Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Paris, and let me tell you, 1718 was fabulous! It's been a while since my last time-hopping escapade, so you can imagine my delight at landing smack-dab in the middle of the French Enlightenment. Honestly, this trip was all about panache, glamour and history. It was practically made for a girl in a pink tutu!
Before I get lost in the details of Parisian divine dressing, let's chat a bit about the dance world. Ballet in 1718 was already experiencing a period of fantastic growth, fuelled by the rise of Louis XIV, that undisputed king of fashion and, of course, ballet. Think elegant courts, opulent ballrooms, and stories spun through meticulously choreographed movements. Now, imagine that setting adorned with gorgeous women in exquisite silks and delicate satins. Oh, the dreams! And the dancing? Absolutely captivating. This era, darling, was a ballet lover's dream.
French flair was the name of the game, with steps becoming lighter and more elegant. Ballet was turning from purely narrative to an art form embracing both graceful elegance and expressive movements. This time, it wasn't just about showcasing stories but about experiencing the magic of the human form through dance . Honestly, isn't that what it's all about? To express emotions, to tell stories without a word?
Theatres were all the rage in 1718, with shows like The Loves of Venus and Adonis, The Fables of La Fontaine, and The Triumph of the Sun taking audiences by storm. Now, you can bet your bottom tutu that I wasn't going to miss a single performance. It was a true privilege to see ballet take centre stage like this. And imagine the costumes, darling! All lavishly embroidered, feathers galore, and so much detail, every movement would have been a work of art in itself. It's not every day you get to see royalty, noblemen, and dancers twirling around in such extravagant attire. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the incredible* shoes! So delicate and graceful, made of soft leather and adorned with the most beautiful buckles, jewels, and feathers. I just wish I could have worn my own pink tutu with those stunning shoes!
Speaking of shoes, a little bit of fashion chat is in order, isn't it? Parisian fashion in 1718 was absolutely splendid. Forget your simple gowns, darling, think layers, ruffles, and intricate fabrics, all designed to create a picture of exquisite artistry and delicate grace. Rococo, darling, that's the name of the style, a style that embraced curves, flow, and, most importantly, the celebration of the human form. The key was to highlight, with every gown, a feeling of lightness, like the dance of a feather in the breeze. Now, you can imagine how perfectly that sentiment echoed the ideals of ballet! I mean, just picture this: a room full of exquisitely dressed people watching talented dancers move in synchrony with the music, their expressions so full of feeling and artistry. Sighs dreamily Divine, isn't it? The sheer joy of such elegant movements and graceful postures. And of course, the men in their richly tailored suits, with powdered wigs and velvet waistcoats, added another level of elegant sophistication. Pure, utter sophistication. I felt as though I'd stepped straight out of a painting, my pink tutu feeling right at home amidst such artistic elegance! I spent so much time browsing through shops and admiring the exquisite silks and velvets of the time, I even indulged in some lace trims, oh yes! It is so very difficult not to succumb to a bit of shopping while on a trip! But then again, my dearest reader, it would be unthinkable not to look my absolute best at every occasion, especially one such as a 1718 Parisian evening.
Now, to bring our fashion talk back to ballet, 1718 saw the emergence of dance schools. These weren't just mere places of instruction but artistic hubs brimming with creativity. The Académie Royale de Danse, which opened in Paris in 1661, became a real centre of artistic power, and in that power, a centre for creativity, fashion, and of course, ballet. Even in its nascent stage, these schools helped to build and cultivate a powerful love of ballet throughout France. What is life without a bit of art and expression right?
And before I leave you, darlings, I absolutely have to talk about Marie Camargo, the ultimate Parisian icon! Oh, she's a dancer extraordinaire, with an elegant flair all her own. She defied the traditional constraints of the time by shortening her skirts, moving with such freedom and artistry, she really is the ultimate inspiration for dancers everywhere! Imagine my excitement when I managed to see her perform! To say I was captivated by her energy, skill, and passion would be a gross understatement. Truly an unforgettable performance.
My time travel exploits have truly broadened my perspective on ballet history. And, dear reader, seeing the beginnings of the love affair with ballet that became the dance world of today was truly exquisite! 1718 has definitely strengthened my belief that there's something magical and transformative about ballet - and Pink Tutu - that touches people across centuries, generations, and cultures!
So there you have it, darlings! A quick glimpse into the magnificent world of Parisian ballet in 1718. And remember, dance your hearts out, wear those pink tutus with pride, and stay tuned for my next time-travel escapade. Till next time, lovelies!
Love, Emma
P.S. I might even be heading to Derbyshire soon, with an upcoming performance at a local town square. And just for you, my wonderful readers, I'm bringing out my most fabulous pink tutu, all frills and sparkle, to celebrate my time travel escapades and share my love of ballet with everyone!
