Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu time traveller, back with another thrilling adventure from the annals of ballet history. October the 10th, 1688, is calling and, as ever, my trusty pink sparkly steed, Magic Meg, is pawing at the stable door, eager for a jaunt through the time stream. Grab a cuppa and let's waltz back to the glorious reign of King James II.
This month's trip promises a particularly captivating glimpse into a world where ballet, as we know it today, was in its infancy. But even before it truly blossomed, there were seeds being sown in the grand gardens of European royalty, laying the foundations for the exquisite art we adore today.
Now, imagine a world without that stunning pink tutu! Can you even fathom such a tragedy? My mission, of course, is to change the world – one pink tutu at a time! Perhaps I should have started with 1688?
Oh, let’s not forget the wonders that my leather rucksack contains, bursting at the seams with stories, souvenirs, and hidden gems from all the time periods I've visited. And wouldn’t you know it? This time I stumbled across a magnificent, vintage, pink ballet shoe! I simply had to add it to the collection – my latest treasure from the past! You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be adding a touch of vintage pink flair to my wardrobe very soon.
So, on to the ballet world of October 10th, 1688. It was a time when dance was primarily about courtly entertainment, and its influence extended from the majestic halls of Versailles to the vibrant streets of London. But there was an exciting new current – ballet was gradually taking steps towards being more than just a fancy dance at a grand party.
In Versailles, under the benevolent reign of King Louis XIV, ballet had become a crucial part of courtly life. Imagine elegant dances, exquisite costumes, and the rhythmic grace of the court – and who better to lead the way than the ‘Sun King’ himself? It’s a shame, my dears, that I wasn’t there to introduce my pink tutu to the King, don’t you think?
On the other side of the English Channel, dance was also making its mark on London's bustling social scene. Though perhaps less extravagant than Versailles, the city offered a space for skilled dancers to showcase their talents. The Italian influence was palpable - with figures like the renowned Giovanni Battista Draghi and Pietro Verrio contributing to the evolution of ballet, influencing everything from dance steps to theatre scenery.
And then there's that magic word that makes every ballerina's heart sing – Ballet Master! Imagine, ladies and gents, if the ballet master could actually have a vision of the magnificent pink tutus to come? This is a very exciting concept! Would the steps have been grander? The leaps more thrilling? The dancers more poised? It all seems so magical and mystical when you think about it.
While I haven't yet met a single soul who’d heard of a ‘pink tutu’, that doesn't stop my imagination from weaving a beautiful picture. Imagine them in that glorious 17th century theatre - candlelight bathing the stage, swirling silks, shimmering costumes… And perhaps, in one daring leap, a whisper of a future where pink tutus reign supreme!
Back home in my lovely Derbyshire cottage, I dream of what future adventures my beloved Magic Meg will bring. Perhaps our next stop will be in 1789 - the year the French Revolution shook the very foundations of society. Imagine the sheer audacity of donning a pink tutu amidst such historical upheaval! Maybe I'll even be the catalyst for a new fashion revolution – the revolution of the pink tutu! The world, my friends, awaits. Until next time, let your pink tutus shine!
Visit www.pink-tutu.com and join our exclusive Pink Tutu Club! Follow our pink-tutu-filled escapades on Insta @PinkTutuEmma and stay connected to the vibrant world of ballet.
With a final flourish and a gentle curtsy, Emma, the pink tutu time traveler
