Hello darlings, and welcome to my 1339th Pink Tutu Travels blog post! It's July the 7th and Magic Meg and I are whisking ourselves back to the 18th century today. Can you believe it? We're actually going to witness history in the making - or rather, history being danced!
Today, we're off to see a very special performance at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. Oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the buzz about it. It seems King George III himself is making a royal appearance! This means that the most esteemed members of London society will be there, wearing their most dazzling attire and all excited about the performance. This promises to be a truly extravagant evening!
Let me tell you, getting to 1772 was rather an adventure. As we landed on a foggy cobbled street outside London's oldest theatre, the horse-drawn carriages rattled past, the air was thick with anticipation for the performance, and Magic Meg was positively sparkling under the gas lamps, her golden hooves lighting up the street like tiny stars. It really did feel as though we’d travelled right into a scene from a ballet.
The Magic of Drury Lane
Ah, Drury Lane - you wouldn't believe how glamorous it looks in the soft candlelight. All that velvety red and gold! As we wandered through the bustling foyer, I couldn't help but notice the elegance of the men in their powdered wigs and breeches and the ladies adorned in their most elaborate gowns. And, darling, the gossip swirling about in the air was just delicious!
My senses were practically bursting with the excitement of being right in the middle of a historic ballet performance!
We had fantastic seats, almost at the very front! And what do you think was being performed? The Surrender of Calais. Just think! All that intricate staging and elaborate costumes. Such an iconic historical story too. I can practically imagine the poignant scene where the six burgesses present their keys to the triumphant Edward III.
Of course, darling, I couldn’t resist slipping a quick peek inside my trusty rucksack. My ballet history book says that a performance like this would feature dancers with more formal steps and choreography than the Italian-influenced ballets of earlier eras. They were moving away from the flamboyant jumps and leaps, but still relying heavily on the "ballet d’action," which incorporated acting elements into the dance.
Oh, darling, can you imagine? To have a piece of history, a moment in time like this in your pocket, captured on those brittle, faded pages in the old, worn book that I found at an antique shop in Derbyshire? The smell of old parchment and the way it crinkles when I open the book takes me right back to the moment these dancers and these audiences were performing this timeless story in this very room. It is, really, a magical feeling.
And the audience! They weren't afraid to express their feelings. Gasps, murmurs, applause, and even the occasional cough were part of the spectacle, making it all the more vibrant and immersive! The dancing, although a little different from what we would consider "ballet" today, was intricate, dramatic, and utterly captivating! Every graceful movement seemed to bring the story to life right before my eyes. I particularly loved the pas de bourrée en point. What a stunning pose! My toes are burning just thinking about it.
From Royal Audience to a Sparkling Inspiration
Of course, I wouldn’t dream of forgetting the real highlight of the evening – the King's arrival. All heads turned as he stepped into the royal box. There he was in his crimson velvet robes and shimmering star-studded hat. Oh, how absolutely dashing! Everyone’s faces seemed to light up as his presence filled the theatre. They whispered about him, wondered at the glittering jewels that adorned his coat, and admired his gracious, stately figure. He truly brought the very essence of royalty to the performance, making it feel like an occasion fit for a monarch.
Oh darling, it was an absolute triumph of theatre and ballet history. It was just so inspiring and truly made me appreciate how theatre and performance art has evolved, yet remained at its core - storytelling. Seeing those talented dancers and the energy of the entire crowd all brought together for such an iconic performance was, well, it just fills me with joy, and I think you all can feel it too!
And that is exactly why we time travel. For all that history holds: its inspiration, its magic, and the ability to bring a story to life like nothing else.
Onward to the Next Time Travel!
That was a simply glorious trip back to the 18th century. Oh, I can hardly wait for next month's time travel! You'll just have to wait and see, my lovely readers. But you know I love surprises. Maybe we'll be whisked off to the 19th century to see a Parisian ballet premiere or perhaps a romantic evening performance in the United States!
And as always, please do visit our beloved www.pink-tutu.com to chat with us about your favourite historical moments and share your ideas about what we should do next. I love hearing your feedback and suggestions.
Until next time, wear your pink tutu with pride! And never forget: ballet is not just a form of dance, but a powerful art form that transcends time and connects us all.
Warmly,
Emma x
