Hello my darling darlings! It’s your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, here, and welcome to another Pink Tutu Time Travel adventure!
This month, we’re twirling back to the year 1705! Can you believe it? Nearly 320 years ago, just imagine how different life would have been! No smartphones, no online shopping (can you imagine?!) and ballet wasn’t quite the spectacle it is today. But let me tell you, there was still plenty of magic in the air.
Time Travel Glamour
Today’s ensemble, of course, features my trusty pink tutu. This one’s got extra layers of tulle and is adorned with a little scattering of tiny, sparkling diamantes for some extra sparkle. The bodice is a beautiful vintage style in a delicate shade of rose pink, and the sleeves are long and flowing – perfect for dancing through the cobblestones! Magic Meg, my beloved steed, is looking magnificent in her pink saddle cloth, and her mane and tail are perfectly groomed – I even managed to snag a few ribbons to weave through it to match my tutu. She truly is the most stylish time travelling companion a ballerina could ask for.
On the Road with Magic Meg
Leaving Derbyshire behind, it wasn’t long before we were galloping towards London. The wind was in our hair (or, rather, my glorious curls that wouldn't be tamed no matter what!). Magic Meg loves her countryside sprints, and the open fields are her favourite – perfect for her powerful gait and the way she seems to skim across the earth. It feels a little like flying!
The Royal Court and Ballet Spectacle
The main attraction in London today was the Court of Queen Anne. She’s quite the character, I’m told – a strong woman and a true force to be reckoned with. In the court’s world, a spectacle is required, especially in 1705 when the royal court of King Louis XIV is busy putting on dazzling and dramatic shows at Versailles in France! There, professional ballet dancing is now taking shape with the king and courtiers joining in the dancing. You'll be surprised to learn this isn’t considered beneath their dignity. In fact, the whole spectacle is part of the royal ceremony! It wasn't just about entertainment, though. These dances held complex meaning, expressing love, loyalty, and national pride through intricate movements and elegant costumes.
But that wasn’t all - on 12th December, 1705, the Court also put on a theatrical entertainment in honor of Queen Anne, a Masque. We know today the most famous of these is called “The Masque of Hymen,” a dramatic and grand show that combines dancing, poetry and song with an opulent feast!
A Glimpse of Ballet in 1705
There was no Bolshoi or Paris Opera Ballet back then! Instead, think more “Court Entertainments.” There were noblewomen and men, dancers by passion and amateurs, but, you can already see how dance would start taking centre stage, both on the stage, and off, where those dances started to be used more and more by professional performers too!
Even with it still in its nascent form, the spirit of ballet shone through, and you can just imagine the delicate gestures, the graceful movements, and the colourful, flowing costumes. Now, don’t get me wrong, there wasn't any fancy pointe work or fast, furious turns like we have now. In fact, women, especially in royal courts, wore quite large and cumbersome garments! This makes those intricate movements so impressive and makes them more of a theatrical performance – think about those wonderful and challenging, slower movements the choreographers of the day might have included just to get a few movements across underneath the layers of silk and fabric. But what they lacked in athleticism they made up for in grace and artistry. It was captivating to witness!
Time Travel Fashion: A Mix of Elegance and Comfort
Okay, so let’s talk fashion. I’ve learned so much this trip! 1705, it's the early Georgian Era, a period of fabulous and rich outfits. You see lots of beautiful velvets, silks and embroidered designs in stunning dark green, bright red and turquoise - beautiful colors! It really inspires my costume designing! These garments might be heavier than we wear today, but there is a lovely attention to detail – laces, bows, buckles, and hats! Think big, wide-brimmed hats to shield your delicate skin from the sun – I bought the most gorgeous, pale pink feathered hat on this trip which I’m adding to my pink tutu collection. I did buy myself a gorgeous set of silk, ivory gloves that came down to my elbows too – I can’t resist them - perfect for elegant gestures while dancing, or for a gentle afternoon ride on Magic Meg!
From Stage to Street, to Page!
But beyond the glamour of the royal courts, ballet was starting to permeate everyday life. Think simple dances in taverns, and folks learning routines to pass the time. People were still passionate about movement and music. In those small spaces, the seed of dance began to flourish! In taverns, you might have heard dancers making a living. We have an interesting historical record - the very first English ballet-based play was being performed – a production called The Comical Gallant – written in 1704 - a performance full of dance sequences which really makes the evolution of dance in England so exciting!
And that's it for my December time-travelling ballet adventures.
Stay tuned, dear friends!
You can follow my adventures at www.pink-tutu.com Don’t forget – you’ll find a new adventure in the world of dance every month. Remember, a little bit of pink makes everything better and don’t be afraid to put on a tutu, because I guarantee you’ll never feel more empowered.
See you soon, my lovely dancers!
Your eternally Pink-tutu clad, Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to leave a comment below! What are your favourite pink tutu styles? I'd love to hear about them!
