Hey darlings! It's Emma here, back from another trip through time - this time landing right in the middle of 1733. Can you believe it? A whopping 290 years ago! Honestly, the best way to describe this year is "oh la la" because the world of ballet was suddenly all about the French! And you know how much I love France, especially its fashion!
Before we get into the ballet news, let's talk about me. I've just had the most amazing time in the bustling streets of London. It's wild - think of all the people, all the carts, and oh the costumes! But hereās the real reason for my trip ā 1733 was when ballet started getting seriously glamorous. Before this, it was a bit more likeā¦well, folk dancing, darling! I'm talking peasant clothes, minimal movement. Think of it like the precursor to the adorable tutus you know and love!
Now, back to France, and how it totally stole the spotlight (not to be dramatic). The King, Louis XIV (yes, THAT Louis!), loved him some ballet. We're talking major passion, like a pink-loving ballerina in a fluffy tutu, darlings. His influence started this whole "ballet de cour" (thatās fancy for 'ballet at court'), bringing it from peasant pastures to grand palaces, literally putting the spotlight on ballerinas and turning them into proper stars. This is where ballet really started to become something truly beautiful, with choreography that became both intricate and dramatic. The Royal Ballet in France became like a big, shiny star - attracting attention and influence throughout Europe.
Talking about influencesā¦ guess who's coming to town? Madame Camargo! The ballerina with a shock horror ā scandal? Can you believe it? She dared to wear short skirts instead of the usual ankle-grazing gowns. I mean, shorter skirts! Oh, the uproar! But don't worry, the queen was all for it, saying it "brought grace and movement to her dances." Now that's a woman with style, darling!
Speaking of styles, what a year for ballet fashion, darling! The designs were simply dreamy. Forget those big, heavy skirts ā these gowns were much lighter, perfect for all the twirling and dancing. Can you imagine? Ballerinas gliding effortlessly across the stage, not having to worry about their heavy dresses tripping them up? Talk about freedom of movement! Plus, it opened up the possibility of a little more leg. (Just a little wink to my love for those flowing tutus with thigh-highs! ;))
Of course, London wasn't all about long skirts and lack of style either. We had shows happening, although much moreā¦ understatedā¦ you could say. Think smaller troupes, smaller productions. But this meant something more, moreā¦ personal? This is the era of āEnglish Opera.ā More stories and drama and less dancing, darling! And although they don't have the sparkle and glitz of France yet, just wait for my next blog - London's gonna get glittery!
My tip to everyone right now - if you have even the tiniest urge to dance - grab yourself a tutu! Maybe you're not in a big palace, or near a courtā¦ But that doesnāt matter - go find a friend, or head to your nearest open space, and unleash the dancer in you. Because that's the spirit of ballet, right? Expressing your inner joy through movement!
See you all soon for the next blog, my fellow ballet fanatics,
Love, Emma xxx
P.S. Just a quick fashion note - we're talking pale silks, laces and embellishments, oh so delicate. And don't forget, pink is the color of love, so of course it's the perfect shade for this time. Don't worry about getting your pink tutu at the time though - you'll just have to keep your eye on my shop, it'll be the place for your ballet dreams in 2023. And you donāt have to worry about being too grand. Just remember - elegance starts at home, darlings. So whether youāre just trying on that tulle youāve got tucked away or heading to the theatre - keep your pink tutus close! And as Iāve already said, a street ballet, well itās like an outfitā¦ It's all about expressing yourself darling!
