Hello my lovelies, and welcome to another exciting installment of your favourite pink tutu blog! Today, we're journeying back in time, darlings, to the delightful year of 1756! Buckle your dancing shoes, as we take a twirl through the history of ballet, its fashions and what was gracing the stages across Europe!
Now, as you know, a pink tutu wearing girl simply must have her finger on the pulse of history, so I, of course, whisked myself back in time (by means of a truly glorious street performance at a Covent Garden market - let's just say those fishmongers loved my arabesques!) to uncover all the secrets and delights 1756 had to offer.
Oh my! Imagine my sheer delight as I stepped into this incredible year! Ballet was booming, darlings! A perfect mix of the graceful, elegant court ballets and the lively, vibrant performances being popular in Paris. It was simply a joyous time for all things dance!
The Birth of the Ballet Russe?
Now, you might think I'm pulling your leg, but while 1756 didn't actually see the arrival of the legendary Ballet Russe, we do see its very beginnings. You see, it was in 1756 that the renowned composer, Christoph Willibald Gluck, arrived in Paris. Now, Gluck wasn't just any composer, dearie - he was revolutionising music! He brought fresh new melodies and innovative storytelling into ballet, influencing a whole new era of dramatic and powerful dancing! Now, although the true Ballet Russe didn't debut until centuries later, I'm telling you, Gluck was laying down the foundation for what would become this legendary company's trademark dramatic ballets!
Fashioning Our Past:
Ballet fashion in 1756 was just divine, my darlings! Think long, elegant skirts adorned with lace and delicate fabrics, a world away from the modern pointe shoes we wear today, but just as beautiful. The dresses flowed and danced as the ballerinas twirled across the stage. It was truly enchanting! It’s truly mind-boggling to think what these beauties had to go through with their costumes and how gracefully they managed to dance with them! I can't even imagine, even with my fancy tutus.
Speaking of tutus, they weren’t quite around yet. Can you believe it, lovelies? They didn't actually start appearing until the late 1800s. And can you imagine a ballerina in 1756 wearing my pink tulle tutu? It would simply send the audience into a frenzy!
What’s On Stage?
The most popular shows, if my memory serves me correctly, were a mix of court ballets (grand, theatrical affairs performed at court for royalty), and lighter ballets called "comedies-ballets," full of vibrant, colourful, stories with music that really got people clapping and stomping their feet!
Imagine a beautiful ballet filled with elegant dances, captivating stories, and a blend of comedic moments? Oh, the sheer joy! This era of ballet was simply bursting with creative spirit and it's clear the art of ballet was blooming into something truly wonderful!
My 1756 Shopping Spree:
As a devoted ballerina blogger, naturally, I indulged in some lovely shopping on this trip back in time. Think sparkling ribbons, delicate lace, and fabrics worthy of a royal ball. I came back with a magnificent new pink tutu – the perfect vintage feel with a sparkling bow, if I do say so myself. And a little bit of lace trim because the ladies back then knew their stuff!
So there you have it, lovelies! A glimpse into the world of ballet in 1756, full of beautiful music, stunning fashions, and truly delightful performances. And of course, a reminder that the history of ballet is so fascinating, a journey of beautiful dancing, remarkable fashion, and pure artistic magic!
I do hope you’re inspired to wear your pink tutu today! Don’t forget, life is a dance – embrace it in all its beautiful forms.
Keep twirling,
Emma x
