Hey everyone! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, back with another adventure from the archives of history. This month, we're twirling back to the 12th of December, 1678 - a date bursting with intriguing ballet stories, fascinating fashion, and just a dash of Parisian intrigue!
Now, if you’ve been following my pink-hued adventures, you know my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a sparkling pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, makes our time travel a breeze. This month, she whisked me through the swirling vortex to a world buzzing with the excitement of the Parisian court! I just knew that this date would have a treasure trove of ballet stories waiting to be uncovered!
Stepping Into the French Royal Court
Can you imagine? In 1678, the ballet world was completely dominated by the French! This was a golden era for court ballets - spectacular productions that were the epitome of regal entertainment. Now, as I dismounted Meg in a courtyard bustling with gilded coaches, my imagination began to race. The very air vibrated with anticipation for the next grand performance!
A Dance for a King
Remember, this was the era of King Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King”, and a passionate patron of the arts. It wasn't unusual for ballets to feature royalty on stage! King Louis himself had been a dedicated dancer in his youth, and the whole court seemed to be dancing - literally - in his wake. The grand opera house, with its velvet seats and crystal chandeliers, was practically a palace for the ballet! I even saw some dancers, in their shimmering satin costumes, practice elegant movements in the open-air.
Searching for the "Tutu"
Now, if you're expecting a pink tutu, I must admit, you’ll have to set your time-travelling sights a little later! The 'tutu' we know and love – the romantic and airy tulle skirts – hadn’t made their appearance yet! Back then, it was all about brocade and elaborate, structured skirts! The dancers were masters of graceful steps and elegant poses. I imagine their dances were more theatrical, with grand gestures and a sense of formality that was deeply ingrained in the courtly life.
Bringing Ballet Back to Derbyshire
After a whirlwind tour of the royal courts, I returned to Derbyshire, loaded down with my trusty leather rucksack filled with snippets of ballet history, costume samples, and my imagination running wild! I just knew that this ballet journey was going to inspire some fabulous choreographies in my next show! Imagine, a ballet set in the Parisian courts, with dancers weaving tales of love and intrigue under a canopy of velvet and chandeliers, each movement telling a story of a forgotten world!
Remember! My dear readers, ballet is not just a beautiful form of dance - it is a captivating journey through history. From the ornate court ballets of France, to the dramatic tales of Shakespeare's plays, every movement tells a story, a story that connects us across the ages.
I’ll be posting my next blog adventure on www.pink-tutu.com next month. Don’t forget to wear pink! And remember, always believe in the magic of dance,
See you all next time! XOXO Emma
*P.S. * In keeping with the time period, my favourite purchase from 1678 is a beautifully detailed brocade fabric sample. Imagine it as part of a breathtaking ballet costume - perhaps with a cascade of silk ruffles for a dramatic entrance! I'm already dreaming up a dance piece based around it!
