Hello my darling ballet-loving lovelies! 💖 Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of all things ballet history and a splash of pink sparkle! This month, I'm whisking us back to 10th October 1681, to a time of grand palaces, elaborate costumes, and the dawn of the French Baroque!
You might be wondering, darling, how on earth did a pink tutu find its way into the 17th century? Well, you know me – I'm never without a plan! 😉
This time, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and I are off on a grand adventure through the cobblestone streets of Paris, ready to witness a dazzling performance at the court of Louis XIV.
Now, I know what you're thinking – tutus weren't invented until much later! But trust me, dear reader, there's still plenty of fashion inspiration to be found in the grand costumes of the French Baroque era. Imagine layers of luxurious satin and silk, sparkling with embroidery and jewels, adorned with feathered headpieces and elaborate masks.
I have a feeling a little pink detailing wouldn't be out of place in such a decadent setting, especially for a dance as dazzling as Ballet de la Princesse de Clèves.
Just imagine the scene – the flickering candlelight illuminating the royal court, the intricate steps of the dancers, and the hushed silence before a grand finale, punctuated by the joyous clapping of the aristocracy. Oh, I just adore this era for its extravagance and dramatic performances.
Speaking of drama, darling, I simply had to bring back a few treasured souvenirs from my journey to the 17th century:
In My Leather Rucksack: A Little Bit of History
A sketch of Ballet de la Princesse de Clèves. It's fascinating to see how choreography was presented visually in those days, and just think, this is one of the earliest ballets on record, showcasing a transition from Italian influences towards the development of French ballet!
A pamphlet featuring the costumes of Ballet de la Princesse de Clèves. This ballet was a real treat for the eyes. Can you imagine all the lace, silk, and feathers adorning the stage? I’m so tempted to try and recreate those designs with a touch of modern pink!
A poem by Nicolas Boileau, a contemporary French poet who was a huge fan of ballet. It’s beautiful, elegant, and truly captures the feeling of a ballet performance. He was truly a champion of the arts, and I adore his admiration of ballet!
The Ballet Scene in 1681
For a bit of context, this was a very special period in ballet history, as it witnessed the birth of French ballet – that elegant, expressive style we all know and love. Louis XIV himself was a major patron of the arts, famously saying, "I have a passion for dancing." Can you imagine! And just like that, the French Baroque period became synonymous with ballet, shaping the very soul of dance as we know it!
I could gush for hours about how fantastic French Baroque ballet is – think dramatic, emotional dance routines infused with theatricality and storytelling, showcasing the talent of those early ballerinas, as they explored movement with a graceful yet dynamic power.
Ballet de la Princesse de Clèves, while technically not the very first ballet in history, is a real historical gem! It features the dazzling dancing talent of renowned ballet master, Pierre Beauchamp, and celebrated ballet dancer, Madeleine Béjart. She was truly a queen of dance – and the inspiration for the character in the famous Moliere play!
Think of these early dancers as paving the way for the ballerinas we know today. These pioneers were not only dancers but also dancers-turned-choreographers. They would be so incredibly proud to see how ballet has evolved today, especially those stunning tutus! 🩰
Ballet Fun Today: The Inspiration Never Stops!
I always encourage everyone, no matter your age, to explore the world of dance. If you are in Derbyshire, my hometown, be sure to check out our wonderful local ballet school, Derbyshire Dance. They have amazing classes for all ages and levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, making it fun for everyone to twirl and leap to their heart’s content!
Or if you are feeling truly bold, perhaps try recreating one of those Baroque costume designs with a pink tutu twist! 😉 The beauty of dance, especially ballet, lies in its ability to transport us to other times and places, and even better, inspire our creativity.
As you know, I believe in bringing ballet into every aspect of our lives. Even while writing this blog, my brain is already buzzing with inspiration for my next time travel adventure – imagine if I went to the 19th century to watch La Sylphide by Marie Taglioni?! 🩰💖
But for now, I’m leaving you all with a final reminder to keep embracing your inner ballet fan, always be inspired by dance and never hesitate to rock your pink tutu, darling! ✨ Until next time, happy dancing! 💖
