Welcome back, dear readers, to Pink Tutu Time Travels, my little corner of the internet dedicated to exploring the world of ballet through the lens of my trusty pink tutu! Today marks the 1288th post on my blog - that's a whole lot of time-traveling fun! And trust me, it just gets better with every trip. This month, my trusty steed Magic Meg whisked me back to the 18th century, specifically to 4th April, 1768. Let's just say it was a delightful little jaunt!
My journey began with a burst of spring sunshine. The rolling green hills of Derbyshire were awash in the most vibrant shades of emerald and cerulean, a perfect backdrop for a stylish pink tutu-clad time traveler. I'd decided to wear a ruffled, floor-length number this time, adding a touch of elegant charm to my time-travelling ensemble. After all, who doesn't love a bit of sartorial flair while leaping through the ages?
Magic Meg, my dazzling pink shire horse with the golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, snorted contentedly, eager to get going. It never fails to amaze me how easily she transports us through the corridors of time - she's like a magic carpet with hooves!
Back in Time...
My arrival in 1768 was a bit of a shock, mind you. The air felt different - crisper, cleaner, and there was a symphony of birdsong I haven't heard since the last century. The cobbled streets of London were a bit rough on my delicate dance shoes, and the crowds were bustling, bustling, bustling. Everyone seemed so preoccupied, and the smells were a bit much!
As a seasoned time traveller, however, I quickly adapted to my surroundings. After all, it's all part of the fun of experiencing life in another era. My destination? The Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, where the excitement of the moment was a grand production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Now, while it may not seem directly related to ballet, the drama, the spectacle, and the sheer talent on display in that era truly captivated me. The theatre back then was so much more than entertainment; it was a social event, a gathering of minds and emotions. And for me, it provided an incredible glimpse into the artistic world that existed long before ballet truly blossomed in the form we know today.
Speaking of blossoming, Covent Garden, in the mid-1760s, became the hub of theatre culture, much like London’s West End is today! And while there was a lot happening in the world of dramatic arts, the idea of ballet as a serious art form was still slowly taking root in Europe, let alone England!
You wouldn’t see any grand ballet schools back in this time, nor ballerinas in tutus spinning gracefully across the stage. It was a period more inclined to dances that had emerged centuries earlier, like the 'court dance' with its structured formality and elegant movements. It's actually fascinating how this paved the way for the future of ballet! While there wasn't much on the schedule for ballet performances in Covent Garden, you can bet your bottom dollar that the stage, costumes and even the dancing was more than spectacular in this golden age of English theater!
And if I’m honest, seeing the intricate, theatrical costumes inspired by mythology and history, it really made me crave a ballet performance showcasing such themes. I just love to imagine a scene set in Ancient Greece, a chorus line of ballerinas in delicate, diaphanous Grecian-inspired gowns. Imagine, ballet dancers in those ornate costumes with theatrical makeup, a truly evocative vision, wouldn't you say?
But alas, 1768 was all about those courtly dances, dramatic performances, and the beginnings of English theatrical life as we know it! I found a collection of vintage dance books and scripts from this era that are just begging to be included in my time travel collection back at Pink Tutu Time Travel headquarters in Derbyshire. And of course, my backpack was crammed with those tiny velvet bags with just a sprinkle of glitter and stardust – a little something for my collection back at the studio!
The next day, I decided to immerse myself further in 18th century London, enjoying a rather lavish tea at The Fountain Tavern, a favourite among the theatre crowd. I even found some beautifully patterned fabric inspired by the Turkish craze sweeping London at the time - perfect inspiration for my next costume designs!
The Turkish craze is fascinating to me. From opulent, embroidered gowns to hairstyles incorporating colorful jewels and elaborate turbans, the culture had a strong impact on everything, from fashion to furniture! But in the world of dance, the Turkish dancers were captivating audiences across the Continent. Imagine the sheer beauty and elegance of such an art form, and it’s easy to see why it captivated 18th century audiences!
The Legacy of History…
While ballet was not in the forefront, it's important to note that it was in these historical pockets that the seed for its global dominance was planted! We can see this era influencing the way we approach costume design, theatrical performance and even our love for fashion today.
My trip through 1768 solidified for me why time-travelling is so crucial, it's a journey of understanding, of appreciation, and above all, a chance to be inspired by the wonders of the world from different perspectives, eras, and even cultures.
That’s it for now! Magic Meg awaits, and my time-traveling clock is ticking! Keep those pink tutus ready and always, always remember: Ballet isn’t just about what you see on stage - it’s about history, tradition, and an ever-evolving love for art in its many forms!
I'll see you again in a month, my dear friends, for another pink-tutu adventure! Remember, my little pink-tutu-clad dancers, you can explore the history of dance through www.pink-tutu.com, where my posts are posted once a month. If you are looking for some inspiration on where to see your favourite performances you can use our travel and shopping page at www.pink-tutu.com. Keep practicing those pirouettes and twirls!
Au revoir, dear readers! Until next time!
Your time-travelling ballerina,
Emma
xxx
