Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu wearing ballet historian! I’m thrilled to be back for another month with another time-travelling escapade – and oh my, this one's a real gem! Get ready to jump on Magic Meg's back – that's my magnificent, pink-sparkling Shire horse, just so you know - and let's journey together back to March 3rd, 1671.
As I settled myself on Meg's broad, silken back, our trusty Time Compass shimmered with a rosy light. A deep, resonant snort, and with a blink, we were whisked away from my cosy flat in Derbyshire to the bustling heart of…drumroll… Paris!
Now, Paris in 1671 was not quite the city of lights it would become, but trust me, there was already plenty of vibrant energy. The city was abuzz with artistic flair – artists, writers, and even… you guessed it… dancers!
But what, you may ask, was making history on this very date in 1671? Well, it's all about ballet darlings, and, of course, the King! Now, if you know your French history, you'll be acquainted with Louis XIV, the grand Monarch, known as the Sun King. And this particular king was rather fond of ballet. Not only did he himself participate in performances (imagine that - a monarch on pointe!) but he was also a key patron of ballet – funding performances and building incredible spaces to watch them, like the glorious Paris Opera House.
My heart raced as we entered the Opéra (as it's called today) and walked past ladies with magnificent hair, men in powdered wigs, and an air of intrigue all around. It was electric! Now, let's not be too distracted by the lavish décor of the theatre. We’re here for the dance, the stories, and of course, the tutus!
Imagine a time when ballet wasn't all tutus and Pointe shoes - though, wouldn't it be fabulous if it was? In this era, ballets were primarily presented as part of Court entertainment. So, on March 3rd, 1671, a royal performance unfolded. It was a spectacle of beauty featuring intricate court dances with costumes shimmering in opulent gold and silver fabrics and lots of feathers - it's safe to say that this era had all the glamour!
Speaking of the dance itself, imagine a blend of beautiful, expressive movement, alongside storytelling through elaborate gestures. Ballet back then wasn't focused on virtuosic feats of leaping or turning. Instead, it was a highly choreographed performance with a story and narrative conveyed through movement and music. Imagine!
There were, however, already those innovative dance steps that would revolutionise ballet, steps that are still performed today! It was beautifully choreographed, telling tales through graceful steps, poses and gestures, a language in movement, making everyone’s imaginations soar!
For those ballet enthusiasts out there, one can only imagine how it would feel to witness the dawn of these incredible dances - what an exciting time for ballet history!
And, wouldn’t you know it, but while the King was indulging his royal fancy, our own journey had to continue. We left Paris on the morning of March 4th, having gathered up some wonderful tidbits about ballet history in 1671, plus a vintage brooch in the shape of a beautiful butterfly, which I will definitely add to my Pink Tutu Collection.
However, a blog about ballet in 1671 wouldn't be complete without talking about… you guessed it! Tutus!
While tutus hadn’t really made their debut quite yet (that’s more a 19th-century invention!), in the era of Louis XIV, women were already adding to the enchantment of ballet through their luxuriously elaborate gowns. Imagine layers of silks and satins, intricately embroidered, all dancing together in perfect harmony - and that was just the skirts! I was also entranced by the beautiful lace and ribbons they wore. These elements contributed to that air of romance that’s still present in the most magnificent ballet performances.
Our next blog post will be another wonderful journey into the heart of ballet, travelling back in time to another important moment. Let’s stay tuned!
Until then, embrace the power of pink, twirl like a fairytale princess, and don’t forget to make every step sparkle!
Love and twirls, Emma xxx
P.S. Don't forget to check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet-related adventures, stunning pink fashion, and insider tips on all things dance. I post new entries every month! And remember - pink is not just a color, it's a feeling!
