Hey lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels, the blog where we explore the history of ballet and celebrate all things pink! I'm thrilled to be bringing you my latest adventure, travelling back in time to 10th October, 1684.
Hold onto your tutus, my dears, as we step back into a world that's about to feel wildly different! I have my leather rucksack ready for some exquisite vintage ballet goodies, and Magic Meg is all ready to carry us through time.
The year 1684 was a fascinating one, filled with intrigue and artistic discovery. The French court of Louis XIV was abuzz with artistic creativity, especially the court ballet known as the “ballet de cour.” Imagine dazzling dance performances, ornate costumes, and intricate music – just my cup of tea!
But let's rewind for a moment. Remember I told you I started my journey in the rolling hills of Derbyshire, England? My love for ballet blossomed there, with each pirouette and leap igniting my passion for dance. Now, as I sit in my time travelling hideaway with Magic Meg, I can't help but feel excited for the historical tidbits that this era has in store for my pink tutu journey.
Today's blog post is not just about historical facts, but about capturing the spirit of dance in its time and hopefully inspiring you to wear your pink tutu too.
Let's look back and find out what's in store for my time traveling ballet-loving heart:
Dance of the French court: The “ballet de cour,” with its elaborate sets and grand performances, was one of the main forms of court entertainment. Think music, song, dance and spectacle all intertwined – this kind of immersive entertainment would be right up my street. These ballets were full of intricate choreography and costumes designed to display the court’s grandeur. You know I'm going to be keeping my eye out for those extravagant costumes! Maybe there will be something to add to my vintage collection, who knows?
Lully and Molière, my historical dance idols: The great French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully was in his prime during 1684. I am excited to discover the connection between dance and his musical genius. I’ll definitely be popping into a theatre performance of one of his operas, full of choreographed music that will whisk me right back to that era, a magical place full of enchantment.
A new stage for ballet: As we journey to 1684, we witness the transition of ballet from its royal origins towards more public performances. That transition sparked innovation and gave dancers more space to express their artistry on stage.
Dance beyond the court: It’s intriguing to learn that while court ballets were the main draw in the court of Louis XIV, a different form of dance – the “ballet comique,” – was slowly gaining traction. More importantly, for the lovers of dance like myself, this “ballet comique” became the bridge that later developed into modern ballet!
My journey on this date
Now for the moment we've all been waiting for... What can I expect when I arrive? My trusty rucksack is packed and Magic Meg is gleaming with anticipation! Here’s my imagined ballet time travel adventure:
I am so looking forward to visiting a performance of Lully's music at the Palais-Royal, the iconic theater of the time. This would have been a hub of creative energy, where court ballets would have sparkled with grace and drama. I can almost see myself wearing a pink tutu among the grand chandeliers and regal audience – a pink-tutu clad time traveler in a setting of historical brilliance!
My day would be far from complete without a trip to a shop full of lace and brocade - my favorite materials! Imagine those exquisite fabrics swirling in a grand costume design, they’re practically begging to be transformed into something fantastical.
As the day fades, I’d be heading to an elegant dance party to witness how they moved to the rhythm of Lully’s music. It would be a glimpse into the history of elegance and grace - a historical reminder of why I wear pink tutus with such passion!
But beyond these exciting activities, there's more...
The date, October 10th, 1684 is an interesting one, since there were no fixed dates for performances of that era. But, for sure, there will be theatrical events happening, because France at the time was enthralled with the arts.
The energy will be alive with the whispers of dance and music!
I’m certain I’ll pick up a fantastic historical tale to share with you in my next blog. So don't forget to check back next month for my new blog adventure!
I have a sneaking suspicion I will meet some interesting people and discover something remarkable that will blow your minds! Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com for future blog posts. Keep dancing my lovelies and wear your pink tutus with pride!
Love,
Emma
