History of Ballet in 1628

Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back from another whirl through time! This week we're stepping back to 1628, a year that's just brimming with excitement! It's time to swap those chic modern pointe shoes for some lovely, delicate dancing slippers and put on a floaty, wide-skirted tutu! Why, you ask? Because 1628 saw the birth of ballet as we know it!

Now, before I get into the glittery details, let's picture this: you’re in Paris, the year is 1628, and you’re a lucky spectator of the Royal Court. You’ve come to witness something revolutionary – the first ever performance of the "Ballet de la Reine," a breathtaking spectacle commissioned by none other than Louis XIII for his beloved wife Anne of Austria.

Imagine a stage filled with beautiful dancers in silken costumes. Their moves aren’t rigid and predictable – instead, there's a fluid grace and lyrical charm that makes the very air thrum with beauty! It’s as if the story, the music, and the costumes are weaving themselves into a gorgeous tapestry of movement! That, my lovelies, is the magic of ballet!

This moment, right here, marked the beginning of a long and illustrious journey that brought us the captivating world of ballet that we cherish today! But let’s go back in time for a moment, shall we? Before 1628, the “ballet” we were familiar with, was more a “masquerade ball” kind of thing, a fancy social occasion where courtly figures dressed in elegant costumes. The emphasis wasn't on the actual dancing, but rather the formality, with everyone looking utterly magnificent!

Think of it like an early ballroom scene in a fairytale film! Think sparkling ballrooms, gentlemen bowing and curtseying, and ladies in gowns with magnificent hairstyles more dramatic than any we see today!

Now, while it’s hard to imagine this lavish affair changing into something different, something that captures a story and expresses emotion in dance, that's exactly what happened. In 1628, with the "Ballet de la Reine," something amazing bloomed. A whole new kind of ballet appeared, one that captivated with movement and story!

*A Fashionable Time Trip Back *

Just as we imagine those grand costumes worn in 1628, imagine our stylish Parisian court figures wearing silks, satins, and velvets in rich jewel tones. It's a time of elaborate embroidery, elaborate jewelry, and dramatic headwear.

If we peek back into the wardrobes of those dancing royals, we imagine fringes, ribbons, plumes, and sequins adorning their attire. Now, while we are not all able to go back to this glorious period, we can bring its magic to life today! Think soft, elegant tutus inspired by those early ballet outfits, with a lovely pink hue!

Speaking of pink! Oh, don't get me started! That rosy glow of 1628 fashion inspires my latest design: a ballet dress made of silk chiffon in a blush pink with cascading rhinestone ribbons and delicate feathers. It’s a dream for any little ballerina. And it will certainly be available in our online shop!

London's Ballerina Blitz

But darling, it wasn’t just Paris in the spotlight. Over in London, there were things brewing in the dance world. It’s incredible that in 1628, there were so many exciting new dance forms emerging, from theatrical dances in grand estates to public dancing, and it all culminated in an innovative ballet, the “Triumphs of Peace.” It showcased, get this, actual real-life court figures in it! They weren’t professional dancers but royalties themselves performing! It must have been such an elegant sight!

I simply can't resist dreaming about those shimmering costumes, and the audience captivated by a display of artistry and elegance! You see, dear reader, ballet was already taking the world by storm back then! It just went from strength to strength, much like how a delicate blossom becomes a blooming beautiful flower.

And as if that weren’t enough, 1628 also saw the rise of dancing schools throughout London. Talk about exciting! Just like we do now! They were teaching dances from across the world!

*The Power of Performance *

This period is a brilliant reminder that no matter how we celebrate our love of ballet, we can be inspired by the past!

Right here, in our own world, let's go beyond our normal routines and seek out extraordinary moments to inspire our dance spirit. For me, it's performing in a tutu at a street dance event and capturing the wonder in a little girl's eyes. There’s just no better way to bring those dance dreams alive!

I encourage you to seek out every opportunity for a show, an event, or even just a balletic performance. You’ll see, there is something so joyful in sharing the passion of this dance art form!

This week I’ll be taking to the streets in a new pink tutu to raise awareness about ballet! Keep an eye out!

Now, darling, as you put on a twirly tutu this week, think about the grace and poise of 1628. Remember how passion, beauty, and innovation have taken this amazing dance from its first steps to a whole world of dazzling entertainment.

On The Ballet Scene

Now, it’s the start of October, which is the perfect month for shows and workshops, darling! We all know the fall season is full of new and exciting happenings!

And to celebrate 1628, here’s a tip from my vintage fashion corner: Head to your local charity shops and keep an eye out for fabulous satin, chiffon, or velvet that you can transform into your own unique costumes. I've seen some amazing ones in Derbyshire. Remember, there's no need to spend a fortune. Sometimes the best tutus are the ones you find hidden away!

So, darlings, keep those feet tapping, your heads held high, and remember the magic that started in 1628.

Until next time!