Hey lovely dancers! 💖 Emma here, ready to whisk you back in time to the year 1650 and discover a little piece of ballet's magical history! I'm already in my twirliest pink tutu for this one, so grab a cuppa and join me as we explore what life was like for those early dancers.
1650, my dears, was a time of change and upheaval for all sorts of things, including ballet! After a few decades of dominance, court ballets were starting to fade. They were often spectacular affairs, with grand costumes and elaborate sets, but the rigid formality wasn't appealing to everyone. And the ladies? Well, their tutus were far less revealing than ours! They were essentially long, full skirts - think a ball gown that would let them dance and be a touch more… um… graceful. Imagine waltzing through a ballroom with a massive hoop skirt, quite the spectacle! It was all about elegance and stately grandeur, so definitely not your 'en pointe' moment.
As I mentioned, the focus started shifting to theatrical performances. In fact, in Paris, 1650 saw the birth of the Académie Royale de Musique – oh, my, a veritable temple of the arts! This marked a move towards the structured world of ballets as we know them today - ballets with specific stories, with defined dance roles, and those gorgeous costumes that we absolutely adore. I wouldn't want to miss the show, even in their simpler attire. I wonder what kinds of stories were on stage then! My imagination is already swirling with ideas. 🩰
The Royal Ballet had another fantastic feat to celebrate, its move from the Louvre Palace to a gorgeous venue called the Salle du Petit-Bourbon. Talk about luxurious! Can you imagine dancing in a building with that history?! I imagine those graceful ballerinas feeling extra inspired, knowing the very space had seen generations of artists and musicians. The atmosphere alone must have been intoxicating. ✨
1650 was also a year of artistic exploration. Even in the fashion world, a change was in the air. Those exquisite lace ruffles and puffed sleeves – my darling dancers, we can’t deny the allure of those frilly creations! The clothing became lighter and less rigid, just as the choreography was doing away with those overly formal court movements. Think of the gorgeous silhouettes, all those delicate fabrics swirling and flowing. The beauty! It's so exciting to know that those beautiful silhouettes laid the groundwork for our exquisite tutus today.
Did you know there were fascinating characters dancing around this year? One very special gentleman called Jean-Baptiste Lully was making quite a name for himself. He was the kingpin of all things theatrical in Paris – think dancing, singing, and plays all rolled into one. Talk about a multi-talented artist! The world of ballet wouldn't be quite the same without him and the legacy he created, influencing the artistry of generations. It was a wonderful, exciting time for dancers, just imagine all the creativity flowing!
One thing to keep in mind as we journey back in time: we're dancing a ballet history here, not the whole shebang. 1650 saw a world bustling with change, a symphony of sounds, and emotions, just as it does now. Our little ballerina snapshot is just a glimpse, but hopefully it's enough to get your tutu in a twirl, ready to explore more!
Now, time to go, but I promise I'll be back soon to unravel more ballet magic! Until next time, lovely dancers, twirl on, sparkle brightly, and keep dancing your way! And remember – I always have a soft spot for pink! 💖
See you in our next history blog,
Emma
P.S. Keep your eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for my upcoming post all about ballet fashion through the centuries! It’s going to be a dream in tulle!
Let's Talk Shows & Fashion: What’s On In The World Of Ballet Fashion, 1650If you could step back in time to 1650, what would you see? Imagine a world where dancers’ costumes were not yet our much loved leotards and tutus, but a symphony of colours and a riot of exquisite detail:
Fashion Spotlight: Elegance is Key
- Full skirts with an attitude: Think those wide-hooped gowns you see in historical movies – that was the trend! And ladies? You definitely wouldn't see a single leg in sight - skirts were full and often embroidered, covering every inch with frilly detail and sometimes even a dramatic train. A lot of swirling action in those skirts, perfect for slow graceful movements on stage.
- Ruffles galore: You'll find ruffles everywhere! They graced necklines, cuffs, sleeves – anything that could be ruffled, was! And oh, those beautiful intricate lace collars! You'll see collars with layers of white lace, some trimmed with a vibrant ribbon. Oh my, talk about fancy! It's just begging to be admired by those on stage and in the audience!
Shoes fit for royalty: Footwear in the 1600s was no joke, darling! Forget pointy stilettos – those dainty little feet would be tucked away in leather slippers or flat shoes with decorative embroidery. Not quite the same as the beautiful pointe shoes we dance in today, but the creations were no less beautiful!
Showtime!
If you're lucky enough to have a time machine at your fingertips, what shows would you be seeing?
* Court Ballets: Think grand performances with lots of drama and symbolism. Think lots of extravagant dances performed for nobility and high-ranking officials - perfect for an evening of entertainment for a king and queen!
* Pastoral Scenes: These theatrical performances combined music, dance, and poetry to create captivating scenes of life in the countryside - charming, wouldn't you say? It's easy to picture graceful ballerinas swirling amidst the beauty of nature, representing the romance of rural life.
* Masquerades and balls: Imagine the masked revelry! Fancy costumes were all the rage for these elegant balls where courtiers and nobility would dance the night away, wearing the most dazzling masks and gowns to hide their true identity. Imagine all that beautiful dance and fashion in one night – now that would be an enchanting performance!
That's 1650 in all its glorious ballet history – a time of grandeur, elegance, and exciting new ventures. If you find yourself taking a ballet journey to the 17th century, I do hope you get to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning performances and see a ballerina twirling in a fancy dress! I wouldn't want to miss it, what about you? And as always, remember, I’m always rooting for a touch of pink, even in a century without ballet tutus. 💖
