#BalletHistory during 1687 08 August

Hey there, fellow tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from another incredible adventure through the swirling tapestry of time! This month, Magic Meg and I galloped through the mists of 1687, landing on a balmy August day - the 8th to be precise. Let me tell you, it was a time of thrilling theatrical developments and a growing love for all things graceful.

I'm sure you're all itching to know what we uncovered, so without further ado, let's dive into this fabulous time trip!

My pink tutu twirled in the crisp August air as I landed, Magic Meg snorting gently beside me. The year was 1687, a pivotal time in the development of the art form we know and love so dearly. My rucksack was at the ready to collect fascinating ballet-related trinkets and stories - just imagine what secrets this era might hold!

Our first stop was Paris, the beating heart of cultural innovation at the time. We stumbled upon the Palais Royal, its stone facade gleaming in the morning sun. The Theatre de la Salle des Machines hummed with activity. This venue had been a place of grandeur and extravagance just a few decades prior, with breathtaking spectacles, like Molière's comedies staged alongside grand, elaborate ballets. But today, in 1687, the Theatre was largely quiet, preparing for a new season, an exciting thought for a tutu-loving ballerina!

My research showed me that ballet in France had reached a peak of refined elegance and was no longer solely a spectacle of intricate footwork. The focus was shifting to more expressive dance and delicate storytelling, making it a truly immersive experience. Imagine, all those years ago, the audience would have been gripped by stories told through the graceful gestures and expressive poses of the dancers! It must have been enchanting.

Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without indulging in a bit of shopping! Imagine, silks so shimmering they practically came to life! Lace so fine, it felt like a cobweb. I'm talking about garments of extravagant luxury! This period of fashion was all about voluminous skirts and boned bodices, adding even more grandeur to the ballerinas on stage. You can practically imagine the gorgeous flowing movement with those long skirts!

I found myself sketching in my notebook, inspiration flooding back into my head, with images of the elegant, structured bodices and skirts swirling and twisting to life. Perhaps we'll be seeing a few 1687-inspired looks on the next pink-tutu fashion collection!

Now, from Paris we hopped onto Magic Meg's back and set off to London. A bit of a bumpy journey I might say! The English channel had other ideas that day, I assure you! But what's a ballet time traveler to do? You've just got to put on your brave face, keep smiling, and trust in Magic Meg's trusty hooves.

The hustle and bustle of London was incredible! A whirlwind of carriage traffic, colourful street performers and lively markets! And just like in Paris, 1687 saw the burgeoning ballet scene in London, fueled by an energetic influx of talented dancers. Theatres like Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields were vibrant and alive, boasting the earliest recorded English ballet performances! Just imagine the excitement of seeing such groundbreaking works of dance for the first time!

However, despite the enthusiasm for ballet, this time period was also a bit more austere than our extravagant Parisian experience. Here in London, costumes were often simple and refined, favouring beautiful colours and fine fabrics instead of dramatic extravagance. Imagine a ballerina in a deep, shimmering crimson dress, adorned with delicate jewels and exquisite, hand-sewn embroidery! Oh, to step back in time and see such artistry in person!

I have to say, as we rode through the streets of London, even Magic Meg was swept away by the magic of the moment. A playful glimmer in her golden hooves and a little extra prancing in her gait.

Suddenly, we found ourselves at Covent Garden! Covent Garden has been such an iconic place for dancers and ballet lovers throughout the centuries. So we felt it was time to pay a visit! The stage in this grand and timeless hall saw countless dancers rise to prominence, each one leaving their mark on history. Just imagine the ghosts of dancers from 1687 whispering through the theatre! The anticipation is tangible even for someone who loves dancing into the past as much as I do!

That was it for 1687! I think you'll agree, a whirlwind of beauty, fashion, and innovation - all wrapped in that special magical something that makes ballet so captivating! The future, it seems, was bright! It seems all I needed to do was say the magic words "Pink-tutu Time-travelling Time!," give Magic Meg a pat on her shimmery flank and away we went - straight back to my beloved Derbyshire and my own tutu-filled adventures!

Until next time, fellow ballet lovers! Stay graceful!

Emma

• August 08th, 1687 was a significant date for ballet as it was the height of the "Baroque Period," characterized by elegant, expressive movements and rich, detailed storytelling.

• This era saw the development of refined, delicate costumes in both Paris and London, making ballet even more glamorous!

• The development of English ballet saw audiences clamouring for new shows and a steady increase in new theatres popping up!

• Just as the 1687 audiences were gripped by this captivating art form, the love for ballet and beautiful ballet-inspired clothing and costumes just continues to grow, especially in my own Pink Tutu Collections!

And lastly, as you all know, a big pink "thank you!" to each and every one of you, dear readers, for joining me on this little time travel! We're a tutu-tiful family! Remember, you can join us next time at www.pink-tutu.com and if you are inspired to take a pink tutu twirl, feel free to post your adventures and favourite time travel stories in the comments!

Stay pink! Stay passionate!

Emma

P.S Don't forget to come see my ballet performance at the Derbyshire Arts Centre next week! There are only a handful of tickets left, and of course, a free pink tutu for every audience member! See you there!