Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind journey through ballet history! This month, we're waltzing back to 4th April 1765, a date that's particularly special for the history of ballet in England!
Now, you might be wondering, "What's so exciting about April 1765?" Well, my dears, let me tell you - this date marked the first ever public performance of ballet in London! Yes, you read that right - our very own capital city finally embraced the beauty and artistry of this graceful dance!
To commemorate this momentous occasion, I, naturally, donned my most extravagant pink tutu (a delicate tulle masterpiece adorned with sparkling diamantes - it was the only way to make my arrival!) and mounted my trusty steed, Magic Meg. This beautiful shire mare, with her golden hooves and shimmering pink mane and tail, loves nothing more than a good adventure, especially when it involves swirling through history!
And what an adventure it was! We galloped through the cobblestone streets of London, arriving at the Covent Garden Theatre. The theatre itself was an exquisite spectacle – a grand building buzzing with anticipation. It's the same Covent Garden Theatre we still see today, just a tad older and a little bit more glamorous!
I popped on my leather rucksack – a charming, antique piece perfect for gathering memories and the odd, historical ballet souvenir (more on that later!). Then, with a final flourish, we entered the theatre. Oh my dear readers, the atmosphere was electric! The crowds were abuzz with excitement, the music resonated through the air, and the scent of powder and perfume filled the grand foyer.
Imagine it – the excitement of the London elite at their first taste of ballet! It's a scene I wouldn’t trade for the world. The performance itself was nothing short of stunning! The dancers, dressed in richly coloured silks and satins, glided and pirouetted with unparalleled grace. Each movement felt like a whispered story of love, triumph, and beauty. And their costumes – oh my! Think silks and velvets in the most decadent hues imaginable, adorned with shimmering jewels and lace – absolutely magnificent!
Speaking of which, it's time for my favourite part of every time travel expedition – a peek into the fascinating world of historical fashion! This era was an absolute triumph of extravagance, especially when it came to ballet. The dancers' garments, even more than today, played a key role in their artistry, their movements accentuated by these delicate fabrics that whispered every pirouette and plié. It was truly inspiring!
In my rucksack, I collected an absolutely divine fabric swatch, a beautiful satin ribbon that reminds me of the dazzling dance performances. You’ll find it soon in my collection, featured with some insights on fashion trends back in the day – you'll be dying for a Pink Tutu Goes Back in Time dress-up day once you see them! I even snapped a photo of the theatre interior – I swear I can still hear the rustle of silks and the tinkling of shoes on the stage floor!
After the performance, I ventured out, feeling incredibly energised by the beautiful performances I witnessed. I found myself captivated by a charming bookshop on the Strand, where I purchased an antique copy of “A Treatise on Dancing” by the celebrated dancing master John Weaver – talk about an inspiring read! I imagine the delight that those attending the very first public ballet performance felt. It felt like the whole world had opened up for Londoners, a world of artistic expression, elegance and captivating storytelling that continues to enchant audiences centuries later.
Now, before you go, I have a fun little challenge for you, my darlings. How about we try incorporating some 1765 ballet fashion into our modern tutus? I think a hint of velvet ribbon or a subtle silk flourish would make any tutu an absolute stunner! Go on, get creative – let’s bring a touch of 18th-century charm to our own modern world! I’d love to see your results, so tag #PinkTutuFashion on your social media! I may just find the time to pop by for a peak and send some good vibes your way. After all, pink tutus are for everyone!
See you soon for our next time-travelling ballet adventure!
Yours eternally in pink,
Emma x
