Hello lovelies!
It’s Emma here, back with another Pink Tutu Travels adventure! This month, Magic Meg and I have whisked ourselves back to May 5th, 1698.
Oh, it was truly a spectacular journey!
Imagine, dear readers, the thrill of galloping through the rolling countryside on the back of my gorgeous shire horse. Magic Meg, her coat shimmering like pink sugar with those golden hooves and her flowing white mane and tail… just magical, isn’t it? And, of course, my outfit, oh darling, a perfect bubblegum pink tutu that swirled in the breeze as we sped through the centuries! I swear, time travel simply begs to be done in a fabulous outfit. 😉
You might be wondering where exactly 1698 took us? Well, our little journey landed us smack-dab in the heart of London, England, right at the heart of the ballet scene! This was before the grand stages of today, mind you, but a vibrant theatrical culture was definitely in its infancy. I’m all about the historical ballet, my dears, it’s how we learn from the greats! And how wonderfully chic it is, too!
Speaking of chic, did I tell you about my beautiful leather rucksack? It’s like a treasure trove for all things ballet - antique pointe shoes, hand-stitched ballet skirts, old programs… even sketches and diary entries from legendary dancers of the past! This time I collected some exquisite French ballet manuscripts that date back to Louis XIV’s reign, utterly thrilling!
So, what exactly was happening in the world of ballet on this amazing day in history?
Well, you may be surprised to learn that although the name ballet was just beginning to circulate, there was an absolute craze for a dance form called the "Ballett." This unique spectacle was much more dramatic and lavish than our ballets of today. Think: theatrical sets, complex plots, incredible costumes, and loads of singing and dancing! They even featured acrobatic feats – imagine that! Can you picture the awe?
On this specific day in 1698, a new production of "La Naissance de Vénus," by Jean-Baptiste Lully, was opening in Paris. This absolute masterpiece, my dears, incorporated elaborate choreography, dazzling costumes, and groundbreaking special effects for that era. I can just imagine the gasps of wonder!
While I didn't travel to Paris for this one, it was certainly an event worthy of a trip in the near future!
Did you know that the Ballet de Cour was flourishing in England too? It’s basically the courtly dance of France, adapted to a distinctly English style! Imagine dancers decked out in dazzling costumes, with flowing robes, jewels galore and exquisite fabrics that would have been the envy of the Parisian aristocracy! What's a good time-traveling pink tutu-wearing ballerina to do, then? Why, hop to it!
You know me, I just can't resist a good show, and this time, I was privileged to see an exciting new performance at London’s Theatre Royal, a beautiful piece of history, my darlings, It was a true spectacle for the ages - an elegant spectacle full of courtly dances, beautifully styled masks and, of course, vibrant costumes in all the most gorgeous hues imaginable! And me, with my perfect pink tutu... well, it felt quite fitting!
You see, I always love it when history blends with my favourite form of dance. Ballet has such a fascinating past. But for me, dear readers, the past is only the beginning.
You can’t wear pink enough, lovelies! So why not pop over to my website www.pink-tutu.com for the latest pink tutu creations and to follow all my exciting ballet adventures!
Love,
Emma xox
