Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm your ever-so-pink ballerina blogger, Emma, and this month we're waltzing back in time to 10th October 1682, a date that tickled my time-travelling fancy for more than one reason.
Now, I know what you're thinking, 1682? Ballet? Wasn't that all about powdered wigs and breeches back then? Well, hold on to your tutus, because ballet was actually booming in this era! While it may not have been the refined, elegant style we adore today, there were definitely ballets being performed, and that's exciting!
So, saddle up with me, and let's gallop back on my trusty steed, Magic Meg (a shimmering pink Shire horse, just ask if you don't believe me!), to a world where kings and queens were enthralled by the artistry of dance.
The French Royal Ballet
Imagine the buzz of a grand Parisian court, adorned with silk and velvet. Now picture dancers prancing in extravagant costumes, a vibrant display of colour and movement. This is the scene I dreamt up, transported back to October 1682, inspired by a little research.
The year is 1682, and the ballet world is ruled by Louis XIV, the "Sun King" of France. He adored ballet, actively performed in court ballets himself, and fuelled the artistry by establishing the Académie Royale de Danse (the Royal Academy of Dance).
While his own participation wasn't technically on 10th October, imagine, if you will, a grand soirée. In this regal setting, ballet wasn't just entertainment; it was a spectacle that reinforced royal power. It wasn't quite the graceful artform we're familiar with today, think more story-telling through extravagant, symbolic gestures, punctuated by dances that were often theatrical and elaborate, incorporating dance with poetry, music and spectacular scenery. Imagine!
My mind's already whirling with costume ideas. A powdered wig wouldn't go amiss, perhaps a ruffled skirt of some sort – imagine a bright coral satin skirt with sparkling gold ribbons streaming in the breeze. I can almost smell the rosewater and the sweet scent of perfumed gloves. Oh my!
The Italian Influences
Speaking of Italian influences, in 1682, Italian ballet masters were renowned for their innovation. Imagine! In fact, ballet as a form started its journey back in the Italian Renaissance, so I knew this historical period had to hold some captivating ballet gems.
And indeed it did! Ballet master and composer Giulio Cesare Broglio was flourishing at this time, he became the superintendent of court ballets under Louis XIV and became well known for composing and staging these spectacles. His ballets were known for their complexity and the combination of intricate dancing with captivating stories that brought to life tales of heroes, gods, and mythology!
You can bet I picked up a story from Broglio's ballets, tucking it away safely in my leather rucksack (it's never complete without a few tales to share). You can almost imagine me on that horse, Meg, a gentle trot, galloping through cobbled streets of Parisian life.
The Art of Fashion in 1682
Talking of fashion – oh, darling! Can we take a moment for the glamour? It was an era of elaborate clothes. Think frilly bodices, flowing skirts, ruffles upon ruffles and ribbons adorned with intricate patterns, the epitome of refined elegance.
I’m so lucky my tutu’s timeless! A pale, powdered pink tulle skirt wouldn’t have looked out of place among the silks and satins of the 17th century, would it? In fact, I think I might make myself a 17th century-inspired pink tutu – maybe with layers and layers of tulle to replicate a giant ruched skirt with panniers. I've just got to work out how to incorporate my 17th century hairpiece, think something powdered and floral.
The Ballet Scene - Bringing the Past to the Present
Speaking of modern dance, what a contrast, eh? But you know me, I adore exploring different eras and the stories they have to offer. And you know what? Ballet back then, although not necessarily the elegant, expressive form we love today, has certainly inspired much of the style we have now, even the story ballets we love today - think Nutcracker and Swan Lake!
The very nature of these ballets, a beautiful confluence of storytelling, elaborate gestures and spectacle, and musical prowess – all this was there. Just the costumes and music might be a tad different. And guess what? My ballet time travel diaries show that many ballets performed today owe their very essence to this rich history of theatre, storytelling and artistic dance, which was blossoming in 1682!
My pink tutu diary… a new story in the making!
Remember my rucksack? It's filled with so many amazing tidbits and anecdotes from my ballet history adventures! This one’s a special one. The beauty and wonder of ballet has its roots woven deep in history and this period has given me a deeper understanding of how a spectacle can translate through the ages into the ballet we love today.
The world in 1682 might have been vastly different from our 21st-century reality. But one thing hasn't changed - the passion and creativity for the beautiful art of ballet, and my favourite colour – pink! A colour that captures the essence of femininity and wonder and my inspiration to bring the wonder of the tutu to everyone I meet.
So, there you have it! My journey through time on the 10th of October, 1682. Who knew that this date held such a captivating ballet story! Join me again next month for more pink tutu time travel adventures. I've got lots of more stories to share and who knows, maybe we'll discover a new ballet fashion inspiration on the way!
Until then, keep twirling!
P.S. Make sure you follow me on www.pink-tutu.com, where you'll find all my posts. And if you're thinking of joining me on a pink tutu ballet journey of your own, don’t be shy – leave a comment and let's share our love for ballet!
