Hello darlings! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to my blog! This month, we're taking a whimsical trip back in time to 3rd March 1690. As always, I'm packed with pink tulle, my trusty leather rucksack, and Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkle shire horse with those golden hooves! 💖🐴
Before we jump through time, let's talk about ballet fashion. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful than a tutu? Those delicate layers of tulle, swirling and twirling like a cloud, are truly the essence of graceful movement. For this trip, I’ve opted for a vintage-inspired tutu – think a fluffy pink masterpiece with a touch of silver glitter. My dress is a beautiful satin creation in the softest blush pink, and of course, I’m accessorizing with my favourite sparkly ballet shoes! Remember, girls, the aim is to spread the pink tutu love across time and space, so get out those twirling skirts!
Ready for some time travel, lovelies? We’re off! Let's step into Magic Meg's saddle, and with a twirl and a flourish - whoosh! We're back in 1690. The air smells of hay and wood smoke, the houses are low and timbered, and the streets are crowded with horse-drawn carts. This trip is exciting as we are stepping into a very significant period for ballet history! It's 1690 - and we’re at the very start of ballet’s journey towards the elegant forms we love today.
Now, a little about ballet’s history. It wasn’t always the graceful art we know now! Its roots are in the courts of Italy. In 1581, an Italian called Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx presented a lavish ballet, called “Ballet Comique de la Reine”. Think costumes sparkling with jewels and masks with elaborate plumes, all within a huge palace set - quite a spectacle for its time, wouldn’t you say? But it wasn’t really ballet as we understand it now! More a mix of dancing, pantomime and theatrics!
But look, it's 3rd March 1690 - we’re approaching the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. In fact, this month, it is actually having its official opening night. As I explore, I discover the inside is incredibly impressive - a huge space with two tiers of galleries, painted scenes and gilded decorations. We are on the verge of a ballet renaissance - the early seeds of ballet that are about to bloom into something incredible!
While ballet is still emerging, people are wild for entertainment and pageantry. There’s such excitement about this new theatre! They say a beautiful woman, Mrs Bracegirdle - she’s an actress and performer - is playing a role in the opening show. The buzz around this theatrical extravaganza is everywhere! I’ve discovered that ballet was often a part of plays, creating even more magical experiences for the audience.
Imagine, ballet was a form of entertainment with costumes and spectacle, but no tutus as we know them. Instead, dancers might wear silk garments with lots of frills and embellishments. No pointe shoes for the ladies - only flats, but you can’t beat those high-kicks! I've noticed women with silk stockings and dainty heels and lace trimming and bonnets and veils - quite the scene for those times. This really is a period when ballet was changing – moving from its lavish beginnings to something more focused on its dance elements, a move that was bound to transform its popularity and style!
Today’s fashion trends actually draw from a lot of the elements we’re seeing. Think ruffles and tulle skirts. You never know what your favourite pieces are going to come from!
The thing is, darling, my whole mission is to bring pink tutus to everyone’s lives. So of course, I must leave a mark! With a twinkle in my eye and Magic Meg trotting quietly in the background, I take out my ballet rucksack and get to work. I spread a cloud of pink tulle powder around the theatre.
The pink mist floats on the air like a magical dance, just before the curtain rises for the opening show. You know I always say, "A bit of pink is good for the soul!". I just know these London theatre-goers are going to be filled with a bit of ballet magic today! 💖
And now it's time to journey back home to Derbyshire. As I wave goodbye to 1690 and its theatre secrets, I know that ballet has come a long way. What will the future bring? We’ll find out next month on Pink Tutu Travels! Until then, keep those ballet shoes at the ready!
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out our website, www.pink-tutu.com for more fun time-travel adventures, fashion tips, and exciting news about the wonderful world of ballet! 🩰
P.P.S. I hope you're having a wonderfully graceful week and remember, never stop dreaming! 😊✨
