Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, back with another exciting journey through time! This month, Iâm taking you to the grandest of grand, 17th-century France.
As usual, I've packed my trusty leather rucksack, ready to gather ballet stories and treasures. You'll be seeing plenty of these snippets later, I promise! My steed, Magic Meg - our lovely sparkling shire horse with a heart of gold (and a fabulous pink mane, of course!) - is all prepped for our adventure.
Now, settle in, grab your favourite pink beverage (a glass of bubbly for me!) and let's delve into the history books.
The date? November 11th, 1670. It's the dawn of a new age for French ballet, and trust me, this isnât your fluffy, saccharine ballet. Itâs bold, daring, and as magnificent as the grandeur of Versailles.
This was the year that the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Musique in Paris became a thing. Oh yes, it was huge! It set the stage for what we would recognise as âclassicalâ ballet â an intricate artform filled with drama, artistry, and powerful music.
This was no ordinary academy. It was basically a government-backed theatre where everything from ballet, opera, and comedy to musical recitals found a home. It wasn't just about entertainment though, darling. It was also an instrument to promote French culture! How clever was that?
Back then, the Académie Royale de Musique became a central point for all sorts of talented individuals, including dancers and choreographers. These weren't just any dancers, though, this was the "grand ballet" - all extravagant costumes and impressive sets with complex steps. They were a massive spectacle! Just imagine those lavish gowns, plumes, and jewels adorning the court, like shimmering, animated butterflies flitting about! It must have been positively divine!
*I simply *have to share some of my amazing finds for you: **
- A tiny, beautifully-preserved silk rosette. Imagine that adorning the shoe of a ballerina back then - it's the ultimate, exquisite ballet detail!
- A worn page from a ballet score, penned in delicate, elegant script. I think I see a few elegant steps hidden amongst the notes.
Of course, we have to address the elephant in the room - the fashion!
This period, my lovelies, is when fashion for ballet became intensely focused on elegance and grace. Think towering wigs (taller the better!), lavish gowns with flowing silks, and shoes that look positively impractical, but oh so elegant! Ballet dancers back then were like miniature, powdered court fairies â all elegant leaps and intricate gestures. Just divine!
I also happened upon some remarkable tidbits of gossip about a couple of very influential ballerinas from that period!
- Madeleine de BĂ©jart: Imagine, dear, the first true star of French ballet! Not only did she shine in the theatre, but she also co-founded the company! This powerhouse of a woman! I wish I could have seen her dance. She is a shining example of incredible talent, daring to take centre stage, proving that ballerinas are forces to be reckoned with. I do wonder, though, if she ever wore a pink tutu â she certainly had the grace and strength for it!
- Marie Camargo: An actual rebel! A fashion icon ahead of her time, she brought in the age of âshortâ skirts! She wanted the audience to be able to see the incredible movements and technical mastery of the ballerina! I wonder if she was secretly rocking a bright pink tutu under those skirts! She even wrote her own memoirs!
The thing is, there was still a long way to go for ballet dancers. Women dancers at this time were largely treated as dancers and not "artists". But we, of course, have all witnessed their amazing skill and elegance. Women dancers at the time are real pioneers!
These powerful, independent ladies are some of the reasons I absolutely adore the history of ballet. You have to love the daring creativity and ingenuity these dancers brought to their artform. Their bold steps are literally shaping the ballet we see today!
My personal time-travel fashion tip for you, dears: Embrace those frills, layers, and elaborate detail. I'm talking long gloves, elegant hats, and layers of silk!
Now, what does November 11th, 1670 have in store for the ballet world today? Well, there are no major premieres or events scheduled. But we mustn't forget that this day marks the crucial moment when the Académie Royale de Musique began shaping the future of French ballet. Let's give a heartfelt round of applause for these innovative pioneers.
But this day wasnât just about dance and theatre. We can't ignore what was happening on a global level.
- England: King Charles II, having successfully steered the country away from the Puritans and their tight control of culture, was finally allowing entertainment and creativity to flourish. Imagine! It must have been a fascinating and exciting period in England!
- France: France was in a place of prosperity, particularly at the court of Louis XIV, also known as The Sun King. I would be completely mesmerised, surrounded by beauty, fashion, and power!
- Italy: Italy was experiencing a cultural blossoming. Renaissance art was on fire and they were exploring new methods of thinking, which also translated to dance, with a focus on emotion and theatricality.
I find the impact of these time periods completely fascinating! While ballet was flourishing in France, we mustn't forget what was going on in the rest of the world, how these happenings influenced dance, fashion, and culture!
I simply love how everything ties together in the dance of history!
That's it for this month, lovelies. But keep your eyes peeled on www.pink-tutu.com - next month, I'll be travelling to another magical date in history!
As always, stay radiant and dance your heart out. Until next time!
Much love and twirls, Emma x
