Hello, lovelies! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another exciting glimpse into the wonderful world of ballet history!
This month, I'm whisking you away to the 2nd of February, 1679. Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse with her golden hooves and white mane, is all polished up and ready for a gallop through time, so buckle up!
A Whirlwind Through Time
Today, we're taking a trip to France! I must say, the 17th century was a truly fascinating time for ballet, and not just because of those stunning costumes! Ballet was evolving so rapidly – new movements, new stories, new interpretations! It felt like a new dawn for this art form we all adore!
Before we hop on Magic Meg, let's have a quick chat about ballet in France back then. The Académie Royale de Danse, which was the first official ballet school in the world, was established in 1661. Fancy that! Just imagine learning from the very best. It would be an absolute dream!
And then, in 1671, the glorious Palais Garnier Opera House opened in Paris. That must have been a spectacular sight – imagine all that gilt and velvet, a glittering theatre for showcasing the best dance of the time!
Fashionably Time Travelling
My time travelling rucksack is always crammed with ballet-related items and stories – that's how I make my blog so authentic. And today, it was the costumes that stole the show. The early court ballets involved lavish outfits and masks, all about elegance and grandeur. Can you picture this, darlings – silks, satins, feathers, glittering jewels… absolute perfection! Not quite the pink tutus we're known for, but incredibly chic!
Now, I may be a pink tutu girl through and through, but I can't deny the sheer magnificence of those early French court costumes. The opulence! The creativity! I am positively giddy thinking about them.
What Was on in the World of Ballet Today
Now, for today's big highlight. Did you know, my darlings, that on February 2nd, 1679, the ballet "Psyche" by Jean-Baptiste Lully premiered at the Palais Garnier? Isn’t that divine?!
"Psyche" is a gorgeous, lyrical piece, inspired by the Greek myth of Psyche. I can just imagine the ethereal beauty of the dancing, the elegant grace, the powerful storytelling. It sounds simply divine! Imagine a scene set in a magical, ethereal world, with costumes dripping in opulence, each movement full of grace and elegance. It sounds absolutely spectacular, don't you think?
Sadly, there are no extant records of the costumes or choreography for "Psyche", so I had to rely on my imagination! But it wouldn’t take a lot of imagination to envision something truly stunning and theatrical, in keeping with the aesthetic of that era.
Fashion Frenzy
Now, you all know how much I adore fashion. Those early ballet costumes were a spectacle – imagine the extravagance of a king's court! Feathers, elaborate headdresses, velvet and silk – the very essence of Parisian chic! As much as I love my pink tutu, I’m tempted to don a 17th-century gown for my next ballet performance! Just picture me, darlings, floating onto the stage in a flowing, glittering, Parisian inspired ensemble. Imagine the looks of adoration from the audience!
Back to the Future…or Rather the Past!
Well, darlings, I hope you enjoyed this little trip to the world of 17th-century ballet. Next month, we'll be delving into another fabulous era! And don't forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for even more ballet musings and a dose of pink!
Until then, keep those pirouettes flowing and those smiles shining!
XOXO,
Emma, Your Pink Tutu Time Travelling Ballerina!
