Hello fellow tutu lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com. It's Emma here, your pink-clad time travelling ballerina, ready to take you on another exciting journey through history!
This month, we're stepping back in time to the 2nd of February, 1675. Can you imagine the world then? It's like something out of a period drama, with powdered wigs, lace ruffles, and oh, so much grandeur!
Now, before we start our exploration, let me introduce you to my trusty companion - Magic Meg, the most stunning pink-sparkling Shire horse you've ever seen! Her hooves shimmer with gold, and her white mane and tail are just picture-perfect. She loves carrying my leather rucksack brimming with the treasures I find on my time travel adventures! And wouldn't you know it, this time my backpack is filled with a real treat: a beautiful, embroidered satin shoe from a time before pointe shoes! I imagine it would be perfect for dancing those intricate French courtly dances, even if it wouldn't offer much support for a full 'en pointe' leap.
So, grab your cuppa and settle in as we delve into the ballet world of 1675!
A Glittering Courtly World
It might seem a bit strange, but ballet was HUGE in the courts of France during this period! Imagine elaborate costumes and even more elaborate dances – it was all the rage. It wasn't your typical tutus and leaps though; it was much more about elegance and grace.
You know how much I adore watching a well-performed ballet. But in those days, dancing was about showing off your lineage and wealth, much like the modern-day socialite. Even though ballet in this time period was an intensely formal affair, you bet there were a few colourful characters gracing the stage. It was truly a visual spectacle!
Think courtly minuets and the 'grand ballet de cour'. Imagine all those beautifully intricate patterns and elegant footwork. It's a far cry from our fast-paced, dramatic ballets, isn't it? But oh so captivating in its own way. I could just see myself with a fancy powdered wig and a gorgeous embroidered satin gown, taking the stage in one of those exquisite dances! It's all so romantic and fairytale-esque, don't you think?
Let's Dance:
My little foray into this ballet period hasn't been entirely without drama. Oh my! Let me tell you about my encounter at Versailles - I mean, it was SO fabulous!
You'd think a palace that looks like that would have amazing food, wouldn't you? Oh, the cake I found there - so airy and light, adorned with exquisite sugar flowers and dusted with powdered sugar - it was like something from a dream! Of course, a quick snap on my Insta feed was in order before I tucked in. After all, who wouldn’t want to have a sugar flower ballet?
Back to the drama... Turns out I accidentally photobombed the King’s birthday ball, you see, with Magic Meg all dolled up in pink! The King's entourage nearly had kittens! Imagine a big, beautiful pink horse suddenly bursting into the dance hall... with a girl in a tutu! Fortunately, everyone calmed down after I explained I'd come to explore the wonders of ballet history, and that pink was my happy colour.
My explanation included my heartfelt desire for everyone to don a pink tutu. The king's lady-in-waiting, bless her soul, laughed. She said “I doubt even the king would take kindly to pink and dancing as a pair, much less in a tutu."
Well, my tutu clad darling, I say that we just need to start this worldwide tutu revolution somewhere, right? It may just start a craze... even if I have to do it with one pink horse and an old leather rucksack!
The Heart of the Story
So there you have it! A glimpse into the ballet world of 1675, all filled with elegance, grandeur, and a little bit of pink! It just goes to show that the love for dance and performance transcends time and fashion. Whether it's the French courts or the modern-day ballet stage, there’s a common thread of creativity, artistry, and beauty.
It's all so inspiring, isn’t it? My next visit back in time is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to discover more treasures. And as always, you know you can count on me to bring all the wonder, the magic, and the joy of ballet back to you!
I always end these blog posts by wishing you a happy dancing life. And to make your days just a little bit more glamorous, do try and remember: If it doesn’t involve pink and sparkle, it just isn’t worth your time.
Keep dancing! Emma
Don’t forget to catch me at the Royal Opera House for my show in March. All proceeds will help me take Magic Meg to further adventures in time travel and I will be donating the excess to The Derbyshire Ballet Foundation!
Remember to join the conversation on Instagram! We are on #pinktututimetravels
About The Derbyshire Ballet Foundation:The Derbyshire Ballet Foundation (DBF) provides dance education to underprivileged children in the local region. This charitable organisation supports local dancers of all ages, promoting the art and athleticism of ballet and enriching young lives.
