Hello darlings! It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, bringing you post number 222 of my "Pink Tutu Time Travels" blog! This month, I'm whisking you back in time to June 1679, a pivotal year for ballet – and let me tell you, the fashion scene was absolutely to die for!
Before we get into the excitement of our time-traveling adventures, let's talk about how I make it all happen. It's no secret that I'm absolutely bonkers for ballet. I love it all – the grace, the elegance, the breathtaking beauty of the art form, the costumes… And then there's the magic of a good ballet shoe. Sigh. Who doesn't adore a pristine pair of pointe shoes?
Well, thanks to my incredible performances (with Magic Meg of course!), I've amassed enough to fuel my insatiable curiosity about ballet history and, naturally, indulge my passion for time-traveling!
But back to our exciting journey! As always, I took my trusty pink-sequinned rucksack (because a ballerina can't travel without sparkle!), and we set off to 1679, on the back of my majestic pink steed, Magic Meg – she's a shimmering Shires with the most magnificent white mane and tail, and hooves that glitter like gold! 💖
We arrived in London, the heart of the English ballet scene at this time, and let me tell you, the excitement was palpable. There were whispers of a revolutionary new kind of ballet – a kind of theatrical production called “Comédie-Ballet”! Imagine – the drama and the excitement of the stage, woven into the elegant artistry of ballet!
It was like a dream come true for a ballerina like me! 🤩 I practically gasped when I heard the news – The English Ballet scene was booming and these new comedic ballets were taking the stage by storm! Apparently, "Comédie-Ballet" even involved musical performances – now that's my kind of theatre!
Just picturing the costumes had me squealing! This period, from 1660, had a particular kind of extravagance. It was all about powdered wigs and lace – so pretty and ornate! Oh darling, can you imagine all the tulle and ribbon we could've had for a tutu! The panniers, farthingales – it was simply sublime.
Even with all the grand costumes, there were practical considerations, like these revolutionary high heels called choppines. These incredible, towering platform shoes would make the most ordinary dress look absolutely glamorous! I simply had to take notes for my future design ideas. ✍️
But what really set this period apart was its emphasis on theatricality and emotion! Storytelling in the art of ballet! That, my darlings, is something I just can't get enough of.
It was here in 1679 that King Charles II, a bit of a playboy monarch in the era, brought "The Loves of Mars and Venus" to the stage! The costumes! The spectacle! Oh darling, I could just see how absolutely extraordinary it would have been! You can't imagine my delight! And even better, he'd had another Ballet on the go just the year before - " Psyche." I bet the audience went absolutely wild with all that drama!
Sadly, none of these ballets made it into my collection this month because sadly, it's so difficult to travel back to such a long time ago. However, don't worry because my travels back in time in this century are much easier. So, in August, we will be looking back at the period that revolutionised ballet – 1832 - when "La Sylphide," came into our world, oh but darling it will make a stunning blog. 💖 I think I'll bring my full pink tutu outfit then!
But what truly excited me was the sheer excitement that ballet was a key part of court life! Everyone went to ballet – Kings, Queens, everyone! I have a feeling I could fit right in! 🤩
For now, I’m back in my time, dreaming of 1679 and its extraordinary world of ballet! If you ever get the chance to see these ballets performed today, make sure you check them out. It's an experience you won't forget.
Until next month, my darling time travelers, keep twirling and dream big. 💖
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
