Welcome, darling readers! It’s your favourite ballerina, Emma, back again from a whirlwind time travel adventure, fresh as a pink ribbon and bursting with excitement! This month, we're stepping back in time, literally, to 8th August 1683. Imagine it – cobblestone streets, powdered wigs, and the clink of swords! All with a pink tutu twist, naturally!
But before we jump into the past, a quick shout out to my beautiful Derbyshire readers! Did you catch the lovely new ballet performance of "Swan Lake" at the Curve theatre last week? I heard it was simply divine, and my dear friend, Millie, even scored a spot on the front row! Just think, you could be seeing amazing ballets every week, just like I do when I visit all these incredible places. Oh, the beauty and grace!
Time Travelling with Magic Meg:
As usual, I embarked on this adventure with my faithful steed, Magic Meg, a pink, sparkling shire horse with golden hooves, a snow-white mane, and the most gentle spirit. It was rather difficult getting Meg’s hooves sparkling with a hint of pink, you can imagine, but with the help of a Derbyshire-local, we managed to add just a touch of sparkle. I swear she looks magnificent! Anyway, back to the journey! We rode through the portal, feeling the familiar thrill as the centuries melted away, and before I knew it, I was landing with a soft thud in the bustling streets of... Paris! I tell you, Paris was even more exciting than I expected!
Parisian Ballet Adventures:
This time period in Paris was abuzz with theatrical performances. Ballet had already caught fire in the French court, and people were going crazy for it! You should have seen the grand spectacle! Think powdered wigs, lavish costumes, and dancing that was almost... almost... * gasp... *dare I say it? * ... like contemporary ballet! There were elegant, athletic movements, and plenty of dramatic gestures. My heart skipped a beat, though, as I spied some daring costumes, and by darling, I do mean *daring. There was more leg revealed than my heart could handle in these productions, although there was a real beauty to their movement and passion.
Ballet in 1683
Imagine: a lavish theatre adorned with gold, velvet, and plush red seating, the scent of candlelight mingling with the perfumes of the audience. The air hummed with anticipation. There were elaborate costumes, long silk skirts trailing on the stage. The movement itself felt grand, graceful and stately, quite different from the fast paced modern style we know today. They still called their productions 'Ballets', and, though the focus was much more on drama, there was still the elegant footwork and sweeping arms that you associate with ballet.
Gathering Memories
My heart skipped a beat, just as it always does when I travel back through time. It's a moment of pure magic, being surrounded by history, experiencing the excitement and beauty of a bygone era. I always make sure to grab my trusty leather rucksack - it's just begging to be filled with stories! And guess what? This time I found an incredible old sketch of a dancer - he was even wearing something pink!! I swear my fingers nearly danced a ballet on their own as I tucked it into my rucksack - my little piece of history, just for me.
*My Pink Tutu and 1683 *
But honestly, you can’t really imagine wearing a tutu in 1683! It just wasn't a thing. The fashion was all about long skirts, tight corsets and elaborate hair. Imagine a ballerina trying to do a jeté with those constraints - it's practically impossible! I think I saw a few ladies on their way to a court ball, dressed like ballerinas! It was so stylish, a glimpse into a world where elegance and beauty reigned supreme. And with my trusty pink tutu on, I know I looked quite striking next to the silks and brocades! My trusty pink tutus never fails to bring a splash of colour to any historical event!
More Than Just a Tutu
This trip really made me reflect, though. My mission is to get everyone in the world wearing a pink tutu. But why a pink tutu? It's not just about the colour, darling! It's about joy, optimism, grace, and strength, about embracing the inner beauty of every single person, regardless of where they come from or who they are. Even in 1683, with the silks and brocades and the wigs, there was a sense of beautiful expression, and that, my darlings, is what I think my mission is really about!
Stay Tuned
But that’s all for now. I've got to run. My pink tutus need to be hand washed - all those horse riding trips do take a toll! I hope you're inspired to add a little pink tutu flair to your day. Next month, we'll be travelling to a mysterious location, a time when ballet took on an even more glamorous look, and all I can tell you right now is to pack your pink, darlings. You never know what treasures await us!
Until then, let the rhythm of your life be your own pink tutu symphony!
Follow me on www.pink-tutu.com and join me on my next incredible ballet adventure!
*Keep dancing, Keep shining, Keep being fabulously you! *
