Hello fellow ballet lovers! It's Emma here, your time-travelling pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another instalment of my Pink Tutu Time Travels blog. August the 8th is a date etched forever in my heart – for it’s the birthday of my beloved Royal Ballet, founded all the way back in 1670. Let's saddle up Magic Meg, my darling pink sparkly Shire horse, and hop back to 17th century England!
The air is alive with the clink of tankards, the sweet scent of lavender, and the joyous buzz of bustling markets. London is a colourful explosion of activity and my sparkly pink tutu is attracting quite the crowd! It's fascinating how my sartorial choice, so perfectly normal in the 21st century, is a source of absolute wonder here.
As a seasoned time-traveller, I've learned that understanding the times I visit is crucial. The 1670s in England, especially in London, is a world buzzing with cultural change and societal evolution. The Restoration had brought back theatre and entertainment after a long, dreary period of Puritan rule.
Enter, the King's Company, or as we know them, the Royal Ballet!
King Charles II, a huge advocate of art and dance, had taken an active role in promoting theatre. In 1660, he merged two established companies to create a powerhouse: the King's Company.
We know a lot about the Royal Ballet's early days because the original performance space – a huge space named "The Theatre Royal" – didn't survive the Great Fire of London in 1666. Luckily, however, records from the time detail the grandeur and the magnificence of this ballet. It's a far cry from our modern ballets but the core concept of music, dance, and artistry, still remain the same.
Now, here's what excites me: the founding of the King's Company was truly groundbreaking for ballet as an art form. This was a golden age of ballet and London, its very heartbeat.
Think of this: these original ballets weren't just danced – they were sung, acted and filled with visual drama. These were not simple performances – these were spectacles with magnificent sets, beautiful costumes, and dramatic stories that enthralled the audience. They were the stars of their time, much like our Royal Ballet dancers are today.
As I journey through the streets, I hear hushed whispers and glances at my bright pink tutu. You see, the dance of this time had yet to embrace tutus. The costumes of the time were luxurious – elaborate, extravagant, but more reminiscent of courtly fashion. They featured heavy fabrics like satin and velvet, intricate embroidery, and dramatic sleeves. This time, a dancer wouldn’t be wearing the billowing, ethereal pink tutus that I adore!
However, this doesn't stop me from envisioning my bright pink tutu being a key part of the Royal Ballet’s evolution! I can see the audiences, initially taken aback, then filled with a joyous gasp and finally erupting in thunderous applause at the sight of the vibrant tutu that is already capturing the attention of the crowd even in 17th century London!
And wouldn't the costumes of this time, paired with a pink tutu, be a spectacle of dazzling artistry? Just imagine the contrast – the richness of velvets, the elaborate embroidery and embellishments, with the airy pink chiffon, creating a vibrant display of sartorial wonder!
And, I must confess, Magic Meg and I spent the day savoring the delicacies of London's finest bakery. The pastries, cakes, and even the humble bread – everything was crafted with such care. And that sweet, sticky treacle tart – it was just divine!
Magic Meg seems to be enjoying this little historical excursion too, she’s found a love for apples - particularly the delicious, sweet, cider apples, a speciality of the region. She keeps pawing at the market stalls until someone generously gives her one – which is just as well because Magic Meg, when denied, has an irritating habit of whinnying rather loudly and a surprising ability to look offended – and with the grace of a true princess – she refuses to leave until appeased.
But the most thrilling part of this trip was visiting the King's Theatre, where the Royal Ballet was housed. Sadly, only remnants of the original building remain, as it was demolished and rebuilt numerous times.
However, imagining myself amongst the crowds, dressed in my pink tutu, witnessing the beauty of these ballet performances is thrilling. Just imagining the dramatic music and stories being enacted, seeing the skill of the dancers and feeling the excitement of a London audience captivated by an early ballet - It sends shivers of excitement through me!
To think, this is where the Royal Ballet – a source of such joy, passion and cultural influence - began. And to celebrate this momentous date, I encourage all of you, fellow tutu enthusiasts, to do the same: wear your pink tutu proudly! Share the joy and let your vibrant spirit inspire others!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see my tutu collections, the amazing time-travelling blog, my stunning pink tutu inspired designs and where you can purchase tickets for one of my fabulous tutu performances – the next one is next month!
Until next month, I'm off to enjoy a decadent evening in a local theatre. Until then, let the magic of the ballet world enchant you and, above all, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Keep your eyes peeled for next month’s time travel blog – where Magic Meg and I venture into the world of ballerinas and a famous French ballerina! I wonder what wonders we’ll encounter next...
