Hello, my lovely pink tutu-loving friends! Emma here, bringing you a little trip back in time for our 25th ballet history post! This time, we're venturing into 1597, a year that's really the "baby steps" era for ballet. I love these early days of ballet; it's all about elegant, flowing movement and storytelling – like a graceful dance unfolding on a cloud!
Just imagine the world back then: grand castles, twinkling night skies, and… drum roll… the very first steps of what we know today as ballet. Can you believe it? 1597 – that's before even my favourite tutus existed!
So, how did ballet start, you ask? It all goes back to the Italian courts, where there were fancy dances called balletti, which were full of elaborate costumes and beautiful choreography, with stories being told through these amazing moves.
Imagine you're at a courtly event in Italy in 1597: Think majestic music, elaborate costumes and dazzling, intricate movements that tell a story with elegance. It's pretty impressive, isn't it?
This was where ballet began to blossom! The court dances started to evolve, with beautiful movements expressing emotions and telling narratives. And these dances became more organised and structured, just like the ballet classes we enjoy today. Imagine getting to learn ballet at the Royal Court! I'd be in seventh heaven, dancing and swirling among the noblemen and ladies.
Now, imagine this, dear reader! A French noble, King Henry III, fell absolutely in love with these courtly dances. So, in 1597, he hosted a grand ballet event called Le Ballet Comique de la Reine which is where the official history of ballet begins. This was no ordinary party, but a real ballet spectacle with a whole narrative. Can you imagine that? A ballet, complete with story and dancing!
The first “ballet” performance was inspired by stories about the Greek Goddesses, Psyche and Cupid – sounds rather romantic, wouldn't you agree? Think shimmering fabrics and graceful dance moves under candlelight! This was quite a turning point for ballet. It set the stage (pun intended) for what we now know as "ballet", with its graceful, story-driven choreography and intricate, elaborate movements.
Of course, tutus weren’t yet on the scene! The costumes of this first ballet were quite different to what we know now. Think grand, flowing dresses and richly ornamented jackets – something truly regal for these courtly performances. We are so fortunate as modern ballet dancers that our tutu wardrobe is full of stunning pink creations that have come a long way from the clothes of the court dances of this time.
Speaking of the present-day, ballet performances are now a global phenomenon! I went to a phenomenal production of Giselle last week in the Royal Opera House - breathtaking, elegant and pure story telling! I always feel utterly captivated after watching a show – I’m definitely a dedicated theatre-goer, and I encourage you all to try and catch a performance whenever you can. There are also many amazing street performance and workshops going on too – and let’s be honest, dancing in the street makes my heart sing!
We may not have court dances or fancy royalty today, but there’s no denying ballet's continued popularity and power to capture imaginations and express emotion through graceful, expressive movements. Ballet has certainly come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1597. Now it's part of our everyday lives and we can get a glimpse of this evolution at every dance performance around the world.
But let's not forget how ballet's history is a constant story of inspiration, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of beauty and expression. We might have gone through numerous costume changes, but the passion for the art form is still just as powerful and inspiring. That's why my pink tutu is a reminder – it's all about capturing the joy of ballet and inspiring others to find their inner grace, no matter where their journey takes them.
Until next time, my loves!
Keep your toes tapping and your tutu dreams alive.
XOXO
Emma
- www.pink-tutu.com
