#BalletHistory during 1680 06 June

Ballet Time Travel Blog Post #234: A 1680 Sojourn for a Pink Tutu!

Hello, lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind journey through history. This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – you know, the pink sparkly Shire with golden hooves and a white mane – whisked me to a glorious summer's day in June, 1680. Buckle up, because this journey was full of wonder, fashion, and oh, the dancing!

Remember, dearies, my mission in life is to spread the joy of pink tutus far and wide. So, what could be better than showing everyone what a pink tutu could look like in the past? Trust me, even centuries ago, a splash of pink would have been the ultimate statement!


The Magic Meg Experience: Riding into 1680

Magic Meg and I galloped across the Derbyshire countryside – she is such a dream! She may be pink, but she's a powerful horse, and this month we had quite a trek through the rolling hills and verdant meadows. As the sun streamed through the clouds, casting a soft golden light on the meadows, I imagined myself a dainty ballerina, pirouetting through the buttercups, a pink tutu swirling around my feet. Cue the heavenly music and the applause!

Arriving at my destination, I couldn't help but gasp. The heart of the bustling London town, full of sights and sounds, smells of fresh bread and spices, a whirlwind of carts and carriages - absolutely enchanting! Now, the year 1680 was a rather significant time for ballet, dearies! The ballet world was abuzz with talk of the upcoming performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Now, let me tell you, Covent Garden has always been a haven for dance and music – a historical haven, wouldn't you say? It felt surreal knowing that this majestic theatre, the heart of English ballet, had stood tall since the 17th century.


A Dance of Royal Elegance

And guess what was on stage this month? "La Princesse d’Élide," an opulent and lively French ballet written by the famous playwright Molière! He, alongside the celebrated dancer Jean-Baptiste Lully, created something truly spectacular for the Parisian court. It was a blend of dancing, singing, music, and theatre – all so beautiful and graceful, like a delicate bouquet of flowers swaying in the wind. Oh, the intricate steps, the precise movements – a dance language that even today leaves me speechless. Imagine, all those exquisite footwork and arm movements, like feathers flitting across a calm surface, a perfect tableau vivant of delicate and breathtaking choreography!

And while the royal ballet wasn’t as well-known as its modern counterparts, imagine the elegance of the gowns and the stately movements. My little pink tutu seemed even brighter against this background of black silks, silver brocades, and flowing velvet – oh, I’d definitely be the talk of the town!


From the Stage to the Ballet Collection

Now, what does any good time traveller do when she lands in the midst of historical beauty? She starts collecting! With my leather rucksack strapped firmly onto my back, I explored the Covent Garden Theatre like a historian in the making. Every glimpse, every bit of detail – the architecture, the stage, even the worn-out theatre program – all a piece of my cherished history of ballet!

I even managed to secure a tattered playbill for the night’s show! You know, that's one of the perks of being a pink-tutu-clad ballet time traveller - collecting all sorts of quirky memorabilia from the past. But my favourite find of the month was a faded but vibrant hand-drawn design of the royal ballerina costume. This delicate gown of billowing silks and lace had so much personality and charm, it had to be brought back to the 21st century! Think delicate rose patterns on the skirt and sleeves, with pearls woven through the flowing white satin… you can bet my mind was running wild with potential modern interpretations for a modern ballet!


Lessons in Fashion and Ballet

The most exciting thing was discovering how even back in 1680, ballet costumes were already undergoing a transition, shifting from lavish heavy fabrics towards lighter ones. Imagine, a movement towards flow and elegance, perfect for showcasing those elegant ballet steps. What did it say about their sense of fashion? Was the court becoming more experimental? Perhaps a nod to the evolving choreography, the embrace of fluidity over grandeur. A trend, you know, similar to my own love for the lightweight comfort of tutus. After all, my lovely dearies, even though ballet in 1680 was different, a passion for fashion was undeniably universal!

I learned that ballet in this era, although incredibly theatrical, emphasized technical brilliance. It showcased individual brilliance alongside exquisite ensemble dancing, exactly like the contemporary world of ballet. And wouldn't you know, those gorgeous dance patterns that graced the royal courts - the delicate pirouettes, the swift changements, and those charming bourrées - they are still the hallmarks of graceful ballet movements today! A constant reminder, isn't it? Ballet is truly a timeless dance!


Ballet Inspiration for Modern Day Pink Tutus!

And to finish my blog post for this month, dear ones, let's discuss inspiration, shall we? That captivating hand-drawn design – so much movement in its simplicity. I'm absolutely going to experiment with flowing pink silks in my next show, combining it with my signature tutu for a playful blend of historical glamour and contemporary elegance. I simply can’t wait to show you all!

Remember, every time I journey through time, it's not just about getting a taste of history – it’s about understanding what makes our passion for ballet so powerful! And that includes fashion. Because, for every ballet enthusiast, dressing for a performance or class is a special part of the journey, wouldn't you agree, dearies? Even 17th-century ballet lovers found elegance and grace in the most simple garments.

Until next month, when I'm sure to have another breathtaking adventure, let's all revel in our shared passion for ballet. Remember, no matter the time, no matter the place – a pink tutu is always the perfect fashion choice! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more time-travelling escapades! Stay fabulous, darlings!

#BalletHistory during 1680 06 June