Hello my dearest fellow twirlers, it's Emma here from your favourite pink-tutu-loving, ballet history enthusiast corner of the internet, and today we're waltzing our way back to 1702!
Can you believe it? This year marks a truly exciting period in ballet history. We're not talking big, bold steps yet - more like dainty little pirouettes and graceful promenades. But trust me, this was a year of burgeoning creativity that paved the way for the incredible dance we love today!
It was 1702 that the brilliant, pioneering, and oh-so-stylish, Louis XIV of France (yes, that one!) opened the famed Académie Royale de Danse. This fancy academy, much like a ballet school, aimed to not only train talented dancers but also to elevate the art form. Just picture it, a dazzling room in the heart of Paris buzzing with youthful energy and the sound of tinkling strings and rhythmic steps! It was a beautiful and crucial step forward, and Louis XIV, he truly had an eye for style and elegance!
Speaking of style, have you heard of M. Feuillet? This charismatic choreographer had the fantastic vision to write down the steps in the style of ballet! La Notation Feuillet, it was called, a bit of a mouthful, but truly, what a clever idea. Imagine a dancer looking at a sheet of paper and then stepping into a sequence of movements, flawlessly and precisely, just from a series of marks and symbols. How modern! Even the terminology - ‘pas de bourrée’, ‘jeté’, ‘port de bras' - it all stems from Feuillet. So chic!
Did you know that 1702 also marked the debut of the* 'Ballets de Cour'*? They weren't huge theatrical extravaganzas, but intimate, courtly performances that often celebrated the royal family with a blend of music and movement. Talk about elegant entertainment. Can you imagine waltzing your way through a royal court in your favourite pink tutu? A dream come true!
To really get a feel for this era's ballet fashion, think luxurious velvet and flowing silk. Delicate fabrics adorned with exquisite lace, opulent trimmings, and dazzling gems. It's hard not to feel a little envious! And let's not forget the wigs - oh, those towering masterpieces! A dancer's costume back then was more than just fabric; it was a piece of art, a symbol of status, a statement of the times!
In fact, the English dancing tradition around this period was really about ‘court dances.’ Imagine stately, graceful movements, elegant costumes, and a gentle sway, reminiscent of a slow waltz, and you'll have a glimpse into the English ballroom scene of the day. Now, imagine it on the cobbled streets of Derby! Imagine me and my fellow twirlers taking those steps to a joyful, musical medley of street-side tunes! It just makes my toes tap!
1702 truly laid the groundwork for the future of ballet, setting the stage for incredible, evolving choreographies and daring innovations. So when you next step onto a ballet stage or twirl across a street, think of the elegance and grace of 1702 and all the history you are dancing in! And let's remember to wear our pink tutus, after all, it's the best way to bring back a touch of that captivating and historic charm. Now go on, get out there and twirl your heart out! Until next time, darlings!
Yours truly,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
