History of Ballet in 1655

Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, bringing you another dive into the magical world of ballet history. Today, we’re whisking back to 1655 – a year of captivating dance, intriguing fashion, and, well, let’s just say things were a bit different than our modern-day, glitter-filled ballet world.

But, fear not, my lovely pink tutu-loving friends! This time travel expedition promises to be delightful, especially for those of you who adore the elegance and finesse of the courtly ballet.

I was lucky enough to land right smack in the middle of the royal court of Louis XIV, who, if you’ll recall from my previous posts, is quite the ballerino himself. Talk about inspiring! As the Sun King, he held sway over every aspect of the French court – including the dance, making this a true golden age of courtly ballet.

Now, I’ve been waltzing about Paris and I've gotta say, the outfits are simply divine! We're not talking tutus, my loves – though some say that little 'skirts for dancing' have started to make their presence felt. The fashion is all about extravagant embellishments and flowing silk gowns that make even my loveliest tutus look rather demure. Imagine corsets with lace and jewels, towering wigs adorned with feathers and ribbons, and gentlemen strutting about in richly patterned velvet suits and swords.

I, of course, took a whirl in a few courtly dresses – let’s just say, getting a bow on a skirt with this kind of detail takes serious concentration. It's so intricate, a bit overwhelming compared to our streamlined, functional modern-day practice wear, but oh-so-pretty! And my, oh my, the ballroom scenes! Dancing etiquette and posture seem more formal than ever. The ballet itself, though, is mostly centered around theatrical storytelling – very much like our contemporary ballets like The Nutcracker.

What really fascinated me were these special 'entrées' – grand entrances and captivating exits choreographed for individual dancers! Imagine a ballerina gracefully gliding on stage, her every movement drawing gasps of admiration. Such artistry! While this style isn't strictly what we'd consider 'ballet' nowadays, it lays the foundation for the captivating stories we adore on stage today.

One particular entrée caught my eye, featuring the legendary Mademoiselle La Fontaine. Imagine a dancer performing her story-ballet in elaborate, layered dresses! It truly captured the imagination of the court, leading the way for what would soon be known as 'L'Académie Royale de Danse', a forerunner to the ballet companies we know today. I was enthralled to be there at this very pivotal moment.

As a fellow history enthusiast and all things ballet-related, let me give you a sneak peek into what you can see right now on stage across the world!

1. A Glimpse of Ballet's Grand Beginnings

   • L'Académie Royale de Danse: While this prestigious ballet academy officially opened its doors in 1661, 1655 was truly the birth of ballet in the form we recognise today.

2. Ballet's Courtly Beginnings:

   • Courtly Ballet: Head to a Royal Palace for an immersive journey into courtly dancing – extravagant, theatrical performances, complete with beautiful costumes and elaborate stage sets, are what 1655 had to offer. This might not be what you think of as ballet, but it’s the bedrock upon which the dance we know and love today was built!

3. Fashion of the French Court:

   • Corset Dreams: Imagine dresses made with a delicate array of fabrics – layers of lace and satin – and imagine these gowns perfectly complementing high-waisted, finely-wrought corsets with cascading ribbons and decorative charms. Oh là là!
   • A Feast for the Eyes: In this age of flamboyance, even gentlemen were allowed to be flamboyant! Rich silks and velvet paired with lavish lace trims made this era's clothing something to behold! I can’t wait for my next costume purchase and add some extravagant trimmings and sparkle!

Remember, dear lovelies, the core of fashion is about self-expression, no matter the era. While I'm all for pink tutus (you know it!), let’s explore how you can channel that 1655 flair into your daily life:

1. Sparkly Jewelry: Think statement earrings with elaborate charms – let your ears be a showstopper! It's all about sparkle and whimsy.
2. Vintage Accessories: The bigger, the better! From feathered fans to beautifully intricate corsages – find those unique touches that scream timeless elegance!
3. Fabric Playfulness: Look for silks and velvets in bold, rich colours – a little dramatic flourish goes a long way!
4. Boldly-Coloured Prints: Let your attire do the talking! Add vibrant prints, elegant florals, or even geometric patterns – be that girl with unique style.
5. Embroidered Details: If you're feeling a little more crafty, add a personal touch with embroidered ribbons, buttons, or charms – let your own artistry shine!

I can’t wait to see how you ladies rock those 1655-inspired ensembles – tell me all about it in the comments!

But hey, remember, just as our ancestors have embraced and loved the beauty of the dance throughout history, we must too. In our little corner of Derbyshire, my tutus may not be court-approved, but they do convey my love for the grace and artistry of dance! I’m proud to be a ballerina at heart, celebrating the power of movement, style, and all that makes dance so thrilling and special. Until next time, darlings! Stay beautiful and don’t forget – rock that pink tutu!

Emma
Pink Tutu News www.pink-tutu.com