Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina. Today, we're taking a twirl through history, all the way back to 11th November, 1677. My magical steed, Meg - a pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a white mane that flows like silk - is chomping at the bit to take us back to a time when the world was quite a different place.
Oh, and darling, before we set off, I just want to say how much I love seeing all of you sporting your pink tutus! Remember, my dream is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu - it's a symbol of joy, grace, and pure, unadulterated fun. You make it so much easier to embrace the spirit of ballet! 🥰
So, back to our journey! This time, we're stepping into a world without tutus, as we know them today. In 1677, dance was still finding its footing – pun intended! – and wasn't quite the art form we're familiar with today. We were a few decades away from the likes of Noverre and his revolutionary dance ideas!
Meg whinnies excitedly as she sends us hurtling through time. It's thrilling, like being caught in a pirouette! I'm always so grateful for Meg – what a blessing! I'd be lost without her!
But enough about me. Let's dive into the history!
Ballet History in 1677: A glimpse into a different era.The world of ballet in 1677 was a much more courtly affair, largely tied to the nobility. The Royal Academy of Dancing in France was gaining popularity, though even then, ballet wasn't truly the star it is today. Imagine: no corps de ballet, no sweeping leaps and fouettes – it was all about elegant steps, stylized gestures, and lots of formality.
Instead of the glorious, voluminous tutus of our time, ladies graced the stage in opulent gowns with flowing skirts, intricate bodices, and even flowing trains, a touch of regality with each movement. Gentlemen donned elaborate attire, breeches, and perhaps even the occasional feathered hat. They certainly took pride in their appearance, with emphasis on courtly elegance and decorum.
Think more stately waltz than breathtaking bourrees and grand jetés – elegance was the name of the game back then.
Let’s take a peek at the world beyond the dance stage:
It was the year that The Spanish Marriage, an international event that aimed to strengthen ties between France and Spain, occurred.
England was still reeling from the Great Fire of London a mere decade before, which caused massive destruction. While they were slowly rebuilding, London had certainly gone through an intense transformation.
In the Americas, the English colony of Virginia declared itself a dominion – that’s a significant step towards their future as an independent nation.
Remember, I've got my leather rucksack strapped to my back. It's stuffed with treasures and snippets of history – from costume designs to antique ballet shoes, each tells a story.
My latest finds?
A delicate velvet slipper – It seems even the earliest ballet footwear prioritized beauty and elegance!
A faded playbill announcing "Ballet of The Golden Age," an allegorical performance. It seems there was a need for good entertainment even then!
And something truly fascinating – a manuscript describing ballet techniques of the era. These are truly like whispers from a different era!
My time travelling is a magical thing! It’s incredible to get a taste of how people lived and how dance has evolved, all while embracing the timeless beauty of ballet itself! It truly puts everything into perspective and shows how enduring the love of dance is.
What was I doing on 11th November, 1677?
That's for you to imagine, darling! After all, part of the fun of time travel is the element of surprise. Just remember, whether it was a courtly performance or an elegant carriage ride, my heart would still be thumping with the same enthusiasm for all things ballet – a love that transcends time and fashion!
Don't forget to check back next month for a brand new time travelling adventure on pink-tutu.com! In the meantime, embrace your inner ballerina, put on a pink tutu, and keep on dancing. 🩰✨
