Hello my fellow tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another monthly instalment from www.pink-tutu.com. This month, we're swirling back to the 17th century - February the 2nd, 1671, to be exact. Magic Meg and I have just touched down in⊠well, it seems we've landed in a theatre, but not just any theatre, oh no, this is the Théùtre du Palais-Royal in Paris! I could almost hear the faint strains of a lute and harpsichord, but let me explain...
The journey started as usual: a dash of my special potion, a leap onto Meg's saddle (don't forget, she's a pink sparkling shire, the best time-travelling mount in the land), a touch of my magic tutu and⊠we were off!
My rucksack, always on my back, ready for a whirlwind tour of all things ballet in whatever era we're visiting, was eagerly waiting for another historical catch. It already holds stories from Ancient Greece, bits of fabric from a medieval performance, and even a single feather from the dress of a famous French ballerina⊠but more about that later.
Anyway, the 1670s are rather fascinating for ballet - weâre just entering the era of ballets d'action! They were still in their early stages back in 1671, though. Itâs amazing how far things have come! Weâve got elaborate costumes, impressive scenery, but the ballets of the era really focused on storytelling, making the dancers like actors in an epic play! Can you imagine that?
Youâve probably guessed it - weâre on the hunt for one of these ballets dâaction today. And who better to tell us all about it than *the illustrious Pierre Beauchamp himself! *
He was a key figure in balletâs early years. Now, I wonât bore you with technical terms (though I canât help myself â âfive positionsâ is already the coolest thing, even back then), but Beauchamp was THE master of notation, essentially like balletâs original âwriterâ - he recorded all the movements of his dance masterpieces using symbols! Just imagine â this was before YouTube tutorials! How they created these brilliant, elaborate ballets without our wonderful digital tools, is truly a marvel.
Anyways, with my trusty pink tutu, my knowledge of all things ballet (you can learn anything in your tutu - my mum taught me that!), and, let's face it, with the stunning presence of Magic Meg and my infectious love of ballet, Beauchamp was just overjoyed to chat. I mean, who wouldn't be thrilled to talk to a fellow ballet enthusiast dressed in a pink tutu and a shiny time-travelling horse? It is just magic!
Beauchamp himself had the biggest smile, which was a huge surprise - I was expecting the usual âstaid gentleman' from history books. He didn't hesitate to share the story of his biggest accomplishment - his âBallets des Saisonsâ, a collection of dances dedicated to the changing seasons! And, would you believe it? Each act included actual songs by Lully, one of the most famous composers of his time! So youâve got Lully, the musical genius, Beauchamp, the dance innovator, and all in 1671! Oh, to be a ballet fan back then!
Beauchamp's eyes twinkled with delight when I asked about his inspirations: he confided he had even consulted Greek mythology to make the ballets even more stunning! Whoâd have known there was such a dramatic background to the ballets back then! Just wait for my post on Greek myths next month - we'll explore the early stages of dance through ancient myths and traditions - whatâs more pink-tutu-worthy than a good mythical tale, huh?!
While I couldn't find a surviving tutu from the period (sadly! They would have been the perfect addition to my collection!), I was thrilled to find a few pages from Ballets des Saisons â they're now safely tucked in my rucksack! Ooh, I'll share them on my Instagram - @PinkTutuEmma. You guys wonât believe it - Iâm like a time-traveling curator for the ultimate ballet fashion history. Get that Insta feed ready for some pink-tutu-tastic throwback posts, people!*
However, that wasnât all. We talked at length about how the ballets had changed over time. Apparently, it was quite different to what we are used to today. Imagine dancing shoes with heels. Oh, my word! My pink pointe shoes are going to die with envy, even as I think about those 17th-century dance shoes! They certainly couldn't do fouettĂ© as gracefully, even with all those heeled shoes and elaborate costumes, *pffffft! *
Now, you're wondering about fashion! Did you see how extravagant all this was?! In those days, you wouldnât see a single black outfit, never! Everything was bright, rich colours and full of shimmer - imagine shimmering velvet and taffeta and silks in pinks, golds, greens, and yellows.
You think fashion's gone wild now?! Oh, honey, they knew how to be extravagant, but there's just something about those early times that sparkles.
The best part is, that these 17th-century fashion trends are making a comeback! The history of fashion is a huge circle. It always comes back round, just with new designs. I can't wait for the trend of rich, vivid colours and huge puffy sleeves and layers of fabric, to come back. Thatâs why everyone should be wearing pink tutus - it is classic.
Our next stop, drum roll will be the ballet capital, St. Petersburg - I just know that's going to be amazing, I'm so excited. I've heard itâs where the grandest ballerinas of all time used to grace the stage, with legendary choreographers to match - and weâll be there dancing with the biggest stars! Oh, and how could I forget - more gorgeous, fabulous fashion for my ballet collection. Squee! I canât wait!
But first, before I fly off into time again, I have something to say: Ballet is universal and has always been something to celebrate - no matter the time period. It's like a magic spell that carries us from era to era. Now thatâs why everyone should be wearing a pink tutu â because ballet brings everyone together.
So grab a slice of cake, slip into a beautiful tutu, and join me on this adventure next month. Who knows where we'll end up - maybe we'll meet up with your ancestors and their love for the art of dance, maybe weâll end up dancing with Shakespeare (although he probably wore trousers!), or maybe I'll find more pages of ballet history for my collection! I love collecting historical documents from the times I travel to!
Love, Emma xx
Pink Tutu time traveller extraordinaire! www.pink-tutu.com
