Hello lovelies, and welcome to Pink Tutu Travels! It's Emma here, your ballet-obsessed time-travelling gal from Derbyshire, ready to whisk you off on another magical journey through history! This month, I'm thrilled to share my adventures from February 2nd, 1673 - a time when ballet was taking its first bold steps across the globe!
As always, my trusty steed, the dazzling Magic Meg – a pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail – carried me through the swirling mists of time. My pink tutu fluttered with excitement, and my leather rucksack was ready to be filled with 17th-century treasures!
First stop? The Court of Louis XIV in France! Ah, the King Sun – the epitome of pomp and ceremony. He wasn't just a ruler, but a ballet enthusiast, too! He loved nothing more than extravagant performances at his court, featuring all the latest dance crazes. I couldn't resist attending a ballet de cour, a lavish production filled with intricate dances, colourful costumes, and intricate sets. The music, although unfamiliar, was full of grace and elegance – quite the contrast to the lively jig I'd learnt back home!
Did you know, the choreography was like nothing I've ever seen! The steps were based on fencing techniques and the noble movements of the time. I even caught a glimpse of pas de bourrée, the delicate step that we still adore today! Imagine that - a tiny seed of our beloved ballet was taking root right there in the French court!
The costumes, my darlings, were truly breathtaking! Rich velvets, glittering silks, and dazzling jewels adorned the dancers. The gentlemen wore shimmering doublets and knee breeches, while the ladies were wrapped in lavish gowns, their heads crowned with feathered headdresses and lace-trimmed scarves. The entire court was a dazzling tapestry of colours, a kaleidoscope of extravagance and artistry.
The whole performance was a dazzling explosion of theatre. The dancers were less concerned with precise footwork and leaps than with a fluid, dramatic expression of the story through movement and gesture. This was less a technical exhibition of dance skill and more an elegant visual ballet filled with passion and emotion!
Leaving the opulent court of the Sun King, I continued my journey, guided by the silvery moonlight and Magic Meg’s gentle hooves. Next, I visited a rather more humble scene – a local village in England. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a lively folk dance! Although not quite en pointe , it was joyous and heartfelt, a reminder that the spirit of dance was alive and well everywhere! The music was so captivating that I couldn't resist joining in – much to the amusement of the village children! We twirled together under the star-kissed sky, laughter filling the crisp air.
While I missed the shimmering silks and dazzling gems, this experience truly reminded me that the power of dance transcends time and social strata. Whether it's in a grand palace or a quaint village, the rhythm and joy of movement speaks to the soul.
And my darlings, that's just the beginning! On February 2nd, 1673, a ballet by Giovanni Battista Lulli - a renowned French composer of Italian descent - made its grand debut in Paris. This enchanting performance - a real piece of history! This incredible time traveler journey wouldn't be complete without me catching the last moments of the performance!
Now, my lovelies, you might be thinking - where are all the pink tutus in 17th century ballet?! Fear not! A Pink Tutu always finds a way to bring a little bit of magic, even back then. As the audience in Paris erupted in applause at the end of Lulli's ballet, I took center stage! The dancers stopped mid-curtain call, looking in astonishment at my vision in pink.
You could say there were gasps and shouts of 'Heavens' and 'My word!'. It wasn't quite the roaring reception of a modern day ballet show, but that's where the fun is - a pink tutu needs a bit of adventure! The dancers, clearly taken aback by this daring move (you see, I had no stage etiquette guide with me on my journey!) invited me onto the stage for a bow and a short dance, showcasing a couple of ballet moves we all adore in the modern world - an elegant arabesque and a quick pirouette!
Their eyes widened with delight at the unfamiliar steps – a hint of what was to come! The ladies loved the blush of pink upon my dress and their heads seemed to spin, looking down to see if there might be a pink tutu somewhere on the court! They weren't shy - a couple of them came out in the first intermission of Lulli's production with a dress resembling a modern tutu! Pink it is! Even the male dancers admired my grace and confidence, while the audience burst into laughter and applause - my time travelling mission was on point. A bit of pink is never out of place.
And before I knew it, I was back home in Derbyshire, my head brimming with memories and my leather rucksack filled with stories and treasures of this amazing era. It was a truly unforgettable journey, one I'll cherish forever! Remember, my lovely dancers, every journey has a destination - my pink tutu journey has brought us to a new historical point! Time travel is always a pleasure when a pink tutu is on board!
Until next time, happy dancing and happy travelling!
Yours in ballet and pink, Emma xxx
PS Have you discovered a favorite moment from ballet history? Tell us all about it! Remember to leave a comment on our website, www.pink-tutu.com, and don’t forget to tell us which ballet you’d love to see me visit next. And don’t forget, darling, we have a pink tutu competition going on! Win a pink tutu from your favorite boutique, hand-picked just for you. Don’t forget to enter at our www.pink-tutu.com website - it ends February 14th!
