Hello my lovelies! Emma here, back with another time-travelling escapade! This month, I’m whisking you all back to 1st January 1689, just after the Glorious Revolution in England, a pivotal moment in history that changed the course of the monarchy!
My trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, pawed excitedly as I slipped into my trusty pink tutu, it’s shimmering layers a testament to the beauty of the ballet. We were ready for another adventure! As always, my leather rucksack, filled with my latest finds and musings from the past, was strapped securely on my back.
This journey had me brimming with excitement! You see, this date marks the very beginning of the Royal Ballet's glorious history. Yes, you read that right, folks! Although the official Royal Ballet company wasn't established until much later in 1931, the lineage traces all the way back to 1689 with the establishment of the Royal Company of Dancers in England! Talk about a historic moment!
My research tells me that the first performance of this Royal Company was a magnificent ballet spectacle at Whitehall Palace. Oh, wouldn't it have been incredible to see? Imagine the grandeur of the venue, the elegance of the costumes, the thrill of witnessing ballet in its nascent form!
Although the Royal Company of Dancers was dissolved later on, its significance in the ballet world is profound. It was a key step in formalising the art of ballet in England, and that is truly inspiring.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the time-travelling cafe on the moon (seriously, check out my blog from June!), we were off! Magic Meg snorted and leaped through time, arriving just outside Whitehall Palace.
And what did I find? A charmingly chaotic world of bustling people and a sense of anticipation in the air. I soon discovered that ballet, in this era, was still deeply intertwined with courtly entertainment and even political messaging! Fascinating!
One particular story caught my eye - the French-born Pierre Beauchamp, one of the prominent dancers of the era! Apparently, he even founded an Academy for Dancing in London. Think about that - a real ballet school from so long ago!
I ventured into a bookshop and came across a book by a prolific dance theorist named John Weaver. He was a pioneering figure in ballet notation, and his theories on movement, stagecraft and even ballet for children are simply remarkable.
But 1689 wasn't all about high society, court dances and dancing masters. I wanted to find out what the people on the streets, ordinary folk, knew about ballet! So, I ventured through the alleys of London, stopping by a quaint market to pick up some sweetmeats. It turns out that ballet performances were a much-anticipated spectacle. Imagine, the world back then had a thriving culture of dance and theatre. Just how I like it!
Even amidst the historical bustle, I made sure to find time for some fabulous shopping! Luckily for me, 17th century fashion embraced a dramatic flair and extravagant embellishments. Imagine, silk satins and opulent fabrics in every shade of the rainbow! I'm pretty sure I snagged a magnificent feather boa for my own wardrobe! (You have to trust me on this one - it's divine!).
The final moment of my visit brought me to the bustling docks of the city. There, amidst the flurry of ships and seafarers, I saw an open-air theatre stage being erected for an impromptu performance! You bet your bottom dollar I rushed right in!
Even without the glitz and glam of a grand theatre, the passion and energy on display was electric. These street theatre performances were like windows into the hearts and souls of the people. They spoke volumes about how intertwined dancing was with their lives.
With a final sigh and a flourish, I hopped back on Magic Meg. My backpack bursting with treasures and stories, my heart brimming with inspiration.
What can I say, darling? Another adventure well spent! It just goes to show, even back in the 1600s, people appreciated the magic of movement and performance.
Until next month, remember, you don’t need to travel back in time to find inspiration - embrace the magic of movement every day.
Keep shining, stay lovely, and never forget to wear your pink tutu with confidence!
Emma, out!
*Don't forget to follow Emma's time-travel adventures on her website: www.pink-tutu.com *
P.S: What ballet moments are you eager to experience in time travel? Share your dream journeys in the comments below! I'm always looking for your feedback and suggestions.
