Welcome back, dear readers, to Pink Tutu Travels! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina time-traveller, and this month, I'm absolutely delighted to take you back to the glorious 8th of August, 1685!
As usual, I've dusted off my trusty pink tutu (you know, the one that gets me everywhere!) and packed my leather rucksack for a grand adventure with Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire horse with hooves like gold and a mane and tail as white as snow. This time, we're heading for...drumroll... the Royal Court of England!
A Regal Journey in Pink 👑Imagine the excitement! My trusty time-travel steed took us right to the heart of the action, with all the pomp and ceremony of the 17th century. King James II had just ascended the throne, a new era in British history was beginning, and I just couldn't wait to discover what the world of dance was like back then!
My first stop, of course, was the majestic court. There I was, twirling my way through a flurry of velvet, lace, and feathers. It's amazing to see how people's lives revolved around such grace and etiquette. Even the way they walked felt like a carefully choreographed ballet, and let me tell you, the gentlemen looked dashing in their silk stockings and buckled shoes!
But where were the ballerinas? I mean, I just knew the English nobility would have had the most stunning ballets. You see, during this era, ballet wasn't exactly mainstream, it was a performance art enjoyed mainly by the upper class. And guess what? My search led me to something extraordinary: a royal ballet production at Windsor Castle!
The King's Delightful Diversion 🎭You'd never guess what they were watching - not a ballet as we know it today, but a very early form, a bit like a theatrical performance with elegant dancing and extravagant costumes! I found it fascinating! This particular ballet, however, had a very intriguing connection to the king himself!
It was a piece by Jean-Baptiste Lully, a French composer who was basically the music maestro for King Louis XIV! Just imagine - a dance spectacle right in the English Royal Court featuring Lully's compositions! That’s why it was called “The King’s Diversion, by Monsieur Lully.” It wasn't your standard performance either, filled with grand gestures, intricate footwork, and a sprinkle of royal humour - truly a piece of royal entertainment.
The Fashionista in Me 💖Let's talk fashion, my fellow tutu lovers! The costumes were breathtaking - layers of velvet, satin, and lace, embellished with ribbons and feathers, almost like an exquisite work of art. They've definitely got me dreaming up a few pink tutu designs for my next ballet collection!
The women looked amazing in their embroidered gowns, with bouffant hair styles adorned with intricate ribbons, and the gentlemen were all decked out in elaborate breeches, waistcoats, and coats with the most exquisite detail! The craftsmanship in their clothing was astounding! And I don’t even need to tell you how I was already planning my pink additions to the royal fashion!
### My Favourite Ballet Item of the Day 🩰
And for my favourite find? Well, I couldn't resist bringing a tiny piece of history home with me - a delicately woven silk ribbon I found lying under a chair in one of the regal halls. I imagine it might have even belonged to a royal lady during that performance. Can you imagine? Such an enchanting piece, whispering tales of elegance and theatre. It’s tucked away safe in my rucksack, a little piece of this beautiful history.
A Tutu For Every Era! 🎀After my delightful trip back to 1685, I can’t help but reflect on the joy of dance, its captivating history, and how ballet has evolved over time. While dance in the 17th century had a more theatrical flair, we still see that same elegant grace and expression that captivates audiences today. And the costumes, oh, those exquisite creations! It was an absolute treat to witness that royal ballet scene first hand and marvel at how much fashion and dance can tell us about our history!
And of course, I want to inspire you, dear reader, to step out of your comfort zone, experiment with fashion, and try on a tutu! Maybe a pink tutu! Let’s all dance like we're part of a grand court, celebrating the magical journey that is ballet! ✨
That’s all from me for now, but keep checking in next month, because Pink Tutu Travels will take you on another amazing adventure into ballet history, and who knows, maybe even another trip into a different era. Don't forget to follow us on Pink-Tutu.com.
Until then, keep dancing and may your twirls be filled with grace and happiness!
Emma 💖
