Hey there, darlings! Emma here, back with another pink-tastic journey through ballet history! This week we're swirling back to the dazzling year of 1665, a time when our beloved art form took a giant leap forward, and it all began, you'll never guess, in a court of French royalty!
Ooh, I love imagining myself twirling in front of King Louis XIV – can you imagine the costumes? All silks and jewels, my dear. Honestly, the entire era is screaming out for a glorious pink revival, so I’ve been adding sooo many more ribbons and frills to my repertoire lately, just to tap into the royal grandeur of those bygone days.
A Royal Proclamation & The Birth of Ballet
Now, let's talk history! Back in 1665, something amazing happened. Louis XIV, who we all know loved nothing more than grand affairs and theatrical performances, established the Royal Academy of Dance. That's right, our beloved ballet was formally recognised and, bam, became a bonafide art form, officially established under the royal umbrella!
Oh, imagine how magical that must have been, all the dazzling courtiers watching the first ballerinas gracefully dance on stage! You just know there were gasp-worthy pink tutus swirling all around – I just can't imagine anything else for the royal dancers, darling!
This big proclamation changed ballet history forever – from this point onward, our lovely art form started taking giant leaps into becoming the globally recognised theatrical phenomenon it is today.
The Theatre of French Kings
Now, in those days, a ballet wasn't just a performance, darling, it was a spectacular! They would include so much elaborate scenery, opulent costumes, and the dancers? They ruled the stage. It was all about spectacle and dazzling technique, everything built around storytelling and exquisite choreography.
Did you know, my sweet little ballet lovelies, the very first ballets weren't really like the shows we know today? It wasn't just about the intricate footwork we see in a classic like “Swan Lake.” It was more about dramatic poses, storytelling, and grand movements that showcased the performers' flexibility and skill.
Oh, My Ballet Style Shopping Spree in 1665
I love it. Think high-necked bodices adorned with ribbons, yards upon yards of silk, all carefully tailored to move gracefully with the dance. My head is swimming with ideas already for a collection of pink-hued beauties, just inspired by 1665 style! If only my time travel machine was in order...
As a little pink indulgence for my readers, I did find some beautiful silk fabrics for my own designs recently at a market in Derbyshire - imagine my glee when I found a glorious pink brocade with floral motifs that would look simply exquisite on a 17th-century dancer. I almost fainted right then and there - it just screams pink royalty, my darlings! Oh, how I long to weave those dreams into real ballet costumes!
A Dance on The Fringe & A Stroll in Time
In keeping with my love of exploring all forms of movement, you'll find me next weekend at a performance at the fringe festival. Nothing excites me more than street ballet and contemporary performance art, and, darling, let's just say a lot of the movements you'll see were actually inspired by this early royal ballet movement! Oh, and look for pink tutus in the crowd!
So, as we celebrate the Royal Academy's birth back in 1665, let's remember how vital this step was in the evolution of ballet. You know, darling, sometimes even the tiniest moves, whether on stage, or down in Derbyshire, can spark the most incredible creative leaps!
Stay tuned, darlings, for more delightful news from the ballet world, and until next time, may your steps be light and your tutus, oh-so pink!
Lots of love,
Emma 💖
