Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another dazzling journey through time! This week, I'm waltzing all the way back to 1623, a year brimming with ballet brilliance that you simply have to know about. Buckle up, buttercups, because this one's a real showstopper!
Let's get the tutu twirling right from the get-go: did you know that the very first ballet, the one that started it all, premiered way back in 1623? Yes, darlings, that's right - Le Ballet de la Royne graced the stage of the Louvre Palace, and I am just dying to go back and see it for myself!
But let's be honest, I'm a gal who lives for a bit of fashion, and 1623 doesn't disappoint. Picture it: opulent gowns with extravagant sleeves, flowing silk skirts and, believe it or not, men in tight-fitting breeches and hose - seriously, it was the early days of tights, and we all know how much I adore a pair of fabulous tights!
The men in this ballet wore heeled shoes, too - just think, high-fashion guys! It wasn't all about the fellas, though. The ladies danced with feather boas and flowing veils, creating a beautiful picture of femininity. It's amazing to think that we've been stepping into the world of ballet for over four centuries. And let me tell you, that's some seriously serious history in our tutus!
Imagine, darlings, those early performances were much like our modern street ballet. They happened in public squares, gardens, even grand courtyards! No fancy theaters yet, just the excitement of ballet under the open sky, right in the heart of the city. I bet it was a real spectacle, attracting everyone from the high society to the humble townsfolk - now that's what I call inclusivity, darling!
But what was the actual dance like, I hear you ask? It was, shall we say, a bit more stately than our contemporary leaps and twirls. Think more elegant and flowing movements, showcasing grace rather than grand acrobatics. Think slow, measured steps, hand gestures expressing emotions, and a hint of drama. Sounds a bit like the ballroom, don't you think?
Now, speaking of drama, 1623 wasn't just a year for the debut of ballet; it also saw the first ever performance of the ever-popular Shakespearean play The Tragedy of King Lear. Talk about a historical double-header! I can imagine, darlings, how captivating these events must have been for the audiences of that time. Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation? It must have been a period of artistic revolution and cultural transformation, and what a grand time to be a dance lover, right?
It's hard to say whether 1623's audience would embrace our contemporary tutus - though, who wouldn't be enticed by a pink tutu? Perhaps they'd have preferred them in rich velvets or shimmering silks, but one thing's for sure: I'm sure the spirit of dancing, and the joy of spectacle, would be just as evident back then as it is today!
Oh, before I forget, I was fortunate enough to bump into a truly marvelous troupe of street dancers at the Globe Theatre itself! They weren't ballet, not precisely, but their footwork was something else. So spirited and full of life. If they weren't busy doing Shakespeare, they should totally consider street ballet! They could take over Covent Garden, perhaps, if we all persuade them. What do you say?
I've found a whole array of exciting upcoming performances happening this year. Keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com for my reviews, darlings! There's The Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Opera House - can you believe it? The music, the costumes, the drama... it's pure magic, I'm practically floating! And there's a stunning production of Swan Lake at Sadler's Wells. Oh my, this production is so beautifully interpreted, I nearly swooned! And we can't forget those gorgeous costumes and those iconic swan feathers! It's a dance-lovers dream!
Speaking of dreams, my next journey is already being planned! Can you guess where? You’ll just have to wait and see!
Stay gorgeous, my darlings, and remember to dance your heart out!
Love,
Emma x
