Hello my beautiful ballerinas! It’s your favourite pink tutu wearing, time travelling, ballet enthusiast Emma here, and today, we’re venturing back to the year 1637! This year is incredibly significant in the history of ballet, marking the start of a new era. Buckle up your pointe shoes, darlings, because we're about to step back in time to a thrilling chapter in the world of dance!
You all know how much I adore travelling through time. It's such a whirlwind! This time, my journey took me to France, the land of fashion and fine dining. You could say I’ve been on a shopping spree! And let’s be honest, there’s no place better for fashion inspiration than France. Especially back then, darling! 17th-century fashion was just the kind of effortless chic we all strive for. Imagine beautiful brocade and silk gowns with exquisite lace detailing, topped off with elegant hats and feathers – absolutely divine!
My latest time travel escapade, fuelled by some incredible street performances (and maybe a cheeky macaroon or two!), has led me to a thrilling discovery. 1637 was the year the Académie Royale de Danse was founded in Paris, marking the official beginning of ballet as we know it today! This, my dear dancers, was the birthplace of professional ballet training and its eventual worldwide rise to prominence!
Can you imagine how thrilling this must have been for the dancers of the time? Suddenly, ballet had an official place in the Parisian scene! The establishment of the Académie meant the art of ballet was acknowledged, and more importantly, dancers were being officially trained in their art form.
But let’s be honest, darling, before the Académie was established, dance wasn’t just about art; it was very much a part of royal court entertainment! These dances were performed at extravagant royal balls, with all the grandeur and opulence imaginable! Fancy, isn’t it? Think beautifully ornamented stage settings, ornate costumes, and dances of exquisite complexity performed by talented dancers who knew their art.
Imagine those dazzling gowns adorned with lace and delicate embroidery, worn by the ballerinas. And their elaborate wigs, those exquisite and artistic works of hair, with the feather plumes adorning them. Sigh, the elegance and sheer beauty of it all!
While these historical ballets weren't the structured classical ballets we know and love today, they were the seed that eventually grew into what we have now. That makes these ballerinas the pioneers, the very first steps in a dance history journey that continues to this day!
I had the opportunity to visit the Palais Royal in Paris, where the Académie was founded. The energy in that place is almost tangible! It was in this royal palace that dancers were trained, choreography perfected, and ballet truly blossomed into a powerful form of artistic expression. You can almost imagine the dancers in their graceful movements, their steps reflecting the elegant beauty of the times.
Now, let’s take a peek at the ballets being performed around the world in 1637! Of course, the Académie itself was busy staging new ballets.
And guess what else was a huge ballet trend in 1637? Court ballets! Imagine an intricate and breathtaking spectacle involving hundreds of dancers, lavish costumes, and complex movements – that’s the magic of these historical performances. Think of them as early-era versions of a "Moulin Rouge" spectacle. Now that would be a sight to see!
And of course, no historical look is complete without discussing the ballet fashion! You know how much I adore a good tutu! While the elaborate gowns of the court and the stage costumes weren't precisely what we call tutus today, there was already a glimpse of their beginnings. These elaborate court gowns were like precursors to ballet costumes, embracing a focus on fluidity and movement. They flowed with the dancers’ bodies, like swirling pieces of art. Imagine a skirt crafted of delicate silks or velvets, offering the perfect combination of movement and opulence. Absolutely stunning!
Let’s take a quick peek at ballet fashion back in those times! Remember, dear ballet enthusiasts, every historical period holds its own kind of charm. It was a time of grand and flowing attire, reflecting a majestic elegance and an unmatched grace. It makes my heart sing to see those pictures!
There was a great emphasis on elaborate hairdos, often adorned with feathers, gems, and exquisite ribbons, giving a final touch of splendour to these truly captivating historical looks. The shoes, my darling, the shoes! Think dainty, pointy slippers, crafted with elegance and sophistication! While they might seem a bit basic in comparison to our sleek modern pointe shoes, the essence of ballet was already there, showcasing movement and grace.
Remember, ballet fashion in 1637 was all about capturing the essence of femininity. Those beautiful women in their grand gowns, flowing through the movements with captivating grace, created a breathtaking picture! They wore intricate gowns that showcased their movements like graceful butterflies! They were pioneers, shaping the foundation for modern ballet, and they wore the dance like their second skin. It’s fascinating, isn't it, how ballet has evolved over time?
That brings us to the end of our historical journey. Remember to stay tuned for more of our time travelling adventures into the world of ballet! We’re on a mission to find the best tutus, the most inspiring dance stories, and the coolest ballet outfits throughout history! And of course, keep inspiring yourself, my beautiful dancers! Embrace your love for ballet, dance your hearts out, and make the world a more vibrant, dazzling, and beautiful place, one pink tutu at a time!
Until next time, dear ballet enthusiasts, stay glamorous, keep twirling, and remember – every ballet step is a step towards making the world a more beautiful place!
