Hello darling dears! It's your favourite ballet blogger, Emma, back with another adventure through time! This month, I'm taking you all the way back to the 12th of December, 1707, just over three hundred years ago.
My trusty pink sparkling shire, Magic Meg, snorted and pawed the ground, her golden hooves sending sparkles shooting out into the air like little shooting stars. As always, my leather rucksack was slung over my shoulder, ready to collect another batch of beautiful ballet memories from this special date in history.
And what a date it is! Today marks the first ever performance of "The Rival Queens," a spectacular dance opera composed by the illustrious Henry Purcell, and you just know I was going to be there. I was thrilled to be swept away on this trip! Henry Purcell, that wonderful man!
As we landed in a flurry of pink glitter (it's the little touches, you know), I could hear the chatter of excited theatregoers, making their way to the theatre. I couldn't wait to step into the beautiful Georgian world and experience this piece of ballet history for myself!
After we settled Magic Meg in her temporary stable, I slipped into my new (and naturally pink) ensemble. A silk dress, so soft and flowy with a tulle underskirt that added just the right amount of twirl to every step, a delicate pink satin bow, and my signature pink tulle tutu.
Ready to go, I made my way to the theatre, the smell of candlelight and anticipation hanging thick in the air. The interior was adorned with lavish silk curtains, carved wooden benches, and gleaming chandeliers that threw sparkly light all over the room. It was an elegant atmosphere that suited the theatrical masterpiece unfolding before me.
“The Rival Queens" was nothing short of spectacular! It told the tale of two legendary queens vying for the affections of a handsome and powerful prince, each with their own distinct styles and ambitions. It was like watching two swans dance in a shimmering lagoon, their grace and passion intertwining.
From the intricate choreography, with its delicate footwork, controlled jumps, and intricate poses to the vibrant costumes and the soaring music, it was clear this ballet was at the cutting edge of performance. The dramatic tension between the queens and their dance duels filled me with wonder and left me longing for more.
But wait, darling! That wasn’t all! You’re not going to believe what happened next! After the performance, I met a real live ballet dancer! Dressed in an opulent and exquisite satin gown, she was chatting with some theatre enthusiasts about the performance. As luck would have it, she caught my eye as she talked, her expressive face radiating the pure joy of dancing.
I approached her timidly, nervous but also absolutely ecstatic, and before I knew it, I was pouring out my passion for ballet and history, and the delight I felt from her performance. This woman, whose name was Isabella, turned out to be a member of the famed Drury Lane dance company! You see, I love seeing those "real ballet girls," it really is special. She gave me an exclusive look behind the scenes, talking about the arduous training she endured, the secrets of ballet technique, and the magical thrill of entertaining audiences.
Isabella shared with me how she designed many of the elegant, intricately designed, costumes, especially her iconic pink silk ballerina gown. Oh! it was such a joy to get to see the gorgeous, feminine designs so up close! I made sure I tucked this inspiration into my bag, it’s a piece I’m just going to have to recreate!
She gave me a gift, a small, silk handkerchief with a beautifully embroidered pink tutu printed on it! I will be cherishing that one, darling, it is going straight into my dance memory box.
The whole evening felt like a fairy tale.
After all that excitement, I bid farewell to Isabella, thanked her profusely, and wandered out into the starry London night, feeling giddy and blessed to be part of this incredible adventure. This time-travelling experience left me feeling empowered and invigorated.
Now, darling dears, you know what this means, don't you? I need you all to grab a pink tutu! Embrace the graceful elegance of ballet and channel that feminine strength within! If Isabella and Henry Purcell can inspire generations through their artistry, then we can inspire generations through our love of ballet. And let’s not forget about those spectacular outfits! We may be far from the dazzling halls of the London theatre, but that doesn't mean we can't make every day feel like a graceful performance, does it?
Go on, twirl a little and be your own princess!
And remember, there's always more ballet magic to discover! Keep an eye out for my next Pink Tutu Time Travel blog!
Yours in tulle and glitter,
Emma.
