Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel, your monthly dose of ballet history and fashionable fun! This month, I've popped my pink tutu on and journeyed all the way back to 2nd February 1666. You might be thinking "Emma, why 1666? That sounds like a year for bad luck!" Well, you're right, that fateful Great Fire of London was just around the corner, but today, it was all about grace, elegance, and – you guessed it – the glorious dance!
So, I packed my pink tutu, a generous sprinkle of fairy dust for good measure (always a must, just in case!), and set off on Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse, whose golden hooves practically glided us through the mists of time. The journey, as always, was magical, and before we knew it, we were in the heart of London, right where the history of ballet was about to be written.
As I stepped out of the saddle (thank you, Magic Meg!) and admired the beautiful, cobbled streets, a chill breeze rustled my pink tutu, and I couldn’t help but feel excited. We’d arrived right in time for a royal performance! Yes, you heard right! The King’s Company of Dancers was performing a special ballet evening for King Charles II and his court. The Queen was away on a visit to her mother in Holland (so exciting!), and the court had chosen this date to showcase their impressive artistry.
Imagine the scene, darling: the flickering gaslight illuminating the elegant theatre, the shimmering silk and velvet gowns of the court ladies, and, of course, the dazzling talent of the dancers themselves!
Sadly, none of those performances survive today, but thanks to my time travelling backpack, filled with antique documents and historical records, I can paint a picture for you, my darling readers. Imagine a combination of French "ballet de cour" and the Italian court ballets that were all the rage back then. Think grace, wit, and dazzling costumes, and you'll get a taste of what the King and his guests experienced!
The French "ballet de cour" – those elegant, ceremonial ballets – had a strong influence on the King, and he adored them! You could see why; they were perfect for showing off grace and style! There were a plethora of lovely dances on the program, and, as you can imagine, these court dances were much like ballet today, although much more formal, with intricate patterns and intricate steps. And the dancers, well, they were stars! The Queen's own dance master, Monsieur Saint-Yon, had even choreographed some of the performances. Imagine!
Now, this particular event, I heard from the gossiping locals (and from my time travel notes!) had some fantastic costumes and accessories. The King's company wore stunning gowns and powdered wigs (a personal favourite of mine!). Imagine the elegance, darling, and just try to resist the thought of everyone in a gorgeous, pink tutu! Just imagine the sheer delight! I'm adding a photo from my backpack (yes, I grabbed a few mementoes from this grand occasion!) so you can have a visual feast for the eyes. I am so impressed by the attention to detail back then; it was a spectacle for the senses.
But enough about the history, my darling reader. What about the fashion?! Honestly, 1666 London was a fashion haven! I must confess I went a bit crazy at the haberdasher's. Lace trims, colourful ribbons, delicate fabrics – it was a delight to browse. I think I found a new love for my beloved pink tutu. What's a tutu without a touch of the past, some luxurious embellishments to make it extra special? And who could resist a delicate pink hat with feathers for a touch of flair?
And of course, I made sure to visit the ballet schools that were cropping up in London. Back then, it wasn't easy to be a dancer! Many dancers were trained privately. Imagine spending hours on end, working hard, but all for the love of dance. It was truly inspiring! It was then I felt so passionately that we all need a pink tutu! Just a thought to ponder on, my lovelies.
Overall, this little time trip to February 2nd, 1666, proved a real eye opener for me, my dear reader. Seeing this period through a ballet lens was fascinating and brought so many memories flooding back – I always feel connected to this glorious world of ballet and theatre! It’s like a timeless bond, that I never tire of sharing with you all.
Next month, we'll be journeying to another time period; make sure you're on the lookout for hints on my Instagram stories for more teasers!
Remember, keep on twirling!
Emma xx
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P.S. My latest performance "The Magic Tutu" has just been announced! Head to my website to buy your tickets - I would love to see you there! Let's twirl the night away!
