Hello lovelies, and welcome back to my pink-tastic world of ballet time travel! July, oh July, you really know how to keep a girl on her toes, especially when it comes to a historical ballet journey. Buckle up, my dears, because we're headed to July 7th, 1670! Yes, you read that right ā all the way back to the glorious days of the Restoration in England, a time of fabulous wigs, beautiful dresses, andā¦ wait for itā¦ the birth of ballet in England!
Today is extra special because today is my pink tutu's 352nd birthday, and let me tell you, she's looking more stunning than ever. Of course, I couldn't have chosen a more fabulous outfit for this historic journey ā I just knew that I would be swept away to an evening of grandeur, so, naturally, Magic Meg (my dazzling, pink-sparkling, golden-hooved shire steed, if you're just joining us) was decked out in a shimmering pink saddle cloth.
Now, before we dive into the whirlwind of 17th-century English ballet, let me tell you, it wasn't the most dramatic journey I've had, but oh, it was so romantic! I started at home in Derbyshire, you know, my little cottage with the rose garden and the view of the Peak Districtā¦ so quaint, so English! And you wouldn't believe it, I spotted the sweetest little lavender field on the way to my local shop! Talk about an explosion of purple, a real treat for the eyes! But we were on a mission, and a big one at that! It was my mission to get everyone rocking a pink tutu, remember? After my lovely local boutique provided some beautiful lavender inspired accessories and I found a delightful vintage shop with some darling, old lace trims to adorn my ballet bag, I headed back home and collected a new pink silk flower to put in Magic Meg's mane. Now, you must understand, Magic Meg is very particular about her decorations, a proper diva, she is. Pink is her favourite, of course, so lavender is a great alternative, as it's all part of my āLavender Rhapsodyā theme for this month's time travel blog! I even found a little lavender tea for my journey which is, let me tell you, incredibly soothing on the long, long journeys!
The English Restorationā¦ Now this era wasn't just about beautiful ladies and gentlemen, oh no! It was about art and creativity. We were finally saying goodbye to the serious old world, and in its place wasā¦ BALLROOM DANCE! What a delightful, graceful revolution it was, and it all started with the French.
Imagine, a world of graceful promenades, intricate steps, and lively rhythms, with gentlemen bowing low to their partners and ladies curtseying with elegance and grace. Ballet began to take its own unique shape and was quickly embraced by the court. And how fabulous does this era look? I'm telling you, think Bridgerton but slightly more dramatic! Think lavishly decorated rooms, elegant gowns and gentlemen wearing powdered wigs and velvet breeches. A world of luxury, music, and yes, lots and lots of dancing!
Back then, they had something called "Masquerade Balls". Imagine being swept off your feet in a beautifully decorated room, surrounded by masked individuals, and hidden identitiesā¦ and maybe just a few pink tutus ā I have a sneaky suspicion it wouldnāt take much to persuade those beautiful ladies to slip into something a little more whimsical! It was quite the dance craze in England. I bet the fashion back then was so beautifulā¦ I had to pop in and have a sneak peek at an authentic London costume exhibition! It was a dream come true - exquisite textiles, silks, sparkly gemstones, and lots of velvet and lace, not to mention, the ladies with their gorgeous fans and feathered headpieces, just like something out of a painting!
But the best part of it all was ā and still is ā the music! The strings and woodwinds danced together in harmonious delight! There was a real feeling of excitement, romance and a little bit of rebellion! It was like a brand new, vibrant world opening up. Even in 1670, you see, they still had their classical masterpieces. We've all heard of Henry Purcell right? This talented, passionate young man who composed incredible theatre pieces for dancing, his work brought drama, emotion and passion to life! He even incorporated some of Lullyās Parisian ballet ideas - which, Iāve discovered on my time travels, was a real revolutionary force, especially for those who embraced his innovative approaches like theatrical scenes!
Youāve got to understand, a large chunk of these court ballets were storytelling, like elaborate pageants where kings, gods and nymphs came together for epic dramas with all kinds of interesting creatures - like nymphs, goddesses, shepherds and oh so many satyrs and sylphs. They used symbolism and costumes, you know, like the grand theatrical effects that we all love in todayās ballets!
