Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of all things pink, pretty, and pirouette-perfect! It's Emma here, your Derbyshire ballerina, and I'm absolutely thrilled to share this month's adventure with you, my precious tutu-loving readers!
This month, we're soaring back to the 1690s, a period rich in royal balls, graceful courts, and a growing fascination with dance – perfect for a tutu-clad explorer like myself! 🎉 Grab your trusty pink ballet shoes and let's hop on Magic Meg, my pink, sparkly Shire horse with golden hooves. Her white mane and tail shimmer like starlight, ready to carry us through the mists of time!
Post number 349: 1st January, 1690
The world is still abuzz with excitement about the recent revolution in England, though life for most people has settled back into a rather peaceful routine. While those who ruled debated their positions in hushed, elegant rooms, the streets of London were filled with the bustling sounds of everyday life: vendors calling out their wares, horses pulling carts, and the ever-present chatter of merchants and street performers.
Today, however, there's an extra sparkle in the air. It's a day for celebration! The New Year dawns, and people are out in force, wishing each other well. Our own beloved King James II, after fleeing to France and surrendering his throne to the new rulers William and Mary, has recently returned with his own fleet, making a bold attempt to reclaim his crown! Sadly, his ambitious plans fail, ending in a skirmish off the coast of Ireland.
What about ballet in all of this commotion, you ask? Oh, my darlings, it's truly blooming in the most exciting way! Ballet, no longer simply a courtly spectacle, has stepped onto the stage and into the hearts of the public!
Across Europe, audiences are thrilled by the beauty of ballet. France, the epicentre of dance, is bursting with talent and innovation. The legendaryKing Louis XIV is, as always, at the forefront of these exciting developments. The elegant court dances, where beauty and etiquette intertwined seamlessly, still thrive, but now they have a passionate and powerful rival – the vibrant energy of the French Royal Academy of Dance. This new institution brings with it a wave of talented young choreographers and dancers.
We couldn't imagine Paris today without its grand opera houses and dazzling performances! Lully's “Armide”, a truly captivating creation, captivates audiences with its exquisite music, exquisite costumes, and of course, breathtaking choreography. In the year ahead, this beautiful work, with its intricate tales of love and adventure, will leave the public in raptures and firmly solidify the place of French opera in the world of artistic achievement.
Our hearts flutter just thinking about these majestic balls! Just imagine, graceful movements against a backdrop of elegant costumes, the flutter of delicate lace as a dancer pirouettes, and the whispers of admiration from the hushed crowd. This era, in which ballets d'honneur, specifically choreographed to celebrate notable events or persons, were often presented at court, gives us such a fascinating peek into the history of dance! Oh, to be a princess waltzing in the spotlight, a beautiful symphony echoing through the gilded halls, and the entire court captivated by every twist and turn of our pink tutu! ✨💖
Here in England, ballet is taking its own exciting turn. The reign of William and Mary saw the first performances of what would later be known as “ballet d’action.” It was an incredibly captivating genre where stories, both tragic and comic, came to life through a series of intricate dances, complete with fascinating characters and dazzling sets. These revolutionary plays presented a powerful and entertaining spectacle that immediately enthralled English audiences.
Our Derbyshire neighbours would be captivated by these stories – just imagine the thrill of watching these captivating performances at a grand theater, feeling the rumble of laughter and applause filling the room, the magic of theatre painting vibrant images on the canvas of your imagination. Imagine how much excitement and energy this would add to a chilly Derbyshire winter evening!
Speaking of fashion, dear reader, you can bet I made sure to have my pink tutu perfectly packed for our time travel. The fashion of the 1690s is so fascinating! It is an age of flamboyant embellishment, richly coloured silk fabrics, and exquisite lace! Think swirling skirts, delicate bodices adorned with stunning embellishments, and headpieces as elegant as a swan’s plume!
And what did I collect today in my rucksack, you ask? My bag overflows with fascinating finds!
• A faded script for "The Dancing Master", a charming work by John Weaver, a playwright who was also a dancer! His charming comedy was incredibly popular in England at the time, providing an hilarious insight into the world of dance and society in this period. I absolutely love this piece – just imagine the delightful spectacle!
• A fascinating illustration of a ball at court, brimming with characters: the graceful King William in his velvet coat, the stunning Queen Mary resplendent in lace and silks, and all around them, lords and ladies dressed in their most dazzling attire, ready for an evening of laughter and dancing! This beautifully captures the atmosphere of the court, where fashion and elegance reigned supreme, and where dance was an integral part of society.
• A delightful copy of “A Treatise of Dancing,” an insightful work by Theophile Gallarde, a celebrated French dancer who published his masterful tome around this period. Filled with insights on posture, grace, and even the intricacies of different steps, this fascinating publication allows me to experience firsthand the development of dance theory!
Speaking of books, darlings, pink-tutu.com, my favourite digital home, is filled with amazing reads that give a vibrant glimpse into the world of 1690s dance. From histories of ballet's early beginnings to fascinating glimpses into the lives of renowned dancers, this digital haven for ballet enthusiasts offers the ultimate reading experience. So, do browse it and feel the spirit of this era through the captivating words written about it.
Remember, my darling friends, to truly live the pink dream – take a ballet class, go see a show, wear a dazzling tutu, and be inspired by the fascinating world of dance! And most importantly, join me in celebrating the magic and elegance of ballet across all the centuries and cultures, with a touch of pink magic sprinkled on top, of course!
Until next time, darlings, let the spirit of the dance lead you on, always in your perfect pink tutus.
With a graceful bow,
Emma x
