Hello, darlings! Your favourite pink-tutu-clad historian is back, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous journey through time! This week, we're diving into 1713, the year ballet truly blossomed in the French court.
Now, picture this: shimmering silks, elaborate wigs, and graceful figures pirouetting in a flurry of lace and satin. The year 1713 was a glamorous affair for the dance world, all thanks to Louis XIV's (or as I like to call him, the "Sun King"!) dedication to making ballet a courtly spectacle.
While there was definitely dancing long before 1713, think the intricate dances of ancient Greece and Rome, or the vibrant medieval court dances, this era marks the time when ballet truly started evolving into the art form we know and adore today. Imagine ballet as a blossoming flower - the buds were there before, but in 1713, we finally got those exquisite, fully open petals.
Think of the "AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse" (The Royal Academy of Dance) â a bit like the ballet school for the upper echelons of society. Can you picture all those elegantly dressed ladies learning graceful movements and perfectly timed poses under the guidance of skilled masters? It's simply divine, and the envy of every dancing lady in the land.
And it's not just about technique. Fashion was everything. I'm talking lavish costumes with dazzling embellishments, towering wigs, and oh-my-tutu-ness, even back then! It's easy to get lost in the extravagance of it all. In fact, the Royal Ballet of that era wasnât just about dancing. It was an exquisite performance, a dazzling theatrical experience.
Think about it: imagine yourself strolling down the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es, with its buzzing street vendors and charming boutiques, only to then be swept into a theatre adorned with opulent dĂ©cor and elegant chandeliers. Can you imagine the magic of it all? The whispers of the audience as they admire the spectacle, the soft notes of the orchestra weaving a symphony of wonder, and then the moment, when the curtains rise and reveal a stage ablaze with light, life, and, yes, even pink, ready to take your breath away.
Now, you're probably thinking, "Emma, what about you? Are you wearing your pink tutu in this year?" Of course! Itâs never too early or too late for a pink tutu, and 1713 was definitely no exception! It may have been the era of elaborate gowns and powdered wigs, but my little pink tutu definitely stood out. I even found a tiny French gentleman with an exceptionally flamboyant hat who offered me some delightful rose-water sweets! You know how much I adore all things sugary!
While we are on the subject of sweets, letâs talk fashion! This year in particular had quite a bit of a âpink-ificationâ â and the rose colour has certainly been inspiring the colours in my closet as well! Imagine pink brocades, pastel satin, and ribbons adorning gowns of exquisite silhouettes, a true fashion paradise. This era also witnessed the birth of the pannier, a structured hoop that transformed the shape of dresses. So very fashionable indeed.
Speaking of âin the worldâ of ballet, imagine yourself at the famous OpĂ©ra Garnier in Paris, known for its grand beauty. What a beautiful venue for dancing. But this is also where one of the most significant contributions to ballet was being laid. Itâs time to say a very, very important âbonjourâ to a new and daring genre â ballet d'action. Think of it as a story in motion, where dancing becomes more than graceful moves. It narrates a tale, adds emotion, and allows the dancers to become the characters, captivating audiences with every step!
The world was buzzing with this new innovation, a true sign of a forward-thinking time in dance history. It was, truly, the dawn of a new era for ballet. This is also the year we met Jean-Baptiste Lully. Can you picture a young French ballet master? I bet his wigs were perfect! Well, this gifted gentleman was an incredible composer whose beautiful musical score was essential to ballet d'action and set the standard for many years to come.
In the year 1713, the French court had a taste for the beautiful, from the dance itself, to the elegant costumes, to the theatrical music. This time marks an elegant awakening to the power of ballet and the incredible artistry behind each and every graceful movement, an absolute inspiration to a girl with a passion for pink, tutus, and the love of all things beautiful.
But that's just the beginning. 1713, with its love for dancing and glamour, paved the way for an even bigger dance scene. Next week, weâre stepping into the glamorous world of ballet de cour, or "court ballet", another captivating element of dance history. Join me, darlings! And let's paint the world pink!
Until next time, keep twirling!
Yours,
Emma x
