Hey all you lovely ballet bunnies, Emma here, back again with another slice of history from my time-travelling tutu! This week, I've twirled back to the year 1683, a year bursting with change and excitement in the world of ballet. Let's get those tutus swirling, shall we?
Fashion! Now, you wouldn't think ballet fashion in 1683 was quite the explosion of sequins and silk like we have now. Oh no, imagine instead... puffy, voluminous sleeves, rich velvets, lace and extravagant hats. Think "Marie Antoinette" meets a courtly, majestic ball. These ladies weren't just dancing; they were flaunting the wealth of the era with every flourish!
The choreography, it was quite stately too. Less Swan Lake, more... "Let's have a little stately waltz with some fancy footwork." That's what ballet looked like back then, my dears! Now, as a modern ballet enthusiast, that doesn't sound too enticing, but the history, it's beautiful!
Ballet Shows - The Royal Court's Playground: This was the heyday of the Royal Court's influence on ballet, and the scene was pretty spectacular. King Louis XIV of France was, as everyone knows, a fan of the dance and held regular ballets in his majestic palace, Versailles. Imagine - a shimmering ball, glittering costumes, a King and Queen waltzing with their guests... Ballet was literally royal entertainment!
And it's fascinating to note that ballet didn't really belong in theatres at this point, even in Paris, the ballet capital of the world. Performances were mainly staged at the royal palace itself, sometimes at noble residences, with elaborate settings. Imagine the sheer extravagance! This time period reminds me how ballet, even at its earliest stage, was more than just dance. It was an expression of social status, a celebration of wealth and a spectacle to impress.
Now, some people say it lost a bit of its artistry - being so intertwined with royalty. It certainly lacked the artistic expression that we see in ballet today. But think about it, there were amazing elements then, too: elaborate costumes, stunning sets, and a formality in dance that would probably amaze modern audiences!
A Little Trip Around the World: While I was hopping through time, I even made it to Italy! Ballet was just beginning to catch on, with choreographers from France venturing to the Peninsula, introducing the courtly delights to the Italian nobles. Just like how ballet traveled all around the world from Russia to China and beyond today. It makes me happy, you know? Ballet knows no borders!
From Royalty to Theatres: The Seeds of Change Now, 1683, as amazing as it was, marked the end of an era. As we approach the next century, a transformation is happening in ballet. While ballet remains courtly and refined, whispers of change are in the air, the desire for a new artistic freedom is brewing, a movement that will see ballet leap onto theatre stages across Europe, breaking free of the Royal Court. And just wait, in later posts, I'll talk about those leaps into a new era of "artistic expression." It's simply captivating!
My Inspiration For The Future: Okay, ballet bunnies, I'll admit it: 1683, it's not quite my aesthetic. A little too puffy for my taste. But just like a beautiful historical costume, I respect the elegance and the grandness. The courtly formality, while less 'athletic' than what we do now, was a step on the path to the amazing ballet we know today. Every style has a place, from graceful courtly dances to dazzling, dramatic theatrical performances!
And let's not forget the fashion - yes, puffy sleeves might not be my style, but there is an enduring charm and elegant sophistication in that fashion. That's where I draw my inspiration for my own designs. Even as a ballerina, I'm a true fashionista. My love for ballet? It's not just about the graceful moves or the passionate leaps. It's the artistry, the creativity, the joy. And I always think, the most joyful fashion has to have a little pink tutu in it!
I've been feeling super inspired after my trip, so I might start playing with some historical looks in my next street dance performance! It’s time for some 17th-century elegance with a modern twist - I’m thinking a shimmering gold fabric with some elaborate details for the tutu, perhaps a fluffy, but shorter than a historical gown, skirt in velvet and my hair pulled up into a romantic, loose bun. You bet, I'm going to channel a bit of the Queen's elegance while I street dance!
So until next week, when I take you to a time period where the tutus might be just a little tighter, go forth and embrace your own creative, stylish flair!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
