Hello my darlings, and welcome back to another blast from the past! Today, we're stepping back in time to the glorious year of 1706, a time when the foundations of our beloved ballet were being laid. I’ve been doing my time travelling again, and let me tell you, it's absolutely fascinating to see the early seeds of ballet take root.
For the uninitiated, my name's Emma, and this is Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for everything ballet-related, from tutus to history to the latest shows. And oh my goodness, I love a good tutu! Now, let's go back in time and explore how our fabulous dance form began its journey...
From Courtly Entertainment to Refined Art:
1706 marked a key year for ballet, with its royal connections in full swing! You see, this was a time when dance wasn't just entertainment; it was a social art form performed for kings and queens. In France, a certain King Louis XIV, also known as "The Sun King" – just as dazzling and glamorous as any tutu, right?! – was a HUGE advocate for ballet.
This "sun" had established the prestigious Académie Royale de Danse in Paris, a ballet school for the crème de la crème. The first public performance, oh the joy! - was actually in 1672, but this was definitely an important year! This ballet school had strict rules for elegant and sophisticated dance steps and it became a massive hit. Even those of us with two left feet could learn a few elegant twirls. The whole of Paris would flock to these shows! Imagine: elaborate costumes, exquisite dance, a sense of artistry that would captivate the whole court! Now that's what I call high fashion - and that’s what they did too! This French Court ballet influenced styles in Britain too!
The Beginnings of Ballet in Britain:
Over in Britain, ballet was taking tentative, delicate steps. While we weren't quite as polished as our French neighbours, our theatrical scene was developing, too! London was buzzing with performances, and in 1706, the legendary Queen Anne - another fabulous role model for my love of all things glitzy and glamorous - took the throne! Can you imagine the magnificent costumes, the grandeur of the theatre, and the beautiful dances they showcased! This certainly sounds like the stuff of dreams - a real-life fairy tale.
While we still hadn't fully embraced ballet, a new kind of dancing known as "English Country Dancing" took the nation by storm! It was a playful and lively dance, and people loved getting involved! Now that’s my kind of dancing - no fancy moves, just fun and energetic steps that can be done by anyone! It's not too far a stretch to think that our favourite ballet stars learned a few tips and tricks from these English Country dances!
A Whirlwind of Style:
1706 fashion, oh dear, I just adore the delicate beauty! Think gowns with fitted bodices and billowing skirts - we're talking serious flowy, romantic elegance. And of course, I can't forget those elaborate wigs - imagine that amount of hairspray! This was definitely a period of fashion indulgence. We wouldn’t see the sleek bun or ponytail on a dancer until the late 20th century and they're perfect, don't you think? And while we may have been far from the iconic tutu that's now so central to ballet, these delicate dresses were a beautiful starting point. Just picture those dancers gliding around the stage - it would be magical!
Dancing into the Future:
So, my dearest dance lovers, as we travel back from 1706, let's take a moment to appreciate the exciting history behind our cherished ballet. From the luxurious courts of France to the charming villages of England, those early steps and those beautiful clothes were all part of an exciting evolution, eventually paving the way for the incredible performances we see today!
As always, don’t forget to wear your favourite tutu! Even just your casual pink outfit at home, it'll make you feel like a prima ballerina in the most magical world of ballet! Until next time, I’ll be seeing you at the ballet!
