Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another exciting entry in my travel blog! This month, Magic Meg and I are whisking you back to 1691, specifically the 4th of April. Buckle up, my lovelies, it's a whirlwind of historical happenings and fashion fun!
Now, 1691 may not be the first date that pops into your head when thinking of ballet history, but it was a year that holds some rather intriguing tidbits, as I’m sure you'll soon see.
This time, we’ve decided to ditch our usual Parisian pursuits, where the world of ballet was really starting to flourish. Instead, we’re off to explore the English countryside, to see if perhaps the seeds of the elegant dance form were starting to sprout even on these shores. And where else to start our explorations but the very heart of my beloved Derbyshire?
Now, imagine this scene: The rolling hills of the Peak District bathed in the gentle glow of the early morning sun. Magic Meg, her golden hooves twinkling with morning dew, snorts impatiently as she waits for me to complete my daily routine of pirouettes and arabesques. With a flourish of my pink tutu, I hoist my leather rucksack, brimming with treasures and ballet tales, and off we gallop towards history.
First, let's address the elephant in the room – or perhaps the ballerina in the barn: Ballet in 1691, in England, was basically nonexistent. The art form, at that point, was mostly the preserve of the French aristocracy. But fear not, my dears, for even though the official ballet stage was missing, I stumbled upon a story about a rather intriguing theatrical happening.
It seems the city of London, with its buzzing theatrical scene, saw a dance drama presented at Drury Lane. No, not a formal ballet – but something almost as enticing. "The Siege of Constantinople" boasted music, spectacular scenes, and plenty of dancing! My oh my, my heart fluttered at the thought of dancers moving to music in such a grand setting. I managed to score a glimpse of a handwritten program and some costume sketches (which are safely tucked away in my trusty rucksack). It certainly doesn’t sound like anything remotely resembling ballet, but it’s definitely a fascinating glimpse into how dance was interwoven with other theatrical art forms at the time. It truly makes me think – maybe ballet wasn’t entirely absent, but in its early stages, disguised as a vibrant spectacle of movement and story.
And while my search for a fully-fledged ballet production fell a little flat, I couldn’t help but immerse myself in the fascinating fashions of the day. Can you imagine, my lovelies, that men’s fashion in 1691 embraced towering wigs, extravagantly ornate breeches, and delicate lace ruffles! Oh, the opulence! The visual extravagance, albeit different from our modern dance costumes, felt undeniably related to the theatrical, playful spirit of dance, don't you think? It felt a little like the precursors to the elegant stage costumes that would later become synonymous with the art of ballet.
Don't be mistaken though – my adventure wasn’t purely about fashion. In the little villages around Derbyshire, I encountered a hidden treasure trove of folk dances. I, of course, joined in. Let me tell you, the energetic steps and rhythms were captivating. I even tried my hand at a local tradition, a Maypole dance – now that’s truly a story to tell over a pot of English tea and some delicate scones! It felt as if I was discovering the roots of what ballet eventually evolved into, like the humble little seeds from which a magnificent flower blooms.
And here's the grand reveal for this month’s time-traveling escapade, darling readers. The whole experience, from the theatrical scene to the countryside folk dances, led me to this conclusion – it's never too early to find beauty in movement. Just imagine, a future generation of ballerinas might just be tapping their little feet to the rhythm of the world right now, inspired by simple gestures of dance and joy.
But of course, my exploration wasn’t without a pinch of my signature whimsy. As a reminder of our jaunt, I brought back some exquisite, almost anachronistic, 17th century fabrics that would be perfect for adding a touch of old-world elegance to my future ballet-inspired creations! You wouldn't believe the glorious shades of pink, my dears – a delightful reminder that the love of this enchanting colour was truly a timeless sentiment!
Oh, my darlings, I must be going now. The ballet shoes itch to get back on stage and dance! But remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so embrace every opportunity to move and create! Who knows, your own passion for ballet might just spark a new revolution in your own community, just like the ancient dance traditions continue to inspire new movements across the world!
Remember, every dance step is a journey. Until next time, my darlings, don't forget to wear a pink tutu, even if just in your heart!
Emma, signing off for this month!
*Follow Emma's blog on www.pink-tutu.com and see her dance performances all around the world! *
