Hey there, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller. Buckle up because we're about to embark on another exhilarating journey through history, all in the name of ballet! This month, we're venturing to the glorious year of 1661, specifically September the 9th.
My trusty pink sparkling steed, Magic Meg, is all saddled up and ready to take us on this grand adventure. Can you believe it? It's a mere three years after the Great Fire of London, which must have been quite the sight to behold! (Imagine the smoke and chaos! Maybe the fire dancers will be wearing tutus to add a bit of grace amidst the madness? One can only hope!)
As you all know, the world of ballet was taking its very first steps in this era. No more dancing in the court, with its restrictions on what women could wear! We're now seeing a new form of entertainment, with theatres bursting into life with stories told through dance. In fact, we're heading to Paris today to witness the unveiling of something very special - the first public ballet company, funded by the King himself! Can you imagine? That's some pretty impressive tutu support!
Oh, I must tell you all about my pink ensemble for this historical occasion! It's my favourite piece from the early French baroque period. Think lots of billowing layers, extravagant embellishments, and just a hint of sparkly, blush-pink fabric! It wouldn't be me without a bit of glitz, right? And it wouldn't be a time travel trip without a sparkly horse, which is why my gorgeous Magic Meg is the envy of every horse in the past! Oh, and if we find ourselves at a ball or some other celebratory gathering, you know I’ll be whipping out my finest dance shoes. Ballet flats are simply divine, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of celebratory gatherings, let’s hop off the subject of my tutu for a moment. Imagine what ballet performances would have been like in 1661! I’m just picturing the exquisite dance pieces, with elaborate costumes, intricate music and captivating storytelling – truly a magical sight to behold. While some may say these performances were extravagant and frivolous, to me, it seems that these dancers were pioneers, pushing the boundaries of expression and artistry! I wonder what kind of stories they will tell tonight, how they'll bring those tales to life on the stage. I am filled with such anticipation!
But let's talk about fashion, because this is where things truly get exciting for a pink tutu-obsessed time traveller like myself. What’s the biggest ballet fashion trend in 1661? Well, my dears, let me tell you: corsets and hoopskirt extravaganzas! Oh, to have a spin in one of those dazzling gowns, so intricately adorned with ruffles, lace and velvet! And wouldn't it be utterly divine to wear my pink tutu underneath it? (Maybe that will be my mission on this journey!). It would surely be the ultimate display of fashion and ballet combined. Just imagine the gasps of admiration as I sashay across the Parisian dance floor!
I must show you the incredible things I’ve been adding to my backpack. A precious set of handwritten dance instructions for a new choreography, beautifully adorned with illustrations of dancers! I wonder who penned these intricate moves – their stories and passions echo within each movement. And a vintage dance poster, featuring a dazzling ballerina soaring across the stage – quite inspiring!
I feel such an affinity for the ballerinas of this era – trailblazers, pioneers of ballet. As we enter a bustling Parisian square, where elegant carriages roll past and people chatter with excitement for the evening ahead, I’m sure we will find a new story to add to my ballet treasure chest. Just you wait – this is a time travel adventure I’m going to share with all of you on www.pink-tutu.com, along with photos and stories from the performance. So, if you are looking to dance into the heart of ballet history, stay tuned for all the juicy details on this fabulous trip.
Until then, stay sparkly!
Emma xx
