Hello lovelies! Emma here, back again with another exciting journey through ballet history! Today, we're travelling all the way back to 1696, a year that marked a pivotal moment for our beloved art form. Buckle up, darlings, because this post is packed with exciting stories of grace, glamour, and the birth of a true masterpiece!
This year is a special one because it saw the first-ever performance of L'Amour * à *la Francaise, a spectacular dance-drama featuring, get this... a woman! Shocking, I know! This groundbreaking work by Monsieur de la Motte gave actresses a proper stage role, which had never been seen before. Can you imagine the excitement! They weren’t just pretty faces standing on stage, no! These ladies were now acting and dancing, creating a world of emotion and artistry that had audiences mesmerized.
This piece was so impactful it even prompted a major change in ballet. Can you believe it? All those grand and flamboyant ballets de cour , those beautiful spectacles danced by men, now had to share the spotlight! Can’t you picture all those powdered wigs and silk stockings swirling on stage? Talk about a change in scenery, my dears!
Now, as a true ballerina fashion fanatic, I couldn't possibly not mention the glorious attire of 1696! It was an explosion of lavish colours and intricate designs! Just picture shimmering silk gowns adorned with delicate lace, adorned with sparkling jewels. It's no wonder people would pay exorbitant prices to attend a ballet – the sheer elegance of it all! And don't even get me started on the footwear – exquisite embroidered slippers made for graceful movements, oh the drama!
But 1696 wasn't just about revolutionary theatre. There was a buzz in the air around other forms of entertainment as well! Imagine – music halls bursting with laughter and a whole kaleidoscope of theatrical shows – comedy, puppetry, even singing! Now, who doesn’t love a good theatrical extravaganza!
In Derbyshire, we had our own traditions of entertainment, darling! Remember all those festive folk dances? That vibrant and joyous community spirit resonated throughout the countryside! Can't you just picture the ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest gowns and breeches, swaying to the tune of fiddles and lutes? Talk about heartwarming!
Of course, there were so many amazing dance pieces being created! But 1696 was the year where we saw true progress! It was an awakening to the potential of the stage. A chance to create captivating performances with captivating stories.
That's a wrap for this week, my dearest ballet bunnies. I'll keep digging into those dusty archives, seeking those forgotten stories, because let's be honest, there's always more beauty and glamour to be uncovered in our ballet history! Remember to keep shining, always stay bold, and above all else, wear a pink tutu, always! Until next time!
Emma xx
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