Welcome back, lovelies, to my monthly blog post! This time, we're taking a journey back in time, back to the glorious era of powdered wigs, silk stockings, and the rise of French ballet! Buckle up your tutus, darling, because today's adventure is going to be a real hoot! 💖
Post #340: The Magic Meg takes me to 1689...
As always, the adventure started with my darling Meg. We gathered at my usual spot - the little meadow in Derbyshire that just happens to have a hidden gateway to time. Meg, as you know, is no ordinary steed. This stunning pink shire horse (sparkling hooves, of course!), with a white mane and tail that flows like silk, can whisk us back through time. Just a light brush against the gateway with her hooves and poof! We're off! ✨
Today's date is April 4th, 1689, a mere 21 days after the Glorious Revolution. Just imagine, darlings, the excitement in the air! The new King William and Queen Mary were just settling in. The change was palpable, a whirlwind of political intrigue, whispered rumours, and bold fashion statements. The entire nation seemed to be in a joyous dance, and of course, that included the ballet scene.
A peek behind the courtly curtain...
Landing in a small courtyard beside a rather grand palace (I swear, Meg’s nose always knows the most exciting places!), we took a peek at the world of court ballet. This was an era of grandeur and grace. You wouldn't find the modern, expressive ballet we know and love; instead, the emphasis was on refined movement, elaborate costumes, and elaborate set pieces.
And can you believe it, darlings? Back then, men dominated the dance floor! They wore knee-length breeches and lace trimmings, with feathers adorning their shoes - quite the look for a gentleman, if you ask me! The women were still restricted to supporting roles and the emphasis was all on "graciousness," with some impressive poses that must have been pretty exhausting to maintain.
Fashion for the times…
I spotted a ballet performance happening in one of the grand halls of the palace, and let me tell you, darlings, those costumes were a riot of colour and detail. From billowing silk skirts to shimmering brocades, each detail was a masterpiece. I took notes in my leather rucksack, for those exquisite patterns and designs are pure inspiration. I can imagine all the tutus and costumes I could create! 💖
Imagine, lovelies, the fabrics of the time – damask, velvet, silk… all painstakingly sewn by hand. The sheer artistry of it all took my breath away! A beautiful dance and stunning fashion? Absolutely heavenly!
A hidden gem in the dance world...
However, I was not going to miss an opportunity to go beyond the glittering court. A quick ride on Meg led me to a bustling London tavern, where I stumbled upon something rather curious - a ballet performance, not in the grand court but a charming, informal setting. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as the performers, mainly from the local dance school, took to the stage. It wasn't the formal spectacle of the palace, but the raw passion and lively movements were simply infectious. This performance, darlings, proved that ballet is a universal language, appreciated in any setting!
And the dance itself, it wasn’t all grand turns and jumps. This local ballet told a story, with clever pantomime and expressive movements that felt truly relatable. It made me think about the stories that our pink tutus could tell…
The pink tutu spreads its wings…
On my travels, darlings, I found inspiration everywhere. I spied a charming fabric shop filled with rolls of pink, blush, and cherry blossom-colored silks, the perfect shade for a pink tutu. A baker's oven spat out tiny little pastries that resembled miniature pink tutus! Even the blossoming cherry tree outside a country cottage made me think of all the beautiful shades that our favourite colour offers. And I knew then, right then and there, that my mission, to inspire everyone to wear pink tutus, was achievable. We may be separated by time, darlings, but our love of ballet and pink unites us all. ✨
This month, my rucksack overflows with tales and inspirations from this captivating era. I already have a list of fabrics I must track down to create my own "1689 pink tutu collection," and who knows, I might even sneak in a few details like the feathers from those handsome male dancers' shoes. This month's collection will be a true fusion of history and fashion, darlings. Keep your eyes peeled for a new post next month, with all the details on this fabulous design inspiration!
Remember, darlings, pink is for everyone, everywhere. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to dust off my pink tutu and put my ballerina shoes back on! Let's make the world a pinker, brighter place, one tutu at a time!
Until next month, darlings! Always twirl with your head held high! 💕
XOXO, Emma
