Hello, fellow ballet lovers! Emma here, your trusty pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another era of ballet magic. This month, we're venturing back to the year 1688, to a date that holds significance in both British history and the evolution of ballet – December 12th!
Magical Meg gallops us back in time
This month, my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg, and I left our Derbyshire home early in the morning. Magic Meg is a real beauty, a Shire horse with shimmering pink fur and golden hooves. She's practically a ballet dancer herself with her graceful stride. We trotted through a beautiful countryside, the leaves turning into their vibrant autumnal shades.
I felt a sense of anticipation building as we arrived in London. This city was alive with the hum of history and bustling activity. Imagine, the bustling energy of London's bustling streets with its coachmen shouting at each other, ladies in rustling gowns and gentlemen in their finest suits!
Royal Ballet Debut: A Revolution of Elegance
This particular December 12th was a big deal because the Royal Ballet Company premiered in front of a packed theatre in London. King William and Queen Mary had only recently taken over the throne in the Glorious Revolution, and ballet was becoming a favourite of the elite. Imagine, elegant ladies, like a bouquet of beautiful flowers, all swirling and dancing! It was the beginning of a period of incredible artistic growth, and this Royal Ballet became an influential institution.
As the lights dimmed, I settled into my seat. The air crackled with anticipation as the performers took the stage. My backpack, bursting with beautiful items I’d gathered on this trip – lace trimmings, ribbons, tiny opera glasses – felt heavy but comforting as the dancers captivated us with their movement. It felt like magic!
The Magic of Time Travel, Fashion and Stories
As usual, my bag was quickly full! I found exquisite silk and velvet trims for tutus in a nearby shop, along with tiny jeweled earrings perfect for ballet costumes. It was a feast for my eyes and a touch of history to take back home.
Speaking of home, there was a lovely café we stopped by, run by a woman named Eleanor who wore the most gorgeous, perfectly tailored brocade gown. She shared stories about the Royal Ballet, rumors about the court, and even some scandalous tidbits about the King and Queen's extravagant life. Eleanor, she said, once met King William in person. She described his fine cravat and his charming demeanor. I soaked it all in, taking detailed notes in my pocketbook and imagining life in 17th century London!
Inspiration Everywhere
These kinds of historical discoveries truly fuel my inspiration. Ballet, in the heart of the theatre district! Royal performers and fashionable attire, the buzz of the crowd! The energy is intoxicating. My heart always seems to flutter with a combination of joy and excitement. I couldn't help but feel inspired by the stories that these old buildings whispered, and the magic of a time when art was so intricately intertwined with court life. I have to admit that this era has a very romantic, even dramatic feel, but then, perhaps that's what makes it so special!
Join Me at www.pink-tutu.com
I encourage you all to look at a copy of "History of the Royal Ballet" at your local library, or take a peek at your local art museum for historical fashion exhibits. And come join me on my next ballet-time travel journey, dear friends, by following my blog on www.pink-tutu.com. Don't forget, we're making a big statement out there. Let's spread the message of pink tutus for every girl and every woman! It's not just a colour – it's a movement. And just remember – a world with pink tutus is a more colourful world!
Until next month, ballet enthusiasts, happy twirling!
Emma xx
