Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveler! I'm so excited to share my latest adventures with you - this month we’re going back to 1662, a date that’s practically bursting with exciting ballet history! But first, let’s talk fashion.
Remember when I mentioned my aim to get everyone wearing a pink tutu? Well, darling, my quest continues! I've been collecting so many incredible tutus in my travels, and it’s inspired me to start making my own! It’s all thanks to my fabulous trip to Paris in 1830 where I snagged the most magnificent fabrics – gossamer-soft tulle in delicate hues of blush and rose! I’m dreaming of a pink, pleated tutu masterpiece. Imagine: soft silk ribbon adorned with tiny pink pearls cascading down a cloud of tulle. Just picture the elegance!
Alright, time to talk about my most recent time-travel escapades. Buckle up, lovelies, this one’s a real doozy!
I saddled up Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire with the most gloriously white mane and tail, and we galloped off into the swirling colours of the past. With a snap of the reins, we were whisked away from my cosy cottage in Derbyshire to London. It was a chilly October evening in 1662, and I, of course, donned my most elegant pink tutu (a very, very simple one for this time period!). My favourite velvet cloak – a deep cranberry colour – kept me warm as we ventured into the heart of the city, towards the King’s Theatre.
The King's Theatre, a magnificent spectacle for its time, was truly brimming with the spirit of the court. Imagine this, darlings: candles flickered like stars against the opulent tapestries. Velvet seats adorned the stalls, and the music was so sweet you could taste it. You know I'm a sucker for the old classics, so I've been dreaming of dancing alongside the famous ballets that graced these very boards - "The Triumph of Love and Beauty", "The Siege of Rhodes", "The Choice of the Muses" – you can practically feel the passion of those original dancers echoing across the years!
In my rucksack, I've brought back a little something special: an old programme listing the ballets performed at the King's Theatre that evening. Imagine, lovelies, they didn't even call it "ballet" back then! They called it "Masque," a blend of song, dance, poetry, and theatre. This theatre, constructed on the command of King Charles II, was actually a real groundbreaker for its time, as it brought in dancing – not just courtly social dances but ballets performed by trained dancers – right to the forefront of entertainment. It's such a special moment in time for dance history, isn’t it?
It was magical watching those early dancers with their elegant movements, showcasing incredible talent within their very particular and specific style of movement. You'd never see those incredible steps and poses on the ballet stage today – their "French" dance style was distinct from modern ballet but possessed a classic grace that took my breath away. You can still find the "French" style in some choreography today, although of course it's been adapted and modernised. But it's always such a wonderful moment of historical ballet connection for me.
Now, I may have traveled back in time, but fashion darling, I wasn’t leaving those 1660s style shops empty-handed! You bet I snatched up some truly gorgeous embroidery and lace – you just can’t find fabric like that these days! I'll tell you more about my findings next month.
Speaking of next month, you won’t want to miss my next ballet adventures – it’s a journey to the vibrant, creative, passionate ballet scene in Italy during the 18th century! Let’s face it, ballet is an eternal treasure!
Until then, darling! Always remember, the power of dance is undeniable, and you don't need to be a ballerina to wear a pink tutu!
Stay sparkly,
Emma 💕🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
