Hey gorgeous ballet bunnies,
It's Emma here from Derbyshire, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, ready to whisk you back in time for another exciting ballet history adventure! Today we're travelling to 1659 - a year that marked a truly significant shift in ballet's journey! Buckle up, darlings, because this year, the very foundation for modern ballet was laid!
The Court of Louis XIV: Where Fashion Met Ballet
Now, 1659 was a glorious time for France - King Louis XIV was ruling with style and elegance. This era was a whirlwind of extravagant balls, theatrical spectacles, and oh so stylish clothing! But it was the king himself, the "Sun King", who had a rather fascinating love affair with ballet. He loved it!
Enter the 'Académie Royale de Danse'
Imagine, in this period, there wasn't a fancy school dedicated just to the art of ballet! So, what does our dear Sun King do? He sets up the very first! In 1659, Louis XIV officially founded the 'Académie Royale de Danse'. Think of it as the original 'Ballet Bootcamp' where talented dancers trained under the watchful eye of master choreographers! This establishment gave ballet its own unique identity and cemented it as an art form with strict rules, technical mastery and – of course – a dazzling flair for the dramatic.
From Ballroom to Theatre Stage: A Dramatic Shift
Now, before the Académie, ballet was predominantly a courtly entertainment – a showcase of grace and artistry in grand balls and stately halls. However, the Académie pushed ballet into the spotlight of the theatre stage. It encouraged the development of ballet stories, or narratives – and I'm talking real plays, with heroes, villains, and even love interests! Imagine a dance floor set within the context of a dramatic story. The power of this concept revolutionized the art of ballet forever!
The Fashion Statement: Ballet as a Fashion Show
Speaking of drama, darlings, can we talk about the fashion? Imagine a world of ornate costumes, dazzling silks and fabrics, extravagant hats, and even ballet shoes! But not the modern kind, my dears. Ballet shoes were far more luxurious back then. Think delicate leather shoes with rosettes, ribbons, and bows. These weren't simply functional, they were pieces of art. Ballet performances in 1659 were like grand fashion shows! Imagine the envy!
Let's See the Show
Of course, you wouldn't want to simply stand and gaze. The Academy presented its inaugural performance in the grand Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles! The spectacle of costumes and dance choreography was said to be utterly spectacular! Think of the thrill!
Fast forward to 1661
And then, in 1661 – barely a couple of years after the Academy was established - imagine this - the world was graced with the very first professional ballet! Yes, dancers, specifically trained for the stage, taking their place as true artistic professionals, captivating audiences with their skill and elegance. It was a defining moment, leading the path for future ballet generations.
Now, my dears, let's take a little stroll through the streets of 1659, our pink tutus in tow!
What's in Fashion
- The grand-pointes were the epitome of glamour. Elegant and long, reaching down to the ground.
- Corsets were still essential! This helped women create the 'hourglass' figure and emphasized their grace as they moved.
- Ladies also wore beautiful long dresses called 'robe a la Française.' These were often made of silk, lace and richly ornamented.
Remember, gentlemen didn't shy away from lace and silk too!
Shows You Wouldn't Want to Miss!
Well, if you happened to find yourself transported to France in 1659, you'd want to see what these 'grand ballet-like productions' were all about. Sadly, the records of the early productions are not well-preserved, but it is known that ballet troupes performed these courtly entertainments which usually incorporated dances of the French countryside - think folk traditions incorporated into elaborate theatrical presentations.
Time Travel Ballet, anyone?
I must confess, I wouldn't mind hopping back to this historical moment. To see those lavish costumes in their full glory and witness the beginning of a ballet world I adore. So, darlings, this little trip down ballet's memory lane should have convinced you that even in the 17th century, ballet had already found its place as a glamorous spectacle that charmed the world. Let's not forget it was just the very beginning! It's inspiring to see how ballet has evolved into the powerful art form we see today!
Until next time, my ballet bunnies! Stay fashionable and always, always embrace the joy of the pink tutu!
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
