History of Ballet in 1621

Hello, my darling dance devotees! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing history buff. Today, we're travelling back to 1621, the year that French nobility were getting swept away by the elegance of court ballet! Oh, the stories I could tell you!

It's truly a thrill to share these historic journeys with you all. If you've followed my blog, you know I'm a bit obsessed with the evolution of dance – how movements, costumes, and music have transformed over time, yet remain connected by the pure joy of expression. And I believe every single one of us deserves a chance to twirl in a pink tutu, even if it’s just in the comfort of our own homes!

Now, 1621 is a fascinating year. Louis XIII, the young king of France, is just starting to establish his reign, and what better way to do that than with a grand display of culture and spectacle? Think dazzling courtly dances, exquisite costumes, and elaborate sets that were the envy of Europe! Imagine, ladies, those feathered hats, intricate headdresses, and billowing silk skirts!

This style of ballet, known as ballet de cour, was more about graceful courtly figures and extravagant visual artistry than what we know as classical ballet. There were more "ballroom" elements like minuets and gavottes—those delightful slow and elegant dances with flowing steps – and galliards, quicker dances with lively jumping and prancing, perfect for showcasing elegance and skill!

Imagine being at court, swirling through the beautiful halls in a graceful waltz, watching skilled dancers perform in breathtaking outfits. Oh, the excitement, the whispers, the clinking of goblets filled with rich wine! This type of entertainment set the stage for future theatrical dance experiences.

What really got me excited about 1621 is the fashion, ladies! Just imagine: beautiful, brocaded dresses for the ladies with stiff skirts that looked like perfect cones. Oh, and the gentlemen! Exquisitely tailored silk and velvet suits adorned with extravagant lace and fine embroidery! We're talking lace collars that reach up to their ears! They had real presence, don't you think?

But the best part? These fashionable courtiers were showcasing ballet as an art form to be seen. That means costumes became more and more lavish, just like the stage! Feathers, jewels, gold embellishments – you name it, they were using it! Can you even imagine the spectacle, ladies? It truly is inspiring!

Okay, so, where could you see all this dazzling courtly dance? Well, imagine if you could go back and see the famous "Ballet Comique de la Reine" from 1581? That's a perfect example! This "ballet comedy" was a grand spectacle presented by Catherine de Medici for her daughter’s wedding – so imaginative and inspiring, isn't it?

There were ballets all over France, not just in Paris, ladies. Versailles, oh, that majestic palace! But remember, ballet de cour was an aristocratic pastime – a form of high art. Not exactly a "street" performance you could catch outside a local tavern, as we do now with modern dance troupes!

Let me tell you, these 1621 dance parties are giving me serious dance inspiration, don't you think, darlings? We may have a different style of ballet today, with the graceful leaps and spins, the grand tutus, but the foundation was laid in those courtyards, in those lavish halls!

My vision is to get every one of you dancing, regardless of age or background! We can channel the energy of the court and infuse it with our own contemporary flair! Imagine all of us swirling and twirling, a symphony of pink tutus everywhere we go.

For now, I'm off to explore a world full of modern ballet, visiting my favorite showhouses, and seeking inspiration for my next street ballet performance! Keep your eyes peeled for my next blog, darlings. You know I love sharing my love of ballet with all of you!

Until then, twirl on, darlings, and never forget the magic of ballet!