Hello fellow tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-clad time traveller extraordinaire, back with another dazzling voyage through the world of ballet. This month, I'm whisking you away to the court of Louis XIV, a date etched in my memory (and my diary!) - July 7th, 1683.
It was an absolute scorcher in Paris that day, the air thick with excitement. I was galloping on Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse (who, bless her heart, loves a good sprint across centuries), towards the Palace of Versailles. Oh, the crowds, the elegance! All that powdered wigs and ruffly sleeves. It felt like stepping straight into a lavish, historical tableau!
I, of course, wore my trusty pink tutu – a sparkling number that perfectly captures the vibrancy of the French court. But today's outfit was particularly inspired by the glorious gowns and ornate jewelry of the era. A touch of shimmer, a bit of bling, and I was ready to witness ballet history in the making.
Why? Because this date is synonymous with the grand Ballet de la Reine, or Queen's Ballet. It's one of the most dazzling and famous productions in early ballet, created to honour Queen Marie-Thérèse of France! Imagine, a ballet crafted purely to showcase her grace and elegance!
You see, back in the 17th century, ballet wasn’t just an art form, it was a celebration of royal power and grandeur. Ballet performances were lavish affairs, filled with elaborate costumes and intricate choreography, set against the stunning backdrop of the palace.
Now, picture this: Me, perched in the balcony, nestled between giggling nobles in powdered wigs and pearl necklaces. As the curtain rose, the entire world around me dissolved into an ethereal spectacle of movement. The dancers, graceful as swans, glided across the stage, their bodies painted in vibrant hues of silk and satin. It was truly mesmerising!
My backpack overflowed with newfound treasures - exquisite sketches of costumes, excerpts from the ballet scores, and tales of the legendary Mademoiselle de la Fontaine, the leading dancer. She was an absolute star, embodying the spirit of the court, her every step captivating the attention of the King and Queen alike.
It was impossible not to be swept away by the magnificence of it all. The spectacle of ballet in that era, particularly the Ballet de la Reine, was all about conveying elegance, grandeur, and regal poise. These elements were the heartbeat of the choreography, a breathtaking showcase of beauty, artistry, and athleticism.
The Ballet de la Reine:
I found a glimpse of this breathtaking production in a little, leather-bound book hidden in the back of a forgotten dusty antique shop. Apparently, this ballet told a story of a queen captured by a jealous dragon, and her valiant knights striving to rescue her. I was mesmerised by the narrative, as enchanting as the graceful dancers who embodied it.
Just imagining the elegant choreography of this era fills my head with whimsical thoughts. The movements, so refined and theatrical, a combination of poise and strength. I'm already envisioning my next tutu inspiration - a lavish ensemble complete with ruffles, ribbons, and a touch of powdered lace.
I gathered many items from this trip to Paris, but a particularly special item was a beautifully illustrated manuscript filled with drawings of the costumes worn in the Ballet de la Reine. I immediately felt the need to recreate them! They were just so incredibly vibrant and sophisticated! You'll be seeing some of these designs make a stylish appearance in my next ballet blog.
The world of 17th-century ballet was rich and fascinating, a period where courtly elegance and graceful movement intertwined beautifully. Every ballet felt like a mini-spectacle of opulent celebration, where the story unfolded in a magnificent flurry of elaborate costumes, enchanting melodies, and exquisite dance. It’s little wonder this era gave birth to some of ballet’s most treasured dances and performers.
Speaking of ballet performances, let's shift our focus back to the present day! I just love attending live ballet performances! This month, I’ll be attending “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Royal Opera House. I hear there are beautiful costumes and a whimsical fairy tale!
Remember, friends, ballet isn't just about perfect postures and graceful movements; it’s about unleashing your inner spirit and embracing the art of storytelling through dance.
Stay tuned for my next ballet blog, where we'll embark on a journey through another magical moment in ballet history! Until then, remember: pink is the new black, and a tutu always makes a statement!
Emma, out! xx
