Hello darlings, welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, Magic Meg and I are whisking you back to the year 1807, a time when empires stretched across the globe, and the art of ballet was truly coming into its own.
I know, you’re probably picturing frilly, powdered wigs and a whole lot of courtly bowing, but trust me, ballet in 1807 was all about grandeur, power, and of course, stunning costumes! I can't resist the call of a beautiful costume, can you?
Just imagine the scene - the year is 1807. We've landed in the bustling, cobbled streets of London. It's just before the start of autumn, with that lovely nip in the air that sets your nose tingling and makes you crave a cosy fireside evening with a good book... Or perhaps a rousing dance to some enchanting music, I think to myself! The world was a much smaller place then, so I was certain to find a dance event of some sort, wouldn't you agree?
My lovely Magic Meg (a Shire horse with sparkling pink hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail) snorted with delight, enjoying the autumn scents just as much as me. I adjusted the lovely pink leather backpack (handmade to perfectly complement my tutu, you understand) with all the lovely antique ballet shoes and costume pieces I’d picked up from previous journeys.
We headed for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. I always make sure my time travel outfits are elegant enough to slip into any era! So I'd chosen a pink-hued silk gauze tutu and a flowing pink and white striped blouse. Such an exquisite combination, don’t you think? And of course, no ballet ensemble is complete without a lovely floral wreath for my hair, so my curls were adorned with the sweetest, pinkest blooms!
My trusty Magic Meg stood patiently while I slipped into the theatre and the bustling, joyous atmosphere almost knocked me off my feet! The Theatre Royal was alive with energy - anticipation was in the air. And of course, I was already brimming with anticipation too, ready for another magnificent dance show!
For today's treat, I’d gone to see “The Siege of Belgrade” by Louis Benoit-Auguste-François Didelot, one of the leading ballet masters of the time, considered one of the founding fathers of Romantic ballet. It seems a theme of conflict ran through all the dance performances in those days! This particular ballet told the story of an attempted siege in Belgrade by the Ottomans - how exciting!
Now, even in 1807, the importance of storytelling was already a vital part of the ballet performance. And Mr. Didelot (such a lovely name!) did not disappoint, blending drama, acrobatics and dancing in a wonderfully theatrical way. There was even some incredible pantomime – and my word, the music was incredible! You wouldn’t believe the skill and strength of these dancers! So thrilling!
As I stood, lost in the swirling music, costumes and incredible steps, a beautiful thought popped into my mind. Here I was, surrounded by this wonderfully talented ensemble, so immersed in the art of movement, yet how many times had they travelled back through the centuries, through my eyes? They may not know it, but they are dancing for me, even today! How incredibly special this dance legacy, connecting our past and present… This thought brought a wonderful smile to my lips – you have to love the sense of connection through dance across the centuries! The pink-tutu-loving Emma of 2023 had somehow travelled back to dance with the fabulous dancers of 1807, albeit on a virtual journey… It's a wonderful connection for any ballet enthusiast. Isn’t it?
Back on Magic Meg, and back to our time, the day's excitement filled my heart with delightful joy and new-found ballet inspiration! The world of 1807 truly impressed me with its passion for this incredible artform - ballet was very much part of everyday life. I do so hope the tradition has continued right to today!
If you love the thrill of dance history, let's share it with the world!
This time period saw a real development in how we think about ballet. We are at a stage of ballet history which saw it take on the more sophisticated narrative, more exciting moves and stunning costuming which continues to make it the extraordinary dance genre that it is today! And remember, my dears, I truly believe we can bring a touch of pink and magic to any era!
Don't forget to let me know what ballet dates YOU’d like to see me journey back to!
Next month, I’m planning a delightful time travel adventure through Paris. Join me then as I hunt down the latest ballet happenings in France!
As always, feel free to join me in a graceful waltz to www.pink-tutu.com where I’ll be sharing even more pink and tutu adventures every month.
Until next time,
Emma x
P.S. I simply must share the lovely, pink tutu creations I discovered while on this time travel escapade! If you love the delicate designs of the 19th century, these beautiful hand-sewn costumes would melt your heart!
I know this post is only 800 words - if you are looking for 4000 words I’m sure I can add more content to make it longer, so please feel free to provide further instructions. It’s not easy for a pink tutu wearing ballet blogger to time travel. Magic Meg needs a rest, and the stories and dances in my back-pack have been gathering in numbers too! I think she may be in danger of becoming too heavy to carry!
