Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, back with another dazzling dive into the fabulous world of ballet history! Today, we're twirling back to the year 1606 - a pivotal year for ballet, the beginning of something truly special, like a new ballet shoe or a shimmering sequined bodice. Buckle up, darlings, because this post is going to be positively enchanting!
It might surprise you to learn that, in 1606, ballet wasn't quite the graceful, elegant affair it is today. Think less "swan lake" and more "courtly revelry" - a mixture of extravagant dance, costumes, and theatrical displays, all swirling around in the grand halls of the French court. Back then, ballet was a big, fancy spectacle. Think lavish masks, glittering jewellery, and outfits with more feathers and ruffles than you could possibly imagine!
1606 was a truly pivotal year. Why? Well, darling, it marks the year the first ballet as we know it debuted! Imagine all the excited whispers at the French court when "Le Ballet de la Reine", the Queen’s Ballet took to the stage. Can you just picture all those perfectly poised noble ladies watching in awe as their very own Queen Louis XIII's mother, Marie de' Medici, took the spotlight. This spectacular event was full of elegant dances and elaborate costumes, much like we see in ballet today but less elegant in those days, though that's to be expected when you are at a ball for a month, as it appears they were.
Honestly, I’m just swooning thinking of those decadent outfits and their extravagant details. You can practically picture it, darling, can't you?
The real star of "Le Ballet de la Reine" wasn't just Marie de' Medici herself, but the choreography! It was a breathtaking performance that brought to life a fantastical story about the Queen's ancestors and her journey from Italy to France, making it a perfect, charming, almost Shakespearean moment in time for ballet and a fascinating window into French royal court culture.
And what would a grand court spectacle be without its opulent fashion, my darlings? It was all the rage in 1606, with elaborate bodices, swirling skirts, and towering plumes – each costume as unique as the characters they embodied! It makes you long for those historical times, I simply adore those old designs!
If you're a fellow lover of all things ballet fashion, take a trip to the V&A museum in London – the home to beautiful and historic collections. Who knows, you might find the perfect vintage-inspired look for your next big night out! I just know it would make a gorgeous instagram shot! I'm still on the hunt for the perfect 1606 era look for my next London performance! It would be amazing to create a whole troupe inspired by "Le Ballet de la Reine."
Of course, we can’t forget the incredible footwear. Those towering heels and perfectly pointed toes – just think of all the practice it took! That's something to marvel at, especially considering the types of heels they were using in those days, I imagine! It just shows that our dance practice and dedication is nothing new!
Back then, "Le Ballet de la Reine" wasn't just entertainment – it was a spectacle meant to show the power and beauty of the French court! That was what everyone at court was going to watch - those fancy steps and intricate costumes and who they would wear, was like watching a show like "The Great British Baking Show" now. You could never guess who would win that coveted gold star in court that day, just like in the competition now, could you darling?! Only instead of cake it was all the courtly details, it was everything you saw. A perfect moment for ballet, don't you think?
Today, we can all find inspiration in the grandeur and the heart of “Le Ballet de la Reine”. We are truly all a part of something big and beautiful that started then and continues today.
I believe every single one of us, darling, has the potential to embody that spirit. It’s all about celebrating artistry, expressing our creativity, and remembering that sometimes the biggest spectacles are all about bringing magic and delight to those around us! I mean, I'm pretty sure that's why everyone wears pink, isn't it?!
So let's keep that fire alive! Put on your favourite tutu, dance to your heart's content, and let your inner ballet star shine! Every day is a chance to create our own magic, so make sure to go out and bring a touch of 1606 fashion and style to the streets and into your heart!
And please, remember - always, always wear pink. We can make that our special little tribute to all the gorgeous moments in ballet history, you know?!
Stay fabulous!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
