Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here! I'm so excited to whisk you away on a new adventure to the past, because today, I'm travelling to the 11th November, 1666! Can you imagine?! I'm actually getting chills just thinking about it!
But before we set off, grab a cuppa and settle in. I’ve got some real treasures to share from my latest ballet travels - stories and secrets from a fascinating era in ballet history! You'll see how much fun I had and why, oh why, you just NEED to get your own pink tutu on, because honestly, they’re the most magical, glamorous outfits!
As always, my faithful pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg, a stunning shire horse with the most beautiful golden hooves, flowing white mane, and tail that dances in the breeze, is patiently awaiting me outside. She’s a true pink-loving companion. We’ve been travelling back in time together for what feels like forever, gathering stories, finding beautiful fabrics, and just enjoying the wonders of ballet throughout the ages!
A Dash Back to 1666… and Oh My, It's Just so Charming!
Now, 1666 - this is the year the Great Fire of London happened, and it was an incredibly tumultuous time. I wouldn't even dream of heading near the fire itself – let’s just say, even a pink tutu wouldn’t help against those flames! However, there's a delightful hidden ballet history that thrived despite the hardships!
On November 11th, 1666, London was still rebuilding, and the ballet scene was taking its first tentative steps! You wouldn't believe the grandeur they’d managed to put together - it was a real showcase of strength and artistry!
It’s funny, there was no real "ballet" as we know it today, but they had dances that incorporated dramatic movements, costumes, and lots of playful footwork. It was almost like an operatic theatrical experience. Think elaborate costumes with long, trailing sleeves - something like a beautiful Elizabethan ruff. No tutus yet, sadly, but it was still an elegant way to express movement, drama, and even a touch of the dramatic!
I was mesmerized by their music - they incorporated singing, played musical instruments like the violin, lute, and dulcimer. It really brought the story to life in a beautiful way. The music, along with the colourful costumes and the actors’ acting, helped tell tales from history and mythology. They really knew how to weave a spell!
I couldn’t resist buying some lovely pieces of lace, beads, and even a gorgeous hand-stitched embroidered piece from a shop in a quiet corner of the rebuilt city. You know me, I can’t help but pick up some keepsakes for my blog readers - even if I can’t manage to fit a pink tutu into my travel bag this time around!
Ballet Time Capsule: The Leather Rucksack
I even snuck into a few performances. Oh, how they would love the idea of tutus - that’s the only downside of my trips into the past! So I do my part by slipping a note in my backpack about the glorious tutu revolution! Maybe if I travel back enough, they’ll see the light and realise what they’re missing.
Talking of the backpack - it’s not just for souvenirs! I carefully tuck away anything I find - from handwritten playscripts and performance programmes to drawings of dancers and music scores. You just never know what little treasure I might stumble upon!
So many fascinating things, so many stories. My rucksack feels like a ballet time capsule, full of treasures, whispers of the past and the hope for a more tutu-tastic future!
And now, a special invitation just for you, dear readers…
On November 11th, I invite you to imagine yourself travelling back in time. What would YOU be looking for in a time-travel ballet journey? Leave a comment on my website - www.pink-tutu.com - and let me know your favourite historical periods, the shows you’d like to see, and of course, the colours you’d love to see incorporated into the dancers’ costumes. We might just find a way to combine our dreams and make this dream happen. Remember, everything starts with a dream. And tutus!
Next month, I’ll be back with a whole new adventure - maybe even one with a real tutu sighting!
Until then, dance with joy!
Yours always, Emma xx
PS. If you'd like to check out more about what's happening in the ballet world, here are a few things happening now in Derbyshire:
- Derby Theatre: This is a great place to check out their ballet and dance programme. They often host some lovely modern and classical ballet productions!
- The Guildhall Theatre, Buxton: Buxton also has a vibrant arts scene. If you are lucky, there might be a special show in November - and I’m always on the lookout for fabulous outfits!
- And of course, never forget, my ballet blog is where you can discover the secrets, the history and all the joy of the dance! Check it out on www.pink-tutu.com.
