Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another fabulous adventure! As you know, we journey to the past once a month here at www.pink-tutu.com and I always love taking you all along.
This month's trip is a bit special, and it all revolves around a very important date - the 8th of August 1684. Today's journey will take us deep into the heart of the 17th century, and just like with any exciting new venture, I couldn't wait to pack my leather rucksack with my trusty ballet journal and an elegant pink feather boa (for a touch of 17th-century whimsy, you know!)
I can feel you're all eager to learn more about this fascinating date, so without further ado, let's saddle up Magic Meg, my oh-so-sparkly pink Shire horse with golden hooves, and ride back through time! 💫
Time to Ride!
I confess, my darlings, I've been dying to explore the world of ballet back in the 17th century! We all know that ballet truly started to blossom in the 16th century with King Louis XIV of France, but 1684 feels like a crucial stepping stone in its development. This is when some say, that Pierre Beauchamp began his career as the first ever ballet master. You all know that I prefer to keep the emphasis on King Louis XIV as ballet master in my pink tutu world. But let's dive into what this year brought, as we take our trusty Magic Meg across time!
As I adjust my trusty pink tutu (this one's hand-sewn with pearl embellishments – you know how much I love a touch of vintage!), I can practically hear the clatter of hooves against cobblestone streets as we arrive in 1684 Paris. The scent of freshly baked bread and lavender fills the air, and even though the French capital is still recovering from its recent plague outbreak, a palpable sense of hope permeates the city.
Stepping onto the Scene:
It's a time when ballet is starting to break out from the courtly sphere and into the public eye. Now, we wouldn't necessarily recognise modern ballet forms back then, darlings. Imagine graceful poses mixed with intricate court dances and the theatrical gestures of opera. It was still very much evolving, much like my personal ballet style.
Now, let's look at what happened on 8th August 1684. Did we see ballet performances on that very day? Unfortunately, my ballet journal doesn't seem to offer any specific performances or even ballet gossip for that exact date. But let me tell you, just like us Pink-Tutu readers, 17th-century Parisians would have flocked to watch any shows they could, as ballet's allure began to draw in wider audiences.
Imagine the excitement as the curtains rose, the stage lit by candles, and dancers emerged in their elaborately adorned costumes. Now I imagine those ladies wore their hair up and curled. And think of the grandeur! Those elegant powdered wigs and plumed hats. They looked quite sophisticated for a society that had never worn a tutu!
17th Century Ballet Glamour: Fashionable and Fun!
Speaking of elegance and glamour, my darlings, this era was all about rich fabrics, flowing gowns, and flamboyant accessories. I simply adore how ballet fashion back then reflected the fashion of the court. We're talking silks, velvets, and a generous use of gold embroidery.
The dresses would have been a bit restrictive by today's standards. You might think they'd impede movement, but my, that wouldn't stop those court ladies. They were very fashionable, and they found a way. Perhaps the men also had trouble getting into a pirouette. Their costumes would be just as magnificent – silk stockings, ornate jackets, and ruffled shirts, complete with elegant buckled shoes, to add some height. You can't dance without the look, my darlings!
My Vintage Ballet Inspiration
Now, this whole vintage ballet vibe inspires my very own ballet style! Who needs pointe shoes when you have some pretty floral brogues to slip on? Just the thought of those ornate silks and velvet inspired me to create a fabulous tutu-dress hybrid. A pink floor-length gown, crafted from the finest silk, complete with an ethereal tulle overlay – a nod to the graceful lightness of the 17th century. Don't forget the exquisite beadwork for a dash of sparkle, just like the shimmering hooves of my beautiful Magic Meg!
Oh, darlings, I could go on forever about 17th-century fashion. And of course, it isn't just about what they wore; I want to share my thoughts on modern dance wear as well. So be sure to look out for my next Pink Tutu Time Travel blog posts, my darlings! We have so much more to share in this magnificent world.
More Adventures Ahead!
As we finish our journey through 1684, my lovelies, let's make sure to cherish this period's rich heritage. The early ballet steps, the grandeur of court dances, the elegance of those garments. And as I head back to Derbyshire, with my trusty rucksack full of new inspiration and notes in my ballet journal, I can't help but be thrilled by this historical treasure. And who knows, perhaps a little bit of that 17th century charm might make its way into my next ballet performance!
Until next month, keep dancing and keep those pink tutus flowing, my darlings.
Don't forget to leave me a comment, and tell me which century you would most like to visit with your pink tutu!
With Love, Emma, the Pink Tutu Time Traveller
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