Hello, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through time, and oh my, what a journey it was! As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, whisked me back in time, her pink sparkling coat catching the moonlight like a thousand tiny diamonds. This month, I found myself landed smack-dab in the heart of February 2nd, 1691, ready to soak in the ballet world of centuries past.
Before I even stepped off Meg, the air hummed with excitement! The very scent of this time was one of elegance and grandeur, infused with the scent of powdered wigs and beeswax. Oh, to be a fashionable dame of the 17th century! Now, while ballet as we know it was still in its nascent stages, this particular date held an event I simply couldn't miss. Let's delve into the details, shall we?
1691 - A Time of Change
So, picture this - a London ablaze with gaslight (okay, candles, more accurately) and bustling with nobles and courtiers, the year is 1691. This was the era where theatrical spectacles, masquerades, and grand court balls reigned supreme. Think waltzes with feathers and ruffles, elegant minuets, and dances that stretched into the wee hours.
It was an exciting time for dancing, an era of refinement, where movement itself became a language, telling stories of love, passion, and even political intrigue. Ballet was transforming from purely courtly affairs to more accessible public entertainment, which is something truly fascinating.
Enter the Queen...and a Ballet Master
One of the stars of the day was Queen Mary II, wife of King William III. A royal figurehead known for her elegance and appreciation for the arts, she loved to waltz and adored ballet, promoting the art with a royal flourish. This date, February 2nd, is important because it marked the beginning of the reign of King William and Queen Mary. They were known to support ballet and had a royal dance master by the name of John Weaver. Weaver, considered a significant figure in ballet's early development, introduced some of the earliest choreographic concepts to England. I hear he also brought in some innovative set designs, adding even more visual magic to the experience. Oh, I do love a little theatricality!
My Ballet Collection:
I had to see for myself what these theatrical creations looked like. After a brief encounter with a rather grumpy footman who thought my pink tutu was "outrageous" (such ignorance!), I managed to sneak into a performance of "The History of Ulysses" at Drury Lane Theatre, a popular performance space. While it wasn't strictly ballet as we know it, it had elements of court dancing mixed with mime and acting, giving me a delightful glimpse into the entertainment of the era.
This time, my leather rucksack, which I always carry, came in very handy. In its worn fabric lining, I tucked a program for "The History of Ulysses," a piece of silk embroidery featuring a ballerina's pose (found in a local marketplace, very stylish), and some charmingly detailed sketches of what must have been a truly elaborate and theatrical performance!
Fashionable Twirls
Now, of course, my foray into the past wouldn't be complete without some observations on the fashion of the day. Ladies, my friends, if you thought tutus were daring in the 21st century, just wait till you hear about the attire of 1691. Imagine dresses so enormous you had to be a tiny human to fit inside, corsets so tight they would leave you gasping for air, and heels that defied gravity. Talk about a struggle to pirouette!
The men of the time weren't exactly lounging in track pants either. They adorned themselves with lavishly embroidered suits, cravats so stiff they could slice bread with them, and powdered wigs that resembled cloud formations more than actual hair. And let's not forget the knee-high boots!
My dear Meg and I caused quite a stir with my tutu amongst the bustle. It seemed as though my bright pink creation could have lit up the entire room. Some were quite horrified - I could feel them eyeing me with judgement - but the children, oh, they loved it! They thought it was wondrous!
And you know what? Maybe I wasn't too far off base with my flamboyant look! While it might have seemed shockingly modern back then, perhaps my tutu would have eventually found its way into the ballet studios of 1691? Who knows, it may have inspired some wonderfully expressive dance!
Embracing Pink Everywhere
Now, while I may not have succeeded in getting every single gentleman and lady in 1691 sporting a pink tutu (though I did inspire a few mischievous children to twirl in their skirts), I always love reminding people that pink can make anything more dazzling, even 17th century attire!
This little time travel excursion reminds us of the beautiful evolution of dance through the ages, showing us the early seeds of ballet as we know it today. From its stately beginnings in royal courts to the grand theatres of the 17th century, the journey of ballet is fascinating, beautiful, and above all, inspiring.
Keep those pink tutus sparkling and your ballet slippers twirling!
Stay tuned, my friends. Next month, I might just venture to the romantic era, but more about that later! Until then, be sure to head to the www.pink-tutu.com for more stories and images from my journeys, and remember - embrace your inner dancer!
