Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another thrilling episode of Pink Tutu Travels. This month, we're whipping back the pages of time and heading to the dawn of a new year - January 1st, 1711, to be exact. As always, my faithful steed Magic Meg is saddled and ready, her golden hooves gleaming like sunshine on a frosty morning, and my trusty leather rucksack is packed, overflowing with dreams of ballet fashion.
Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think about 1711, I picture a world of powdered wigs, gentlemen in breeches, and ladies in sweeping gowns. Certainly, ballet was not quite as ubiquitous as it is today, but was it truly non-existent?
Oh darling, not at all! Back in this era, dancing was as much a part of court life as courtly gossip and grand banquets. There were indeed ballet performances happening, but the ‘tutue’ as we know it, wouldn’t be in existence for a few decades more. No dainty ruffles and flowing layers in sight, oh no, instead think intricate, luxurious costumes, a blend of grandeur and practicality. Think silk, velvet, and brocade, layers of flounces, and dazzling embellishments. The dancing, too, would be far more stately, full of grand poses, sweeping gestures and refined elegance.
But oh, my darling readers, I just had the most inspired idea! I know some of you might raise an eyebrow and a skeptical 'tut-tut,' but I can almost picture it - perhaps, just perhaps, somewhere in a grand ball on January 1st, 1711, a playful courtier decided to experiment with colour and movement. Picture this, a charming young man twirling with a lady, his powdered wig bobbing with each pirouette. Imagine if his powdered wig, oh so unexpectedly, fell loose revealing a pink… silk… undergarment. Whispers dramatically It’s possible! What a whimsical scene that would be, a fleeting flash of pink, a moment of spontaneous creativity that might just be the very first inkling of the pink tutu!
And I must tell you, dear friends, the journey was truly captivating. As we rode along the snow-dusted country roads on Magic Meg, I envisioned those beautiful ballrooms filled with glittering candles and the sweet melodies of string instruments. The air must have crackled with anticipation, just like the exciting feeling before a curtain rise! Of course, it wouldn’t be just the spectacle of dance but also the beauty of fashion that would be on show. I dreamt of gowns adorned with delicate embroidery and shimmering gemstones. Oh, the sartorial treasures those dancers must have possessed! Perhaps, I mused, a small, hidden detail in one of these gowns was a dash of pale pink, a hint of what was to come, and oh, wouldn't that just be lovely?
I, of course, have brought a tiny memento from 1711, a little piece of pink ribbon from the costume of a gentleman dancer. (Don't tell anyone I sneaked it from his dressing room! I’m always one for a touch of the unexpected) But I couldn't leave without sharing some exciting news for my fellow ballet lovers!
Here’s a little treat: In 1711, London’s Drury Lane was still a thriving theatre, and in that grand setting, dancing was, believe it or not, a prominent part of the performance. In fact, the theatre hosted ballets like 'The Tavern,' showcasing dazzling dancing in between plays. Talk about a fusion of entertainment, darling! How wonderful to experience both the written word and the elegance of movement, wouldn’t you agree? This sort of integrated dance program is quite a thing to witness - no doubt, the ballet lovers in 1711 relished every moment.
You know, I just realised something, dear friends. Just as in our time, the people of 1711 also sought entertainment, sought the thrill of a story unfolded in dance. We’re all connected through this magical art form. What’s wonderful, too, is that the passion for ballet has a way of uniting everyone in a world where things change but the need to dream, express, and dance, remains the same.
Oh darling, my time in 1711 is slipping away, just like the changing seasons. It’s time for me to bid you adieu, but don’t despair! We’ll be back with more exhilarating tales, fascinating facts, and breathtaking time-travel adventures right here on www.pink-tutu.com, next month. Until then, don’t forget to wear pink tutus, even if it’s just your imagination, and enjoy the wonders of the ballet world wherever you may find them!
Happy dancing, dear friends, Emma x
