Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, back with another peek into the captivating world of ballet through the shimmering lens of time travel. As you know, my beloved horse Magic Meg and I have a habit of popping into history, just for a bit of a dance, and this month we found ourselves waltzing back to 9th September 1685.
Now, this particular date was pretty special! It was the day King James II officially ascended the throne of England, Scotland, and Ireland, a time of grand royal festivities and, naturally, lots of dancing! We trotted up to London in the morning mist, the cobbled streets already bustling with anticipation for the day’s grand event.
My lovely pink tutu, which for this occasion was adorned with tiny pearl-like sequins, caused a real stir as we made our way through the throng. Imagine – I, a 21st-century ballerina in a frilly pink delight, amongst a sea of gentlemen in powdered wigs and ladies in billowing skirts!
The ceremony at Westminster Abbey was certainly a spectacle to behold, but the highlight for me was the reception at the grand banquet hall afterwards. It was bustling with nobility, decked out in their finest silks and jewels. There were lute players serenading the guests and even a couple of dancing pairs, albeit in a rather restrained style compared to what we do nowadays.
You know, this is one of the key periods in the history of ballet! The "Ballet de Cour," a style of dance popular with French royalty, was beginning to spread to other courts across Europe, including England. Think of it like the very first seeds of our beloved art form being sown, taking root and growing into what we know and love today! And that is precisely what I’ve been stuffing into my leather rucksack!
You’ll be delighted to know that I’ve snagged some very intriguing snippets of court dance choreography from that evening’s reception. Even though they are rather basic compared to today’s technical complexities, there’s such elegance in the slow, controlled steps and gracefully flowing movements! I’ve also procured a charming handwritten pamphlet of court dance descriptions. Let’s just say it's the perfect little memento to bring back from my jaunt to the past!
This little time trip, however, was not merely about historic discovery but also a chance to bask in the energy of another time. A time of grandeur, pomp, and maybe a little bit of drama - but the main takeaway for me was the power of dance as a unifying force. Everyone was coming together to celebrate the monarch and celebrate life – that’s what dancing does, doesn’t it?
Now, speaking of dance, my dearest reader, what’s the hot buzz in the world of ballet today? There's so much happening everywhere!
The Royal Ballet is in full swing with "Swan Lake", and the choreography, well, just sublime. If you’re near London, I do highly recommend it. I saw it just yesterday in my usual "after the time travels, rejuvenate the soul" kind of way. And there's also a gorgeous exhibition on the life and work of Rudolf Nureyev going on in the V&A - a real treat for ballet enthusiasts!
As for me, my lovely "pink-tutu" followers, I’ve got quite a schedule lined up myself. Next month, you can find me pirouette-ing at the Derbyshire Dance Festival, and I’ll be taking a grand tour of some incredible fashion boutiques in London later this week. My suitcase is overflowing with glittery outfits – you wouldn't believe the gorgeous things they have in the shops these days!
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest photos on my Instagram, dear darlings. And remember, if you’ve got any time travel suggestions for my next blog post, leave them in the comments below! Until next time, keep twirling, and never stop dreaming about the power of pink!
Love always,
Emma 💖✨
P.S. Don’t forget to visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com for all your ballet-themed needs. From the latest trends to historic insights, I’ve got it all! You can even join my fan club for exclusive time travel tips and a chance to win a special, limited-edition pink tutu!
