Hello darlings! Emma here, and I'm back with another exciting adventure from my time-travelling tutu. This month, we're taking a trip back to August 8th, 1669, to the glamorous court of Louis XIV in France. Now, I don't need to tell you how much I adore pink, but oh, how my heart soared when I arrived at the Palace of Versailles!
A Regal Arrival
Just imagine it: Me, perched on the back of my majestic pink steed, Magic Meg (a Shire with the most sparkly pink coat you ever did see), cantering through the manicured gardens of Versailles, the sunshine glinting off her golden hooves and the wind swirling through her silken white mane and tail. I'm absolutely glowing in my fluffy pink tulle tutu, the kind of confectionary creation that makes your inner ballerina pirouette with joy. And, of course, my leather rucksack is filled to the brim with my travel essentials - a notebook for capturing all the juicy gossip, a camera for capturing all the fabulous fashions, and a good stash of those delicious, buttery biscuits (essential fuel for a time-travelling ballerina!).
The Palace itself is like stepping into a fairytale. I’m absolutely giddy at the thought of dancing in such a place! The sheer opulence is breathtaking! Gold embellishments everywhere, tapestries woven with stories, and such a flurry of activity! Even the smallest detail, like the tiny pearl-studded slippers on the ladies' shoes, exudes pure extravagance. The entire place screams “Ballet!” The ladies here seem to move with an inherent grace - you could almost call it the original "Ballet" movement!
Dancing at the Court of the Sun King
Tonight, I am fortunate enough to have been invited to a special event - a "Ballet de Cour", a spectacular, costumed ballet performance for the King. I'm feeling a little nervous, not least because, after a few wobbles with my 17th century wig and corset (it took a little practice to balance the two!), I’m trying out my first French waltz. The dancing here is quite different than the ballerinas I know, very regal, yet somehow wild and unbridled.
Ballet De Cour - A Time Capsule
I learned that "Ballet De Cour", as it is known in this era, was a performance woven directly into the fabric of the Court's grand social gatherings. These weren't just dances, darlings. They were meticulously crafted plays, full of witty dialogue, colourful characters and allegorical themes. The costumes are quite incredible: silk fabrics, feathered headwear, and glittering embellishments, a riot of textures and colours, quite the vision of beauty, even for my pink-tutu-loving heart!
There are noble ladies in flowing dresses and dashing gentlemen with feathered caps and breeches - so many swashbuckling moments! The music, though, takes a little getting used to. Quite a lot of the instrumental playing focuses on simple harmonies and simple melodic themes. It sounds elegant but very different to what I would typically be familiar with. Still, the way the performers move with so much artistry – their poise, the elegance in their movements, is simply divine. Their movements are a little less technically-advanced compared to what we know as “ballet”, but it has such a raw beauty, full of grandeur. You feel the story coming through. This dance isn’t just entertainment, but a representation of history itself, the complexities of court life. The courtiers were true storytellers with their movements, their bodies the vessels for historical narration!
Pink Tutus for Everyone
Although tutus were a ways off, I did have a fantastic time at the court ball. The women had amazing styles with lace and ribbon decorations. They used a lot of pastel colours, a lot of white. This could so easily become a ballerina's dream, but then I realised, they do seem to shy away from bold pinks... I am feeling inspired, though, and the way I see it, pink tutus would definitely make for a most splendid and captivating display for such elegant evenings!
The Legacy Lives On
It's astounding how these 17th-century courtiers, with their grand costumes and elaborate dances, have created a timeless artform that would eventually be reborn and take the world by storm. From these French "Ballet de Cour", which often portrayed the mythologies of their era, the beautiful discipline and dance we know and love today arose. You know, darlings, in every age, it seems, dance has played a role in the expression of art, beauty and history, and we have much to learn from those who danced before us!
And of course, no ballerina trip through time would be complete without some amazing finds.
* In the Palais Garnier Opera House library, I discovered a gorgeous illustrated booklet of ballet music from the 1700s - quite the delightful treasure! I’m keeping it, just you wait.
* My leather rucksack is already full, but I’m tempted by this charming lace-trimmed scarf from a royal court shop - the detail in that stitching is quite superb!
* I bought some fabulous French silk ribbon - perfect for trimming a new, more regal pink tutu.
I know that in Derbyshire, the little girls at the dance studio will love the stories about “Ballet de Cour.” So, off I go to write those notes.
Until next month, let your dreams pirouette into something truly splendid!
Yours, with a flourish,
Emma x
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