Hello my lovely tutu-twirling friends! It’s your favourite pink-obsessed blogger, Emma, here, bringing you a dose of ballet history from way, way back in 1694! Today we're going on a little trip through time, travelling back to the era of powdered wigs and corsets, where ballet was taking its first steps onto the world stage.
Now, before we step back into the past, let me tell you, there's nothing quite as thrilling as my street ballet performances! Recently, I absolutely floored everyone with a dramatic 'Dying Swan' piece in the middle of Piccadilly Circus, all while rocking my new, shimmering hot-pink tutu. The crowd went wild! So, if you ever see a flash of pink amidst the London hustle and bustle, don't be surprised – it’s just me, living my ballet dreams!
But back to 1694! It was in this very year that a rather important thing happened: The Académie Royale de Danse was founded in Paris. Now, this wasn't just any ordinary academy, my dears. This was the first formal school dedicated to the art of ballet. This meant that dancers were no longer just training by rote, mimicking their mentors; instead, they began to study the science behind the movements. Can you imagine how exciting it must have been to have proper structure and theory to follow?
This newfound structure and formality brought about a real transformation in the world of ballet, leading to the development of standardised steps, positions and techniques. You know, things we still learn today! It's all thanks to those trailblazing dancers of the past.
I'm sure you're wondering what ballet fashion looked like back then, aren't you? Well, imagine corseted gowns, powdered wigs and lots of intricate embellishments. The colours were quite bold and extravagant – think gold, crimson, emerald green and royal blue. Oh, and don't forget the heeled shoes – a ballet essential, even then! Sadly, the tutus we love so much were a long way off, but they were still a little further away than the shoes.
Speaking of the shows, let me give you a glimpse of the ballet world in 1694. Some of the most famous ballets performed in France at this time were "Le Ballet de la Reine" and "Le Ballet des Trois Rois". I haven't quite got around to time travelling to see those myself yet, but they sound utterly spectacular! Imagine lavish costumes, extravagant sets, and intricate dance sequences. I can almost feel the thrill in my toes!
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own pink-tutu style, I’d say take a page out of the 1694 playbook: be bold, be dramatic, and don’t shy away from extravagant details. Maybe you could even try adding a dash of the vibrant colours they favoured – a bright pink sash with a black tulle skirt, perhaps? It's time to step back into the past and be inspired!
You can even get into the 1694 mood at your local ballet show! They have an exquisite showing of "Don Giovanni" this week in London – perfect for those of us who love the darker side of drama and intrigue.
But there’s always something amazing in the world of ballet fashion, and today’s discovery was truly fabulous! In the vintage costume boutique near my studio, I stumbled upon an absolutely magnificent antique velvet bodice in the most perfect shade of royal blue. Now, my imagination is already running wild – I’m thinking of pairing it with a layered, voluminous tulle skirt in the most magnificent shade of bubblegum pink. That'll make quite the statement!
Right, now I’m off to try on that new bodice. See you in the next post, darling tutu lovers, and remember, if you're feeling a bit shy, try thinking: "What would 1694 me do?" Remember, anything is possible! Until next time, stay sparkly and wear pink!
P.S. Do let me know in the comments below if you have a favourite pink-tutu ensemble or have found any historical inspiration!