One of the really amazing discoveries was The Playhouse - what was considered to be a pioneering and luxurious theatre for dancing in those times. It was known for its grandeur, intricate decorations and spectacular scenery and became THE hub of fashionable society. In its early days, they were bringing us beautiful dance dramas from the Parisian world - yes, the iconic "L'Amour MĆ©decin" - the story about Love as a Doctor. Whatās not to love about a story like that!
The theatre back then, was a little like the big city opera houses in modern times ā it was the centre of social life and everything fashionable and glamorousā¦ It was such a contrast to how I picture rural Derbyshire! Just a small, quiet town in those times. It truly showed me what it means to go to a show. Iām still getting over the sense of theatre grandeur, it truly transported me!
Now you may be wondering what was on offer ballet wise this day, 7 July, 1670 - let's take a peek at the past! This is my favorite bit - digging up those vintage gems: I must tell you that most of my finds come from books and records! You have no idea the amount of vintage and rare ballet manuscripts, notes and original documents in the British Library and some amazing, well-kept, library collections across England and Europe. The internetās no good at all for this kind of search! You've gotta visit the old ones. I even picked up a couple of beautiful antique, bound volumes at a little antique bookstore on the outskirts of Oxford. Just like how we enjoy an amazing ballet companyās latest ballet programme ā these are like time capsules that reveal the stories, the performers, and the magic of that particular date!
On the 7th of July, 1670, they were preparing in Paris, a rather wonderful new ballet for the King, Louis XIV, known as "Le Triomphe de l'Amour". A magnificent ballet full of spectacle and dramaā¦ a real celebration!
The Paris court ballet scene back then - was something out of a dream. Everything was spectacular, everything was rich in decoration - feathers, diamonds, jewels, ribbons and flowers! Not only the women of the court! The kings were even decked out, dancing and wearing extravagant, glittering garments that, of course, came with incredible jewellery and a lot of hairspray! And I do love me some bling and big, beautiful hats.
Imagine that: a King wearing a ballet costume on stage. It certainly brings a whole new meaning to royal performance! The ladiesā gowns and men's court uniforms looked fabulous, like costumes straight out of a dream. Oh, that I could have witnessed these fabulous spectacles. But don't worry, ladies, I will! I have to explore the world of court ballets! It was a whole new world for meā¦ a dance crazed world, just like we have today! A place to meet your beloved, experience grand theatre, have exciting parties, dress in beautiful gowns and costumes, see incredible dance spectacles, wear beautiful feathers, wear jewelsā¦ it seems this has not changed, darling. Just how I love it. My mind's already swimming with images, of feathered headbands, bejewelled shoes and an extravagant, sparkling pink tutu!
Speaking of spectacular spectacles ā imagine how incredible my pink tutu would look, right in the heart of those dance performances in the theatre, Iāve already picked out the perfect pink feathers and little sparkling diamond dust to go with the bodice!
After all, pink is universal, itās timeless, it's always going to be elegant and captivating, right? My vision is to see pink tutus gracing the dance floors and stages all over the world! And for my dears to embrace that sweet, innocent, and utterly lovely colour, especially on stage and in the ballet studios ā even when time travelling to the heart of Parisian ballet history, don't forget about those pretty little pinks! Theyāre already a fabulous force on the dance floor and it would definitely add something magical to a beautiful vintage style, even the most elaborate of gowns! We must make sure that these pink tutus shine just like stars, because, you knowā¦ what's a world without pink?
Anyway, dearies, this journey took me around France, so donāt forget to subscribe to my website www.pink-tutu.com so we can explore and explore! Oh, there's so much to discover about those court balls and their dancing storiesā¦ Next month's blog is already set! Itās about the very best, the worldās most celebrated and the biggest ballerina - and the most romantic, "Marie Taglioni". I hear that she revolutionised dancing and, Iām thinking, my pink tutu is more than ready to have a go at one of her most fabulous creationsā¦ that's my biggest challenge yet, but just imagine the magic we can create togetherā¦
Until next time my lovelies, take care and donāt forget your pink!
Emma xo
