Hello darlings, and welcome back to another adventure in time with yours truly, Emma! I’m back from another fabulous jaunt to the past, and let me tell you, it was a real corker. As usual, it all began with a scampering visit to www.pink-tutu.com, my website where you, my lovely lot, can join me in my monthly dance through time! It's August, darling, and I was off like a shot to the 8th of August in 1693! Just a hop, skip, and twirl down the years on the back of Magic Meg, my oh-so-fabulous, shimmering, pink-sparkling Shire with those magnificent golden hooves. Isn’t she the epitome of time-traveling elegance?
Today’s adventure? It took us right into the heart of the English countryside, the air smelling of wildflowers and hay bales, a delicious contrast to my London life! Did you know that way back then, there was a very special Ballet in production that had everyone talking? It wasn’t like the Ballet you know and love – we’re talking elegant, grand, and a touch more… Baroque! (Which isn’t a bad thing, if I say so myself). It's quite ironic, this day, August the 8th 1693, was marked by the arrival of Louis XIV's La Comtesse d’Estrades. She brought with her The Comédie-Française, a prestigious company of actors who gave performances on the stage. These talented performers showcased both comedy and tragedy, a dramatic, and beautiful, showcase of art and theatrical skill.
But here’s the fun part. What made this production really interesting was the way the performers combined music, singing, acting and dance – talk about a true celebration of all forms of performance art! This event in 1693, although not directly a Ballet in the way we know it, helped to push boundaries in artistic performance. That kind of openness to the possibilities of dance, movement, music, and drama made such an impact in those days. Imagine the impact they were having on the seeds that eventually bloomed into Ballet as we know it - inspiring and groundbreaking in its way, just like wearing a Pink Tutu!
For a fashion-loving lass like myself, my adventure took me through the bustle of a 17th century English marketplace. Imagine, gorgeous silks, vibrant colours, and intricate designs – a far cry from my trusty pair of dancing pinks! You bet, my ballet rucksack, full of shimmering threads, was bursting at the seams with historic fabric samples and the tales of talented designers from the 1690s.
There’s just something enchanting about seeing history unfold, from a period in time when a love of the stage and the elegant performance of dancing was already making waves.
Of course, this trip wasn’t about the market alone! After my fashion escapade, we (Meg and I, of course) hopped off to an absolutely breathtaking Baroque estate, a vision of beautiful gardens and sculpted fountains. Imagine my joy as I spotted a lovely lady with an adorable pink ribbon in her hair! She had all the grace of a ballerina even without a pink tutu. She offered me delicious home-baked plum cake, and we chatted for a delightful while about her dreams of travel and her passion for elegant attire! She showed me the beautiful patterns and the meticulous care she takes with the exquisite lace for the gowns she makes.
*Just like us, even centuries ago people shared the love of beauty, of movement, of storytelling through dance, and of beautiful clothes. *
Oh, darling, and that’s not all. My rucksack was bursting after a visit to a magnificent historical house, one steeped in Ballet lore, it's full of fabulous snippets of music, the story of ballet shoes made by hand and even a charming ballad from 1693! Did you know ballet shoes in those days were often custom made for dancers? And there was a charm to each pair, no mass-produced factory shoes back then, everything crafted with so much care and expertise. It gives a special meaning to the way they move, just as I imagine it gave a special meaning to each step on stage!
But even with all that exploration, you bet I made sure to support the ballet industry, a vital part of any time-travelling ballerina's budget, you know! The wonderful magic of Ballet shows keeps my pink tutu wardrobe replenished and Magic Meg's hooves gleaming. That’s why I gave a spirited performance on a stage fit for royalty! It was such a joy to perform and watch the crowds react, their awe, laughter, and thunderous applause. Just wonderful! And after all, who could resist such an enthusiastic reception to a dancing queen in pink?!
You bet, dear readers, I left a lasting impression! I even found some fantastic vintage fabrics that I’m sure will make a fantastic addition to the www.pink-tutu.com website! After all, wouldn't it be absolutely wonderful if everyone on earth adopted a touch of pink tutus in their life?! Think about it! I want to help spread this ballet-infused passion throughout time. A world in pink tutus, wouldn’t that be amazing?
As always, thank you so much for joining me for this adventure through time. I hope this has sparked a twinkle in your eye and maybe even ignited a desire to don your own pink tutu and embark on a dancing adventure of your own - who knows what amazing ballet tales await!
Until next time, darlings,
Your Pink Tutu Time Traveller,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
