Hey gorgeous! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you the latest from the fascinating world of ballet history!
This week we're pirouetting back to 1629, a pivotal year in ballet's story, where it all started getting super fancy, oh so fashionable and quite frankly, a whole lot more fun!
French Royalty Gets Fancy
Hold onto your tiaras, darling! 1629 marks the year when the ballet de cour – that's ballet at the French court, you know – truly blossomed into its own spectacular, lavish affair. It was as if the king, Louis XIII, said "Alright everyone, let's make this ballet a whole extravaganza!", and everyone went wild for it. Think grand entrances, elaborate costumes and stunning set designs - you just know the whole thing would be a delight to watch.
Now, we might not have had a plethora of pink tutus yet – a shame, I know! – but they were certainly getting a lot of those grand, regal, almost theatrical styles into the mix, which always get a big, excited 'yes' from me.
Dancing with the King
These French court ballets were all about storytelling, with lots of historical characters, mythological creatures and even a bit of comedy. We're talking about ballets that tell the story of a phoenix who dances its way to the heavens (that would look so good with those grand wings and sparkly costumes, imagine the tutus!) and battles against mythical monsters! And you know what's amazing? These weren't just spectator affairs – the King himself participated! He even helped write the plot for one of the ballets!
But Back To Those Costumes!
Now, the best part about all this courtly drama and royal participation? Those stunning costumes. I'm talking about silks, satins, velvets, jewels and even feathers – oh yes, a veritable feast for the eyes! It was like a Parisian couture runway come to life!
You wouldn't catch the royals dancing in just any old garb. Think extravagant gowns with ornate detailing, lavish jewels, and towering wigs. Just imagine all the amazing, dramatic hair-dos they'd pull off – and all those flowing trains would've been utterly exquisite! It’s almost enough to make even the most fashion-forward among us weak at the knees.
New Beginnings
This year in 1629, marked a big leap in ballet, moving beyond those stately court dances that were popular before, bringing the art form to a whole new level. Now we were talking dramatic performances with intricate costumes, captivating plots and – let's not forget! – stunning royal choreography!
It wasn't long after that some of those famous ballerinas we know and adore started making their way onto the scene, paving the way for the next century of glorious ballet artistry, from Madame Camargo and Marie Sallé who embraced simpler, lighter styles of dancing in the 1700s, to the era of Marius Petipa, with his incredible classical ballet masterpieces. And, let's not forget the legendary Marie Taglioni who danced her way into our hearts, paving the way for the Romantic Era and introducing that magical tutu, that pink, glorious tulle delight that inspires so many ballerinas, even yours truly!
So, the next time you see a ballet with an enchanting costume, or when a show blows you away with a grand design – take a moment to appreciate the fabulous story of ballet that started right here, right back in 1629!
And now for your dose of fashion-forward inspiration – what's been trending on the ballet stage this season? Let's just say that designers are channeling their inner royals and embracing some of the lavish styles from back in the 1600s! Look out for bold colours, intricate beading and those majestic, oh-so-dramatic feather plumes – and of course, some fabulous new pink tutus – just you wait!
Until next time, gorgeous, let's keep spreading the pink tutu magic and enjoy every grand, magical performance, because it all started in 1629 with the regal artistry of French ballet!
Much love,
Emma xxx www.pink-tutu.com
