Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another slice of ballet history. Buckle up, my lovelies, because we're about to take a trip to the oh-so-charming year of 1676! It's a fabulous year to step back into time, even if I must say, I wasn't exactly 'born' for those oh-so-practical 'trousers' everyone seemed to wear. Shivers Don't worry, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a sparkly pink Shire horse with golden hooves, understands my utter adoration of tutus and always packs a pink petticoat or two, just in case!
Today we're making our way to France, which you'll know, is the birthplace of so many fantastic ballets and ballet stars. On the 9th of September, 1676, Louis XIV himself was on stage in his own ballet, "Le Triomphe de l'Amour." You may be asking yourself, 'Emma, what on earth is a King doing performing in a ballet?!' Well, darlings, back in the 1600s, the world of ballet was far removed from the delicate dances we know today. Think lavish courtly performances filled with pageantry, poetry, music and dancing, where everyone from the King to the servants would be involved.
The Ballet was a major event for French society. Just imagine, all of the haut ton, ladies and gentlemen, dressed to the nines, sitting there and oh my! a King dancing amongst them!
Now, as much as I love the glamour, I find these elaborate courtly ballets just a little too, ahem, heavy for my modern sensibilities! Not for me, darling, not for me. Where are the delicate pirouettes, the exquisite leaps, the sheer beauty of a ballet en pointe? Instead, we find the ballet was used more as a tool to portray important stories or events. But here's a sweet little nugget that shows even the Kings had a taste for elegance: Louis XIV wore a gown to take his place on the stage. Imagine my delight! Even kings needed their own special outfits to look fab when taking center stage.
I found the most gorgeous set of illustrations depicting the stage costumes. The one belonging to Louis XIV caught my eye! Can you picture it, darlings? This gorgeous burgundy, brocaded gown, lavishly embroidered with silver and adorned with gold leaf, a magnificent jewel-encrusted crown to complete the ensemble, and my dear a massive black feather sticking out like a banner at the back, for that royal flourish. Heaven. Even back then, there was a king who enjoyed showmanship and wearing something special to perform in!
Of course, after the ballet performance, it wouldn't be a true ballet-lover's trip to France without a stop in Paris for a little fashion fix! And boy, let me tell you, Paris was a serious shopping haven back in 1676. It wasn't just a question of pretty bonnets, darlings, the quality of fashion was the ultimate aspiration! A lady with any claim to grace would be known for her choice of lace! My, my, how those lace makers must have felt proud knowing they were helping to shape the Parisian chic! But let me assure you, darling, it wasn't cheap! My handbag is bulging with notes from these fascinating, albeit slightly less comfortable, times! My travels have already yielded an amazing tapestry, an old dance program and even a pair of vintage opera gloves for my collection!
I can't wait to get back to Derbyshire and add this fascinating ballet adventure to the pink-tutu.com website. I simply cannot resist the magic of the past! After all, my lovely pink tutu might have a modern twist, but underneath the layers, ballet truly is a time-honoured art form.
Until next time, remember: be bold, be daring, be your very own glamorous, pink tutu-wearing ballerina! 🩰
Much love and sparkly tutu kisses,
Emma
