Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another dose of ballet history! 🩰💕
This week we're whisking back in time to a rather exciting year – 1651. Fancy a trip with me to the Baroque period? Put on your favourite tulle, we’re going to step onto a stage, embrace a new era, and learn about the amazing roots of our favourite dance form!
Stepping into the 17th Century:
1651! Can you imagine life in the 17th Century? Well, you probably wouldn’t have been allowed to wear a tutu… sad face! It wouldn’t be another couple of centuries before those beauties swished onto the scene. Imagine… no tutus. The horror! 🤭
In 1651, France was under the rule of King Louis XIV, a lover of all things artsy (and maybe a touch flamboyant), and he became a driving force in developing ballet as we know it today. This wasn’t about skipping around in pointe shoes just yet. Back then, it was a big deal for men – Think stately, elaborate court dances. It was basically high-class socialising! Imagine waltzing with the King – now that's an experience, isn’t it?
Ballrooms of Beauty
It was in this period, during 1651, that King Louis XIV took to wearing high heels (which he made all the royal men wear too!) Can you imagine him in his stylish fashions in his court with everyone around him sporting these fashionable accessories?! No one was going to let that Queen of Versailles style just slip away! 💅
Speaking of high heels – have you checked out the current ballet fashion trends? I mean, we are in the 21st Century, but have you seen those sleek ballet flats that pair beautifully with a floaty tutu? You know me - I am forever in pursuit of ballet inspired fashion for everyday life. Who said tutus have to stay in the theatre?!
But What About The Shows?
If you wanted to experience a show in 1651, the opera house wasn't the place to be, lovelies! The French Royal Ballet were putting on a performance to rival any stage show today! Imagine a set filled with elaborate scenery and costumes (but maybe not quite those tutu designs!). They were definitely making a spectacle for everyone!
While I can’t time travel yet (although my ballet moves might be considered time bending wink wink) you can find a whole bunch of online resources and video clips. Let me know if you need links - I have *oodles stored on my laptop .
Back to the Future - and Back to The Stage
I am so excited about all that the future holds for ballet, as much as I enjoy soaking up its beautiful past! My goal? To inspire all you lovely ladies out there to embrace your inner ballerinas. That means tutus - on the stage, on the street, or even just around your own living room. Why? Because wearing a pink tutu just makes you feel fantastic.
Next week, lovelies, we'll be venturing to the year 1672! That’s where the French Royal Ballet officially emerged. Be ready for a dose of spectacle and style – the court's best and worst dancing – what an era to explore, right?!
I’ve got to dash now - my dance practice for the street performance in the city centre awaits! I’ve been experimenting with some new ballet moves in a pink tutu with sparkles! It's going to be fabulous. 😉 Until next time - let your love for ballet shine!
Yours truly, Emma 💕
