Hey fellow Tutu-lovers!
It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time, and oh boy, let me tell you, this one was absolutely magical! We’re now on Post #175 for you fabulous readers, and I’m so excited to share this journey with you! July the 7th, 1675. Can you believe it? Just a tiny little hop back to the golden age of ballet - and guess what? We’re on the cusp of a royal event!
But first, a quick update on our trusty steed! Magic Meg, our magnificent pink, sparkling Shire with the golden hooves and white mane and tail, is doing splendidly! I treated her to a bucket of freshly-picked lavender, and you’d swear she beamed. As for my travelling attire? I simply couldn’t resist donning a breathtakingly pink tulle tutu - a delightful burst of colour amidst the 17th-century garb.
Speaking of colour, our journey began in the heart of London, where the cobbled streets buzzed with a vibrant energy, much like a pre-performance atmosphere in Covent Garden. The air was crisp, the sun shone golden through the early morning mist, and the first birds were just beginning their morning chorus. It felt utterly magical - as if time itself were preparing for something special.
We galloped through the bustling city towards the majestic grandeur of Whitehall Palace. Now, you might be thinking, “Emma, what could be so important at the Palace, other than the Monarch, of course?!”
Well, you'd be right! But I’m talking about more than just Royalty - this was the day the Royal Ballet was born! It was King Louis XIV himself, the Sun King of France, who established this grand, professional company of dancers, changing the face of ballet forever.
We watched from the sidelines as the King's personal troupe performed with a vigour and athleticism unlike anything we’d seen before. This ballet, a work of great art and artistry, was a thrilling mix of spectacle, music, and drama, unlike the earlier courtly dances and masques. This performance truly captured the beauty and power of human movement, a hallmark of what ballet became.
There were costumes of velvet and silks, feathers and lace - the ladies all decked out in exquisite elegance, of course! Though there weren't any tutus in this performance, I couldn’t help but imagine what these graceful dancers would look like swirling in a beautiful pink one, right?!
The whole scene felt like the opening night of a lavish new show, with every performer striving to be the best! What an unforgettable experience!
After soaking up the energy of this historic event, I began my usual pilgrimage to the local markets. There, nestled amongst the fresh produce and handcrafted goods, I discovered the most amazing leather pouch. Crafted by hand with intricate detailing and lined with a beautiful blush pink silk, it's now home to a tiny handwritten recipe for an 18th-century French confection that supposedly boosts dancer stamina, a perfectly preserved piece of silk that adorned a costume of the court dancer, a sketch of the King Louis' favourite ballets, and much more!
Speaking of dance, it’s time to shift focus to the ballet world in the 21st Century. What's on for this week? Well, there are some amazing performances that you must catch, darlings! The Royal Ballet is taking centre stage in London, while across the pond, The New York City Ballet is in full swing with a beautiful season of diverse contemporary ballet performances. You can see The Royal Ballet doing a modern production of Romeo and Juliet that's truly worth a watch. Check them both out for a fantastic night of graceful and powerful performances!
Oh, and let's not forget the fashion! You know I adore everything stylish, so you can bet your tutu that I'll be adding to my own wardrobe. I’m picturing a long tulle skirt, layered and shimmering like a soft pink dream!
Remember, my darlings, always let your inner ballerina shine through! Don’t be afraid to dance like nobody's watching - and definitely add a touch of pink to your life, you’ll be a true ‘pink-tutu’ sensation!
Until next time,
Emma xx
