Hello my lovely little ballerinas,
It’s me, Emma, back with another exhilarating tale from my whirlwind adventures through time! You know I love to share the magic of ballet, especially its colourful history, with all of you. And this month’s journey takes us way back to the 17th century, January the 1st, 1675, to be precise!
Now, I'll admit, my first thought on stepping out of the shimmering pink portal was that the streets weren't nearly as lively as the vibrant Covent Garden theatre I'd just left in 2023! Don't worry though, Magic Meg and I, all in our sparkling pink outfits, settled in quickly and it wasn't long before we discovered a little secret!
This time period, dear readers, is when ballet as we know it was beginning to blossom. Imagine, if you will, a world without that exquisite grace of pointe work or even the familiar pas de deux! Can you believe it? A world where the dance wasn't yet elevated to the art form we adore today?
Of course, that's not to say there weren't captivating dance performances! In fact, court balls and lavish private events were where the first real stirrings of ballet were taking place. Back then, a skilled group called ‘Le Roy’s Royal Ballet’ took centre stage, mesmerising everyone with their playful movements and elegant postures. Now, this may not seem very radical, but think of it - this was the first troupe dedicated to ballet performance! Just think, they were the pioneers, the ones who dared to showcase the beauty of dance in its early stages!
On that brisk January day, the court was abuzz, celebrating the New Year with extravagant festivities. The dancing, of course, was a key highlight. Think of it as a fancy dress ball on steroids! Ladies in their extravagant silk gowns, the gentlemen dapper in their ruffled shirts and knee breeches, all twirling and leaping in a merry, swirling spectacle. No fancy tutus back then, mind you, just the opulent silks and lace which truly epitomised the rich history of court life!
I was itching to join the festivities, to twirl among the powdered wigs and lace collars. So, we gathered some of the most intriguing costumes and stories from the day in my trusty leather rucksack and were ready to go! It wasn’t all fun and frolics, however. I saw that women were not given the same opportunities as the men, at least when it came to the ballet. Back then, women mostly played supporting roles, their movements mostly about flirtation and charm. It was the men who took center stage, executing intricate figures, expressing themes, and showing their power and skill. I just had to imagine how wonderful it would be for all those talented women to showcase their own genius in the ballet!
Thankfully, as I watched a graceful lady twirl past me, I realised that change was already in the air. She moved with a fluid grace, her movements full of expression and artistic finesse. This was the first inkling I had that these beautiful and powerful women, like my dearest friends in our ballet studio back home, would one day come into their own, taking the ballet stage by storm!
However, before you all start daydreaming about performing in court, don't forget that these dances were far from the complex routines we know today. There were basic steps, more elegant than graceful, often influenced by the grand, majestic postures that royalty would adopt in their portraits!
You might be wondering about the costumes, darling. You know I always focus on those! Imagine billowing silk gowns and sparkling jewels! The fashions back then were extravagant and very opulent - just what I like!
Of course, nothing quite rivals the fashion that adorns the ballerina, right? Whilst in my time machine back in the 17th century, I realised that the ballet footwear wasn’t anything like what we use today! Imagine, no pointed toes! Instead, they danced in their fashionable heels - it was quite a feat to perform those elegant steps with them!
Talking of feats, just wait until you hear about Magic Meg! Now, there are few things as beautiful as a Shires Horse, and this horse of mine is simply dazzling, even for a horse from the future. Pink as can be with golden hooves, she's absolutely captivating! But finding suitable fodder for her in 1675 wasn't as easy as I expected. Imagine - pink, sparkly treats?! They didn’t sell those in 1675, dear readers.
We had a most remarkable time, didn't we, Meg?
So much had changed in this tiny trip back in time. I'm thrilled that we got to witness those important moments in history, see the beginnings of ballet! I know some of you will be keen to see the incredible ballet shows in London’s Drury Lane Theatre this year. Let me know how you like them, and tell me if any of them give you a little pink tutu inspiration. If you’re wondering about me, I'm already planning my next time-travelling adventure. We are making plans for the 1800’s and I cannot wait to see the progress in the ballet world - who knows, maybe by then, the little ladies will have tutus!
Until next month, remember to keep your dancing shoes on, and don't be afraid to sparkle, even if it’s in your own, unique way. Don't forget that if you’re in Derbyshire this month, don’t miss my ballet performance on the 24th at the Bakewell theatre - all proceeds are going to charity. I'm excited to see you all there. Until next time, remember, always embrace your inner ballerina!
Your friend,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
