pink-tutu.com! I love to hear about your ballet inspirations and stories. Let’s share the pink tutu magic together, darlings!
Until then, may your pointe shoes always be pointy and your tutus eternally pink.
Emma.
