Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to the glorious world of ballet history with another dazzling trip. This month, we’re waltzing back to 9th September 1669 – a time when ballet was blossoming, and a date brimming with exciting ballet moments!
This month, we're riding Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow, all the way to... well, we're staying put in my lovely Derbyshire home this time! No, you heard right. Sometimes, the best journeys are made within the world around you! There is always something to discover if you look carefully. So, on this trip, I'm keeping my boots firmly on the ground and using Magic Meg as my chariot to explore the world of ballet here in England in 1669.
This year marks 11 years since the iconic King Louis XIV of France took a bold leap, creating the first formal Royal Ballet company: the Académie Royale de Danse. It's the year that a certain Mr. Pierre Beauchamp – now recognised as a pivotal figure in ballet history – developed and wrote about his groundbreaking new system of five fundamental ballet positions that continue to define the essence of classical ballet.
How cool is that? The steps that we still use in ballet today are all part of that 17th century system - so 1669 really is an incredible time for our artform to be exploring its foundations. You can still feel the energy and spirit of these incredible dance pioneers on stage today - their talent, creativity and ambition echo across the years!
I've spent days in the local library, poring over old records, and have been in such a theatrical whirlwind. I've found evidence that back in 1669, English dancers, often trained in opera houses and court masques, were already engaging with elements of ballet that mirrored what the French were pioneering. They embraced choreography and spectacle in an elegant style - showcasing skills of graceful agility, beautiful extensions and grand theatrical drama!
Isn’t it exciting to think that even back then, these passionate dancers were using their talents to bring stories to life? You can imagine them performing in intricate costumes - silks, velvets, glittering jewels - all so carefully handcrafted, moving beautifully, telling tales, making us smile. I even found references to these early dancers often incorporating traditional dances from various English regions. Imagine, their artistry showcasing the cultural heartbeat of their time.
As the ballet world evolved, England would make a big contribution through the unique style known as "English ballet" or "Ballroom ballet." We were in the middle of a time when dance was changing. Our style developed separately from what they were creating in France. I’m finding lots about how our ballet embraced an impressive, technically-demanding style that celebrated beautiful intricate footwork and elaborate costume design – an exciting and fascinating mix of theatrical grace and elegant drama.
And it seems to have all happened right here on our doorstep. We have so much to be proud of when it comes to our history and our English heritage. This time trip, though I’m not using Magic Meg for a grand escapade, it’s given me the perfect opportunity to explore the heart of this magical and inspiring period of our English history - and to realise that the true journey is all around us if we just open our eyes.
In terms of today’s ballet scene, it’s so exciting. The world is brimming with beautiful performances this month! There’s everything from an epic Romeo and Juliet by The Royal Ballet – a masterpiece of emotion that transports us into the heart of a timeless tale. To a dazzling Swan Lake, brimming with graceful tutus, soaring leaps and stunning choreography, brought to life by the world-renowned Paris Opera Ballet!
The world of ballet is full of excitement and artistry – so embrace the opportunity to get your dancing shoes on and experience a spectacular show this month! Go forth and be mesmerized, darlings, and remember to share your experience with the world!
I'll be leaving a few extra ballerina facts in my pink-studded rucksack for you all to explore – maybe you'll find a fun new story about a fascinating ballet legend.
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and tell me about your own time-traveling journeys - what ballet experiences are taking your breath away this month?
Until next time, may your tutus twirl and your steps be as graceful as the dancers themselves!
Lots of love,
Emma
