Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another blog post from the annals of ballet history. This month, I'm taking you on a grand tour to Paris, specifically the 11th of November, 1676.
Grab your sparkly tiaras, dear readers, because we're about to step back in time to the heart of the French court! It was during this time that ballet was flourishing, evolving from courtly entertainment into the art form we know and love today. So, let's saddle up with my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg, and gallop off into the past!
Now, I have to tell you, this trip was absolutely bursting with fashion inspiration! The 17th century French court was all about lavishness and opulence. Imagine silks shimmering in every shade imaginable, intricate embroidery adorning every gown, and jewels sparkling like the stars above! Even the men were sporting flamboyant coats and breeches, topped with powdered wigs that wouldn't look out of place at a fancy dress ball today.
And as for ballet, my darling dancers, it was the heart of this vibrant scene. The Royal Academy of Music and Dance, established just a few years prior in 1672, was the main centre of dance instruction in France. This period witnessed the emergence of Louis XIV as the absolute ruler of dance. He himself was a dedicated dancer, and under his patronage, the ballet world flourished. The elegance, the virtuosity, the grandness, it was truly something to behold.
I felt such a thrill of excitement to witness firsthand what ballet was like during these golden years! Imagine - grand halls, beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen, a king himself enthusiastically engaging with the dance.
But there was more than just courtly spectacle to this time, my dears. I stumbled upon a fascinating ballet happening just that day.
A Royal Ballet Feast: The main event of 11th November, 1676 was the presentation of "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," a ballet-comedy written by Molière, that glorious mastermind of comedic theatre. He teamed up with the brilliant Jean-Baptiste Lully, who brought the music to life, transforming the court into a musical dreamland.
I watched as a royal spectacle unfolded, where dancing was intertwined with poetry, singing, and acting - the ultimate example of early "ballets de cour" – which were like a series of intermingled scenes, much like opera is today. Imagine, the dance floor a miniature stage, a performance that showcased all the arts, like a grand ballet-comedy feast.
But my lovelies, let me give you the juicy detail that truly made my trip! During "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," I saw an exquisite performance by Mlle. de Lafontaine. She was known as one of the leading dancers at the Royal Academy of Dance. Can you imagine dancing in front of a king, in a grand hall filled with nobility and intellectuals? Now that is what I call stage presence!
As for fashion, she wore a fitted bodice, the bodice heavily adorned with glittering gold and silver embellishments. Her skirt flowed in soft, elegant lines and the dancers were graceful, a vision of elegance. Just thinking about it sets my heart aflutter!
Taking the Pink Tutu World Tour! I can already imagine how the pink tutu could have added a whimsical touch to these elegant performances. Maybe, instead of gilded bodices, these ladies would have worn pink silken bodices! Just imagine that, my darling readers, dancing for royalty with a pink tutu - how fantastic!
My rucksack, by the way, is getting quite heavy with these wonderful stories of ballet’s history. I can’t wait to share more with you next month! Until then, keep on dancing and remember, life's a dance, so put on your pink tutu and twirl!
Love and pink twirls, Emma
Remember: To explore more of Emma’s time-travelling ballet adventures, visit www.pink-tutu.com.
