Hello my lovelies!
It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger Emma here, back with another whirl through time, this time landing on a rather fascinating date: 6th June 1695! It was a blustery Tuesday morning in my little corner of Derbyshire when I grabbed my trusty leather rucksack, and whispered a magic word to my dear, sparkling Meg. We landed right on a bustling cobbled street in London, and I must tell you, it was quite a sight!
The people looked like they had stepped out of a historical painting - gentlemen with powdered wigs and elaborate coats, and ladies in silk gowns and hoopskirts. But what really caught my eye was a strange sort of dance performance happening in a public square. A small group of men were performing movements with such rhythm and grace - almost like a ballet, but with more focus on storytelling than on technical skill.
Turns out this was a "Country Dance", a type of folk dance very popular in 17th century England. Imagine it like a sort of pre-ballroom ballet - no fancy steps, just joyful movement and expressive gestures, often accompanied by a lively tune on the violin. I grabbed my rucksack, and dashed right into the middle of the crowd, snapping pictures (well, sketches really) of the costumes and moves for you guys.
My top three "Country Dance" discoveries:
- It's All About the Ensemble: They may not have been wearing tutus, but the men's colourful costumes with matching waistcoats were incredibly charming!
- The Power of Expression: These dances weren’t just about steps - every move told a story, expressing joy, sadness, and even a bit of cheekiness!
- Simplicity at its Finest: These dances are very accessible – anyone can learn the simple steps and join in. And there’s something really joyful about being part of something bigger, don’t you think?
After a few hours, we wandered through the streets of London, taking in the bustling market stalls selling spices, pastries, and everything imaginable. You'd be surprised by how similar a lot of these items are to what we see in the markets today! But the real treasure trove was the collection of handwritten manuscripts on the dances I stumbled upon in a shop run by an old woman who reminded me of my beloved Nana.
After tucking away my "loot" for later study, I did what any pink tutu-loving girl would do – I snuck into the theatre. Yes, theatres already existed in the 1690s, and they were surprisingly quite glamorous! It wasn't just performances they hosted, but also fancy balls, dances, and even duels! Can you imagine?!
Turns out, a play called “The Country Wife” by William Wycherley was on that day. I don't know about the play itself, but the costumes were outlandishly colourful - velvet, lace, and lots of bling! Imagine the pink tutus, darling!
Here are a few 17th Century fashion finds that left me gasping:
- Lace is Love: Lace trim everywhere - on sleeves, collars, even down the back of the gown. Talk about an elegant statement!
- Headwear Haute Couture: Women were adorning their heads with feathers, ribbons, and beautiful jewels, while the men favoured elaborate powdered wigs and hats with plumes. Such elaborate style!
- The More The Merrier: Imagine being a 17th Century gentleman in all those layers of velvet and silk, complete with gloves and a cane. Definitely not an outfit for dancing! But they did seem quite dapper, didn’t they?
And finally, before departing for a well-deserved supper at a quaint tavern in the heart of London, we couldn't resist the allure of the dance classes happening at a school not far from the theatre. These classes were like an earlier form of what we call "ballroom dancing" today. They focused on formal dances, minuets, and elegant waltzes, but with added bows and curtsies, and a sense of formality that would leave even the most graceful ballerina awestruck.
But you know what? Even with those fancy dances, my pink tutu spirit still resonated within me. After all, every step in history has led to the incredible world of ballet that we know and love today! I love how the history of dance weaves through time. Even in the 1600s, people loved to express themselves through movement.
Until next month, my sweethearts, keep on twirling, keep those toes tapping, and remember, there's a pink tutu out there for everyone. Just keep your eyes on www.pink-tutu.com and see what wonders I unearth from the world of ballet history!
Emma xx
P.S. Have any of you dear ballet enthusiasts seen a “Country Dance” performance before? Share your stories in the comments below! I'd love to hear what you think!
