June 6th, 1678: The King's Theatre & My Dream Tutu
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another amazing trip through time! This month I've popped back to the year 1678, landing myself smack-dab in the middle of the Royal Court, where a whole different kind of performance was happening. Imagine, folks, it's the grand opening of the King's Theatre in London, and let me tell you, this wasn't just any theatre! It was all about lavish costumes, fancy dances, and of course, music. Just the way I like it!
I wouldn't normally be caught dead in a historical era where people haven't embraced the brilliance of the pink tutu yet, but my trusty horse, Magic Meg, always finds a way to enchant our adventures with a little extra sparkle. Now, imagine my surprise when I landed right in front of a giant building with massive pillars. It was made from bricks and all this bright red. Talk about dramatic, right? It felt so regal! Apparently, this is a theatre that's being unveiled today for King Charles the Second, the most fabulous monarch at that time, bless his heart.
My backpack, always my trusted travel companion, was stuffed to the brim with the latest fashions in ballet wear - just in case I needed to inspire a little pink revolution back then! It's a good job I brought my pink satin dress and sparkly tiaras, because this was just the sort of party where you'd want to make an entrance. Let me tell you, they knew how to do it back then, folks. I practically had to force my way past carriages full of royalty! It felt just like a fairytale – fancy coaches, fine ladies in powdered wigs, and everyone trying to show off the most extravagant fashion. My little tutu would have stood out a mile – or, perhaps I should say, a league, seeing as leagues were what they used in the 17th century!
I snuck into the theatre and I'm not sure you could believe the grandeur of it all! A sea of people were there, some of the richest folks you've ever seen. Even though it was supposed to be a 'play,' you could tell it wasn't your everyday sort of performance. I've seen some ballet classes back in Derby, and some modern productions in London's West End, but nothing quite like this.
The stage was a glorious, multi-level structure – a far cry from my simple ballet class studios, but every inch was so theatrical and captivating. Instead of dancers twirling with balletic elegance, these men and women strutted about in elaborate costumes that took inspiration from the history of opera, the ballet and theatre – just like what my lovely pink tutu draws on for inspiration!
But the star of the show was a singer and dancer called John Downes. He was amazing, a real all-rounder who could both sing and act and wow the crowd with dance moves. Apparently he played "Jupiter," the biggest God in Roman mythology - he must have been pretty spectacular. Just the sight of all these people dressed up like royalty - or Roman Gods and Goddesses - in those beautiful fabrics was simply breathtaking! Imagine, the kind of inspiration it provided the ballet!
I was thrilled to discover a real connection to my favorite modern ballet, "Giselle." Back in the 17th Century, John Downes was known for being so passionate about dancing and ballet, he used to run what they called "a ballet academy!" It's inspiring, knowing the tradition of ballet is so strong and old. I can only imagine what he would have said if he could see modern ballet dancers in all those colourful costumes, gliding through their choreographies. We wouldn't be here without people like him!
I even met a gentleman who looked very impressed by my backpack and my shimmering pink tutu. I told him all about my future vision, where everyone will embrace this fashion-forward fabric! He even wrote it down in this book that looked like something out of an old movie, and said something about me being an 'influencer.' It sounded important! Perhaps, when I'm back in 2023, I can check out that book.
Before heading back to Derbyshire on Magic Meg, I gathered up a little reminder of the day – some antique, lace and ribbon remnants and a pamphlet about this exciting new era in the history of ballet, for my backpack's archives. You see, folks, time travel's all about seeing the connections and remembering the foundations. Just like fashion, the evolution of ballet is one giant step at a time – even with pink tutus! The "King's Theatre" is an impressive achievement, and even without pink tutus, it's all about how we perform, right?
Tune in next month to my blog as I take you to the time travel destination for next month's journey - another wonderful date, where the history of ballet takes an unexpected turn. Until next time, stay pink, my darlings!
Love,
Emma xxx
