Hello my darling ballet-loving friends! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing time-traveler, back with another whimsical adventure! December is always such a magical time for ballet, don’t you think? The crisp air, the festive lights, the feeling of enchantment… all of it just calls for twirling and dancing. This month, I decided to go right back to the heart of it all: December 12th, 1759, a date that marks a milestone in ballet history.
Of course, no journey would be complete without my trusty steed, the gorgeous Magic Meg, my pink sparkly Shire horse with those heavenly golden hooves! I’d say she looks positively dashing in her sparkly pink bridle and matching saddle, especially with her beautiful white mane and tail flowing in the wind as we set off from our little corner of Derbyshire. My trusty leather rucksack was prepped and ready to be filled with more fabulous ballet treasures!
And so, we journeyed back to the year 1759! As always, my trusty pink tutu felt utterly at home in the hustle and bustle of London town – believe it or not, they were already embracing vibrant colours in this era! Imagine, silk and satin galore! Honestly, they were a head of their time. As I strutted through Covent Garden with my bright pink tutu swirling about me, I felt like I was stepping straight out of a grand ball! The looks were rather curious… "Is that young lady… twirling?" My tutu, my friends, definitely stands out from the crowd, even back in the 18th century! But you know what? That's just my signature move! My pink tutu makes a statement and that is what I want! Pink power for all! 😉💖
Now, on December 12th, 1759, ballet was all about French influence! This was the time when French ballet, with all its grand costumes and intricate steps, dominated the dance scene. Oh my, how elegant it was! Imagine: grand balls in palatial homes, delicate lace ruffles, and men with powdered wigs, bowing before the ladies in a flurry of elegance! This is when the beautiful art of ballet took a new turn, adding a dramatic flair. Even if I wouldn't dare twirl with the same style as a man of those times – with his powdered wigs and such – you’ve got to admit, it was a spectacular performance! They danced with an incredible poise, as if the world were still, just watching their movements and feeling the elegance of their stories.
It’s quite surprising how some of those graceful moves are still part of ballet today! I’ve noticed, ballet schools are reviving this type of traditional dance, using it as a beautiful homage to this fabulous period in history. There was something incredibly beautiful and majestic about the dance form back then. There was a certain power to the dance that, in its own way, helped bring the characters to life! The dramatic poses, the emotional depth in the eyes, and the sheer force of the ballerina's performance - everything about it made me think about how the art of dance was so carefully woven into every single aspect of life back then.
Speaking of stories! What stories were they telling on stage that fateful December 12th in 1759? It wasn't your typical Swan Lake or Sleeping Beauty. Ballet back then, you see, was deeply tied with court life, royalty, and a dash of Greek mythology! They were telling grand tales, love stories woven with heroes and princesses, about divine beings like the Gods of the ancient Greek myths, and the everyday joys of simple life. I remember finding one little performance called "The Gods and the King". A very dramatic piece about a powerful king and a beautiful Greek goddess – think beautiful tutus and majestic flowing dresses! I had to grab myself some exquisite embroidery details from the fabric of this piece for my collection! They were very advanced, like delicate flowers painted in fine colours onto beautiful white silk. It’s the kind of embroidery detail that will instantly bring a new life to my collection – I’ll add these beautiful details onto my existing tutu collection and, well, create some even more fabulous new pink ones for my friends! 😉💖
After a night of witnessing breathtaking ballet performances, I spent the next few days observing London and its bustling energy. Covent Garden Market was already a big buzz of activity! And it was a little too tempting not to add a beautiful piece from their gorgeous collection of brocades! Brocades - oh how they did look gorgeous back then! You know me, always an aficionado of luxurious textiles! Those beautiful silks and satins - my own collection feels rather inspired, right now! I’m actually picturing this amazing 18th-century brocade incorporated into a stunning pink ballet tutu for one of my upcoming performance numbers! Now that would be a look.
Of course, I wouldn't leave without a few souvenirs for my collection. My backpack overflowed with beautiful hand-painted fabric swatches for future designs, an antique theatre programme detailing the schedule of the ballet performances – which included "The Gods and the King"! A rare find indeed. You’ve got to have the most authentic and glamorous stuff when it comes to collecting. And most importantly, I even picked up some lovely pieces from a wonderful local tailor. Those old books had so many amazing designs, and those beautiful ruffles and brocade details from the past? Perfect for those amazing ruffles I dream about. Oh, the creative inspiration was simply too much for me! It would be a true masterpiece to incorporate those traditional touches from that time, into some of my modern, sassy performances.
Honestly, those were such spectacular days in London! This trip back in time solidified why I love the rich heritage of dance so much. I find that when we revisit history, we appreciate what we have in the modern world even more. There's an element of beauty and romance to that time period which I find so enchanting.
This experience was, of course, another reminder that our world of dance is ever evolving. Each period brings with it a unique artistic flair and inspiration. From grand ballrooms to intimate theaters, from extravagant costumes to simple tutus, we, my friends, are part of a remarkable, dynamic world! As we stand today, looking back, we can't help but feel this deep connection to the ballet pioneers who paved the way for the dance world that we know and love today.
That is why it is so important that we share our love of the art form with others. You can inspire someone's day, you can change someone's life with the elegance and artistry that we have within the world of dance. And there’s no better way than by dancing.
So, keep on twirling, my loves! Embrace the vibrant energy of dance, and always, always wear your pink tutu with confidence and grace! Let's inspire the world, one pink tutu at a time!
Until next month,
Your dearest Emma,
Your pink-tutu loving time-traveler. ✨💖
