Hello my darling darlings,
It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, bringing you another dose of twirling time travel from the pages of pink tutu history. This month, we're galloping through the cobbled streets of December 1676, just imagine all the possibilities, the costumes, the excitement! And of course, what better way to travel through time than on the back of my beloved Magic Meg, a shire horse with a coat the colour of rose quartz, sparkling golden hooves and a white mane and tail that could put a duchess to shame.
Speaking of duchess, we're off to a royal performance today, the hottest ticket in town – a ballet at the King's Theatre, right here in London. Now, back then, London wasn't quite the city we know today. No dazzling skyscrapers, but think instead, grand houses with ornate windows, cobbled streets filled with the clatter of hooves, and maybe, just maybe, the first rumble of a stagecoach!
Remember that lovely new pink tulle I picked up last week from my favourite haberdashery? I had to have a new tutu for this adventure – can't very well go traipsing through time without one, now can we? The lovely shop keeper told me it’s called 'The French Fashion' in those times, oh, it is quite the buzz word, darling!
I imagine the theatre abuzz with anticipation, ladies in extravagant gowns, their powdered wigs framing their elegant faces. The men in fine, dark suits, probably velvet and silk, every one of them, looking utterly dapper and gentlemanly. All these ladies and gents eager to be enthralled by the grace and skill of the performers.
I peek over the leather rucksack strapped onto my back. This is my treasured "time-travel treasure trove" you see, a place where I tuck in interesting souvenirs and jot down little notes about my discoveries, especially when it comes to the wonders of ballet fashion. This time, I've got a little embroidered silk ribbon in here, a memento of my journey, to add to my collection. You wouldn’t believe the craftsmanship of the textiles!
Imagine the stage lit by flickering candlelight, casting dancing shadows across the ornate costumes. This, my dear readers, was ballet back then – the dawn of this beautiful art form. It wouldn't have the grandeur and complexity we see today, no high-kicks, no impossibly long legs, just beauty and poise. But don't for a second underestimate the skills of the early ballet dancers – they were pioneers, paving the way for the grand leaps, graceful arabesques and the dramatic fouettés that we revel in today!
What I wouldn't give for a front-row seat at that King's Theatre! Ah well, perhaps a performance later, when we arrive in the more familiar 19th century! Just picturing the elegance, the grace and the romance that would have filled the theatre! Imagine that music! The sound of the violins and the plucking of the lutes. Can't you picture those dainty ladies on pointe, dancing to this enchanting score? Pure poetry!
The stories, my dears, these stories just take my breath away! It’s incredible what was going on back then – and it’s such a reminder that this art form, our beloved ballet, it’s always been around, evolving, changing and finding new ways to tell stories and evoke emotion!
Now, for my dear ballet lovers, I shall tell you about one of the key people behind that King’s Theatre, my favourite bit of ballet history from that glorious year of 1676. That very December saw a performance by Thomas D’Urfey, one of the most celebrated composers and lyricists of that era. And wouldn’t you know it, he also happened to be one of the pioneers behind the English opera and, well, a playwright as well. What a talented gentleman! Imagine being there in the auditorium. A truly magical moment to witness a pioneer in this grand form of musical theatre.
He penned a charming ballettopera - or so they called them in those days - called “The Virtuous Wife” and guess what it was all about? Well, all about this woman whose virtue was questioned by this envious female character in the story. Ooh, it sounds so much like our favourite ballet narratives doesn't it! But it gets even better, there was also a character called “Mr. Fancy” in the opera, a character who is utterly obsessed with all the new fashions – just like me! What a fascinating and relevant character for a time-travelling blogger! He would be delighted to be on the “Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog”, that's for sure.
It's the perfect note to end on, isn't it? The early days of ballet, so full of hope and innovation, so alive with beauty and emotion. Just like you, my dear readers! It's what makes me so passionate about sharing these stories, spreading the love of ballet, and getting everyone twirling in a pink tutu! Until next time, darling readers, remember, every day is an adventure waiting to be twirled!
Lots of love,
Emma, your Pink Tutu Time Traveller.
P.S. Make sure you subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for monthly posts on all things ballet history, fashion and adventures in time! I am always eager to share more amazing stories from the world of ballet. And don’t forget to follow my latest adventures on my social media! I would love to see your photos in a pink tutu as well. Share with me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! I’m waiting for your lovely messages.
