Hello my darling ballet bunnies!
Welcome to my monthly time-travel escapade, this time hurtling back to the glorious 12th of December in the year 1679! You know, sometimes the most exciting journeys are those that transport you to the heart of history. This time, we're taking a leap back to the moment when ballet really started to blossom in all its regal, refined glory. As always, Magic Meg and I are primed for some fabulously historical ballet adventures!
For post number 228, my sparkly, pink-hued steed, Magic Meg, galloped us through time with a sparkle in her eye and a toss of her white mane, dropping us smack-dab into the French court. Just the thought of it all makes my toes tingle with excitement, don't you know? Can you imagine, darlings, all those luxurious, opulent dances performed for the Sun King himself?
Speaking of the Sun King, our journey began at the glittering court of Louis XIV. You simply wouldn't believe how grand it all was. It's a world where the grandeur of the French court was reflected in the movements of the ballet. And at the heart of it all was Le Roy, King Louis XIV. I mean, can you even imagine, darlings? Imagine all that finery! Think billowing silks, majestic powdered wigs, and glittering jewels that could rival the stars!
You see, this was a time when ballet truly flourished, fueled by the patronage of royalty. There was an electrifying atmosphere; a passion for elegant, flowing movement and a desire to impress the monarch himself. Louis, a true lover of dance, even established the Académie Royale de Danse (Royal Academy of Dance) in 1661, right here in Paris. Think of it as a kind of glamorous finishing school for ballerinas! Just imagine, you get to twirl in Parisian palaces and become part of courtly intrigue!
I even popped in to witness a delightful little performance of 'Le Triomphe de l’Amour'. What a gem of a ballet, it really captured the beauty of the era. And can you imagine? It was even penned by none other than the French literary legend Molière. Molière! How chic is that?! Just a charmingly witty tale of a lovesick prince yearning for his princess. Of course, my dear, everything ended happily, because as you know, good conquers evil always!
The ballet wasn’t merely about steps, it was an embodiment of grace, finesse, and sophistication. With each elegant leap and pirouette, the dancers spun a story filled with joy and drama, the most graceful way to convey the emotions and stories that were swirling through their minds. The tutus of the day might have been far from my dazzling pink, but the beauty of movement was captivatingly universal. I can tell you, darling, these Parisian ballerinas would be very pleased with our modern ballet - oh how they’d adore the tutus, even without the bright pink!
Of course, the court wouldn't be complete without its gossip, wouldn't it, darlings? It seemed like everyone was whispering about Le Roy and his Académie! Some even dared to hint at some pas de deux between His Majesty and his dazzling ladies-in-waiting! Oh, how the gossip flies, don't you know? It's almost enough to rival our ballet blog!
I gathered stories and whispered snippets, all of which I'll be recording in my leather rucksack for you, darling readers.
Speaking of stories, remember those magical dance dramas? We had a look at a new, ground-breaking masterpiece! Can you believe it? This masterpiece, "Psyche," was designed by a veritable ballet legend of the time - Jean-Baptiste Lully. It had music and everything, making a new, theatrical world in a way I'd never seen before! You simply have to imagine this, darlings. We're talking full-scale sets and magnificent costumes - absolutely captivating! I felt transported to a different world! Imagine being there!
So, darlings, we've certainly experienced an adventure today. My dear, I just can't resist a good bit of theatrical extravagance, even way back in the 1670s. The elegant, courtly dance, the exquisite costuming, the whispers and gossip... It was like being a ballerina in a fairytale!
As we make our way back through time, with Magic Meg pawing the air excitedly and her mane streaming behind her, remember my dear readers, there’s nothing more exhilarating than exploring the world of ballet, be it in a time-traveling escapade, or your local theatre! Don't ever be afraid to explore, to discover, and to embrace the beauty of this dance, darlings! Remember, always wear your pink tutu proudly, and don’t be afraid to twirl! Until next time, may your twirls be as grand as Louis XIV's court!
Lots of love and dancing shoes, Emma xx
(www.pink-tutu.com)
