Hello my lovely pink tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite time travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another exciting journey through ballet history.
This month, I’ve saddled up my darling Magic Meg (oh, she’s so gorgeous, sparkling pink with her white mane and tail, golden hooves, just magnificent!) and we’ve travelled back to the 3rd March, 1682. Can you believe it, 343 years ago!
And guess what, darlings? I just LOVE the fashions of the time. Such fabulous hats, flowing gowns, and those divine powdered wigs!
Of course, it’s a whole different story in the ballet world. Imagine, ballet back then was in its early days, still developing! It’s incredible to think that in the grand scheme of ballet history, we're talking about its very beginnings.
A glimpse into 17th century ballet:
While the formal ballet companies we know today were yet to appear, 17th century France was a hotbed of ballet activity. Imagine elegant salons in stately houses filled with people in powdered wigs, attending courtly gatherings where dance was an integral part of entertainment. It's like a live-action fairy tale, complete with the sparkle of lavish costumes, a dash of dramatic poetry, and a whole lot of intrigue!
On This Date, 3rd March, 1682:
What was happening in the world of ballet? Sadly, not a lot that’s documented, but we do know that a lot of creative energy was flowing through the Parisian court. This was a time of great innovation, and there was a shift from the heavier, more structured ballets towards a style that included a lot of light, delicate movement. It’s a little bit like comparing a stately waltz to a whimsical minuet. Imagine the elegant swirling movements, the flutter of silk skirts, and a dash of that delicate "French chic"!
I just know this would’ve been the perfect time for a visit to a court ballet. Can you imagine the thrill of the performances in lavish castles, where music flowed like a river of magic and dancers moved with the grace of delicate birds. And speaking of music, imagine hearing the melodies of Jean-Baptiste Lully! It would have been a musical and artistic experience I'll never forget!
Of course, the clothes were beyond fabulous. While our modern tutus weren’t a thing back then, I still imagine those elegant ladies dancing in exquisite gowns and intricate lace trimmings! The elegance of the court dress really influenced the style of ballet costumes. You'll notice many aspects of these court gowns in the ballet styles of the period!
The Power of Pink and my own Pink Tutu Dreams:
I have to tell you, in this period, I felt so strongly the lack of a little pink in the ballet world. Imagine all those beautiful gowns! Just imagine if they had added some blush-toned details or maybe even a pink ribbon here or there? Oh, the sparkle and vibrancy it would have added. And don't even get me started on the ballet shoes. My dreams are for a world where ballet shoes come in every shade of pink! I want to make this dream a reality and see all you pink tutu enthusiasts wearing them. It’s a movement, my loves!
I know this isn't quite a tutu revolution, but at least I got to wear my favourite pink tulle in a place that didn't exist in 1682. My favourite part of being a ballerina blogger is sharing the world of ballet with you all. I get such joy out of dressing up in my tutu and telling the stories of its incredible history! I’m so glad we can share the passion together, even across time and space!
A Reminder of why I Time Travel:
My goal, my dearest Pink Tutu lovers, is to keep spreading the pink ballet love, share its captivating story with the world, and to one day even convince everyone to wear a pink tutu. Imagine all the people out there, each sporting a beautiful pink tutu, and dancing a happy little dance of unity.
If you love this journey with me, my blog, or anything related to ballet, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
Until next month, dear ones, keep your tutu dreams alive, embrace the joy of dance, and never stop being your gorgeous selves!
Yours in pink tutu glory,
Emma
For this month, I'm auctioning off this lovely antique fabric fragment I found in a French château. All the money will go to my Pink Tutu Fund, a fund dedicated to creating a brighter, pinker ballet future for us all! Click here to check out the auction.
- Emma's blog: www.pink-tutu.com
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- Shop for Emma’s pink ballet merchandise: www.pink-tutu.com/shop
