Hello, darling ballet lovers! It's Emma here, back from another magical time-hopping adventure! August is always a special month, bursting with summery energy and the thrill of seeing ballets performed under the open sky. But this month's trip was especially enchanting – all thanks to a very important date: the 8th of August, 1760. And of course, what better way to travel through time than on the back of my pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg? With a flourish of her golden hooves, we were whisked back to the heart of the 18th century!
My pink tutu swished and twirled in the air, creating a joyous, ethereal trail as Meg galloped us through fields that had yet to see the rumble of automobiles. It was truly exhilarating! And let me tell you, there’s just something about riding through a bustling 1760s market square in my bright pink tutu that makes even the most serious townsfolk crack a smile. Their faces lit up with wonder, eyes widening as they watched my sparkly pink steed, a beautiful, shimmering anomaly against the dull greys of the time.
But I was on a mission: to immerse myself in the world of ballet in 1760. After all, history is more than just dates and facts; it’s about understanding the dance that humanity has performed for centuries!
You won’t be surprised to learn that the ballet world in the 1760s was a much different beast than what we experience today. It was an era of great artistic expression – think graceful, elegant gestures, intricate footwork, and an emphasis on delicate beauty. But it was also an era before pointe shoes.
Imagine dancing on your toes – but in flats! The women, oh, how they used their strength and flexibility, keeping those movements exquisite even without the lift of a pointe shoe.
Here are a few things I discovered about ballet in 1760 – things I stuffed into my trusty leather rucksack for your reading pleasure!
The Parisian Scene: 1760 was the heart of the French Ballet’s golden age. Think grand theatres, elaborately-costumed ballets, and exquisite performances that captured the imagination of the elite.
A Glimpse of the Royal Opera House: The Royal Opera House in London, later called Covent Garden, was bursting with activity during this era! The English ballet scene wasn’t as grand as its Parisian counterpart, but it held its own charm – think elaborate storytelling and delightful music. I popped into a few shows, where the dancers were skilled and lively!
The Ballet Masters: Jean-Georges Noverre, the great French ballet master, was in full swing with his innovations! Noverre believed in ballets that told a story – much like the ones we love today!
*Opera Ballets: While opera ballets (or dramatic ballet operas as they were often referred to back then) were a hot ticket, I even saw ballet troupes from Vienna visiting London and performing their own dazzling acts! It was pure joy to see the energy and talent flowing from all these corners of the world.
*Learning from the Experts: Who wouldn’t want to learn from some of the best? I even spent some time with some of the masters themselves – though in secret, of course! I observed them rehearse, and learned a little about their unique techniques. I was fascinated by the graceful elegance and control, and couldn't resist stealing a few moves!
My adventures weren’t just confined to the stage, you know! The world of ballet in the 1760s was filled with fashion that left me completely captivated. It wasn't all about tight corsets and elaborate wigs – I saw many stylish ladies dancing with a delicate grace in silken gowns that flowed effortlessly around them. Such enchanting femininity!
Of course, my heart wouldn’t be complete without sharing my love of pink tutus with these exquisite ladies! I found them open to a bit of fun! It’s not often that one encounters a pink tutu-wearing time traveler in 1760.
And just as I was about to convince some of them to embrace their own pink tutus, my journey came to an end! Magic Meg neighd with a joyful “clip-clop,” and, just like that, we were back in our own time, swirling around the dance floor, enjoying our time on the planet Earth.
I love these trips to the past, exploring how ballet has always captivated people, capturing moments of artistic excellence that still inspire us today!
What do you think? Do you think I should continue with my ballet-themed adventures? Are there any time periods you’d love to hear more about?
Don't forget, the pink tutu journey continues! Keep following www.pink-tutu.com for the next adventure.
Love,
Emma
xx
P.S. Want to join the pink tutu revolution? Share your photos with me on social media. You’ve got this, darling!
P.P.S I found these lovely pieces for my ballet history rucksack on my recent trip:
- A programme from the Royal Opera House – they’re a treasure to hold!
- A dance manual used in a French dance studio!
- A charming illustration of an 18th century dancer - look how graceful their moves are!
