Hello my darling ballet-loving friends! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where I chronicle my monthly jaunts through time! It's March 3rd 1767 today, and Magic Meg and I are feeling especially sparkly. Can you believe it's been another month already? Time truly does fly when you're twirling through history!
Oh, my darling readers! You won't believe what a divine adventure I've had this month. We took a trip back to the eighteenth century – and by the looks of things, London was going absolutely bonkers over… you guessed it – ballet!
The moment I stepped into that time period, it was like being enveloped in a cloud of tulle. I saw gentlemen sporting elaborate knee breeches, ladies with their powdered wigs and elaborate dresses, and I just knew we were in for a treat. The streets were filled with buzz, with everyone anticipating the grand opening of the newly built King's Theatre in the Haymarket! Now, my darlings, the King's Theatre, that’s where ballet history really comes alive, don’t you think?
As always, my faithful Meg, the most wonderful pink-sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves and white mane you ever did see, patiently stood outside, just outside the grand entrance, watching out for any pink tutu-themed items that caught my eye. Today, she managed to snag an incredibly delicate rose-gold lace garter from a peddler in the cobblestone lane beside the theatre! I must say, the garters they wore in those days were just so very stylish, not a bit like the boring ones we have now. Sigh.
While the theatre was certainly not yet finished – oh, my, you can't imagine what they call building schedules in the eighteenth century - the whispers around town said the entire structure was adorned with delicate rose-toned swags of satin ribbon and sparkling, shimmering crystal embellishments, reminiscent of a ballerina's dream come true. The stage was said to be enormous, just the right size for our big-dancing-hearted ballerinas! I had to snag myself a dainty crystal from the nearby craftsman and pop it straight in my leather rucksack to remind me of this enchanting little adventure.
Just picture it! A sea of elegant faces all aglow, taking in the grace and elegance of our ballerinas as they glide across the stage. The music, a cascade of notes as soft as the ballet slippers they wore - ah, it would have been truly mesmerising! This was indeed a treat for the senses, even for the jaded soul of an eighteenth-century society man, let alone your faithful Pink Tutu Time Traveller!
And of course, my sweet dears, it wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu time travel expedition without a visit to a dance studio – after all, a ballet historian's work is never done! Luckily, I found a small but rather elegant establishment just across from the King’s Theatre. The lady of the house, a lovely lady with a truly formidable stature – almost like a majestic barre! - gave me the warmest smile as she graciously welcomed me into her tiny space. The air thrummed with the elegant movements of aspiring ballerinas – so dainty, their silks swirling about as they perfected their demi-plies and arabesques. It was all so utterly, charmingly reminiscent of an old-fashioned ballet class, I thought I would swoon with pure, unadulterated delight! And, I absolutely adored the bright red shoes these aspiring young ballerinas were sporting. What a beautiful way to accent their elegant movements! You can be certain, darling friends, I just had to purchase a little something from this adorable, bustling shop – after all, a girl has to find little trinkets for her pink tutu loving friends, right? I walked out with the cutest tiny leather red slipper with delicate white stitching that would be absolutely adorable on your key chain.
While London was certainly awash with theatrical activities that day - just a little more bustling and full of life than dear old Derbyshire - I can assure you, my little readers, my darling Meg and I did have enough time for some proper shopping and indulgence! We stumbled across a most fabulous haberdashery – my favourite, after all – overflowing with yards of satin and ribbons of every hue, shimmering in the afternoon sunshine. Just looking at the abundance of such glorious and exquisite materials - so many pinks! - I simply had to snatch a magnificent satin ribbon the shade of the palest sunrise, just so that I would remember this wonderful day for all the days of my life. After all, one needs to create special memories that you can hold onto when you’ve been leaping through centuries in the blink of an eye, my darlings, wouldn’t you say?
This journey, dear friends, really underscored the timeless appeal of the world of ballet. No matter the era, whether it’s the glitz and glam of a bustling eighteenth-century London, or the quiet, understated elegance of the small villages of Derbyshire, it is quite obvious – ballet will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
I'm off on another adventure next month. Who knows where my travels will take me, perhaps to an even more exciting or enchanting place? But until then, darling ballet friends, take care and never stop dancing! And, oh my! It almost goes without saying – don't forget to wear a pink tutu while you're at it, won't you?
Your tutu-clad time traveler,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
