Hello my darlings, and welcome to another edition of Pink Tutu Time Travels, the blog where we explore the wonderful world of ballet, through the shimmering prism of history!
This month, my magical steed, Meg (you know, the pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane and tail? The one I just adore!) has carried me all the way back to the 4th of April, 1683, right to the opening of the Royal Theatre in London. Can you imagine, my lovelies? I was practically twirling with excitement as I saw the first curtain rise, revealing the magnificent stage!
And you know what? I felt so at home, in that beautiful space filled with the murmur of anticipation. Though we have come a long way from those days, with my pink tutu, a little bling, and of course, my trusty leather rucksack, I felt like I'd stepped right into a scene from the show!
A Glimpse into a Bygone Era
It was truly a delight to be swept away by the sheer opulence and elegance of this time period. You see, the Royal Theatre wasn't just a place for performance, but a spectacle of grand social gatherings. And believe me, the fashion, my dears, was positively divine! Think brocades, satins, velvet, lace - all beautifully crafted and dazzling in the candlelight. Of course, I found myself wondering what it must have been like for a ballerina back then, gracefully pirouetting in their silks and ruffles, feeling the music in their bones, the heat of the spotlight upon them, the applause echoing in their ears. I can only imagine the sense of freedom and the sheer joy of expressing oneself through dance, even in those slightly more restrictive outfits!
Speaking of ballet, 1683 was a crucial year for dance. The first recorded use of the word 'ballet' in English was just the year before, and this was a time of burgeoning enthusiasm for dance in Britain, following the trend from France and Italy. The French playwright, poet, and philosopher, Moliere, was also in England on the 4th of April, and his company were putting on "The Misanthrope" - perhaps some of those audience members later popped across to the Royal Theatre for the premiere of a dramatic piece called "The Faithful Shepherd" with ballets included, making for an evening of entertainment. This is, you know, exactly my kind of night out, don't you agree?
Pink Tutus and Royal Charm
Of course, with my passion for pink, I couldn't resist bringing some 21st-century flair to the proceedings. As I stepped out onto the stage, with the soft glow of candlelight casting my pink tutu in a radiant glow, and Meg shimmering alongside me, the whispers turned to murmurs of admiration! They simply had to ask me to twirl, and I am, of course, always up for a little pirouette, right? After all, ballet is a language everyone can understand.
I added a little "Pink Tutu Magic" by bringing along some pastel ribbons and sparkling hair accessories from my time – just imagine how thrilled everyone was to see those added touches of sparkle on the classic 17th-century hair styles. They were practically begging to try on a pink tutu, so we held a little fashion show - imagine my delight! You could just feel the joy, the excitement, the thrill of the unknown as they all slipped into a world of ballet fantasy.
Ballet: A Timeless Art Form
Even today, centuries later, the heart of ballet beats with a shared love for the art form. I can only imagine how exciting it was to see the opening of the Royal Theatre in those early days, with all that promise of artistry and joy. Just like the spirit of ballet that continues to enchant us, and inspire us, to step out of our comfort zones and express ourselves freely through dance!
Remember my lovelies, don't be afraid to wear a pink tutu – it’s an instant way to feel fabulous! And just as importantly, remember to share the love of ballet with everyone you meet – you might just spark a passion within them that will lead to their own ballet time travel adventure.
Until next time, dear friends, keep dancing!
Love always, Emma
P.S. I'm so excited to announce my next time travel adventure – a trip back to 19th-century Paris to explore the rise of romantic ballet! Keep checking this blog for more updates!
Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to discover more about the wonderful world of ballet and stay in touch with me on my ballet adventures. See you soon!
