Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! February 2nd, 1690. Can you believe it? Today we’re going all the way back to the late 17th century! Can you imagine, dear readers, a time when ballet as we know it hadn’t even been born?! Fascinating, isn't it?
I love hopping on my beautiful Magic Meg - you know, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse with those golden hooves and the most magnificent white mane and tail – and travelling through time! It’s like a whirlwind of different worlds, different fashions, different dance forms… It truly inspires me. You all know that I, Emma, am a passionate advocate for pink tutus – they just make you feel like a princess! And seeing how different people from the past have embraced their own forms of movement is pure inspiration!
But first, let’s chat a bit about February 2nd, 1690. The world was quite a different place then! Remember, ballet as we know it, wasn’t even born yet! It was a time when dance, like many things in society, was tightly controlled and rigidly structured. The French Royal Ballet, however, was emerging in all its courtly glory. You see, our beloved form of dance came from the courts of France, a mix of elegant postures, dramatic movements, and even sword fighting (imagine, those beautiful leaps combined with duelling techniques!). The French called it “ballet de cour” and it was very much a status symbol of aristocracy and sophistication. But it wouldn't be until the 18th century that these court dances began to evolve into the structured ballet we know and love.
Today, however, it’s the excitement of the early years we’re going to embrace! Now, don’t think for a minute this means no dancing! The “ballet de cour” involved these beautifully graceful poses – just imagine a world of elegant curtsy, delicate hand movements and swaying steps, all within the rigid framework of the time!
Back in 1690, even if there wasn't a “ballet de cour” show happening specifically on February 2nd, it’s a good bet that these stunning spectacles were being performed throughout the year at the French court. It’s easy to imagine how our very own Pink Tutu Time Traveller – yes, that’s me, your favourite blogger – would be in her element attending these lavish events!
Can you picture me, dear readers, stepping back into this era of powder wigs, ornate gowns, and exquisitely tailored clothes? In my time-travelling backpack, I’ve got space for the most divine collection of ballet memorabilia, everything from handwritten dance notations to drawings of exquisite costumes – I just love soaking up history through these little treasures! My little pink Tutu pouch is packed with all sorts of trinkets! A collection of beads for embellishment of tutus? Check! Little bows of pale pink lace? Absolutely! A vintage fabric sampler? That’s definitely in there! The very essence of 17th century style - that’s the magic of time travel, my dears. You get to experience a little bit of everything.
Don’t forget my beautiful ballet outfit. Now, I can't tell you where my ballet shoes came from (let’s just say I found them!), but my beautiful pink tutu, well that's straight from my magical wardrobe in Derbyshire! Imagine – my vibrant pink tulle flowing against a backdrop of richly embroidered silk, while I twirl alongside these elegant courtly figures, their faces covered in white powder and their gestures refined. Now, I might be wearing my very own pink tutu in this time, but don’t worry, it’s made from the very best soft silk and not that scratchy scratchy material of centuries past! I wouldn’t dream of anything but luxurious comfort!
The fact is, 17th century fashion wasn't as comfortable as today's ballet wear. It wasn’t a time for free-flowing tutus – these dresses were more elaborate and restrictive! Corsets and heavy fabrics might be amazing to look at, but they aren't practical for graceful pirouettes! It's actually rather a feat of coordination, a sort of ballet of a different kind, just getting through your daily tasks.
Despite this, it's in the early days, these “ballet de cour” performances, that our beloved form of dance started to gain momentum! It’s a reminder that ballet, despite its strict framework and social implications in its early stages, eventually emerged as a form of expression for both its performers and audiences! And we’re going to continue celebrating those first tentative steps and the elegance that set the stage for ballet’s dazzling evolution.
So next time you’re putting on your own favourite ballet shoes – I'm thinking beautiful pink satin or shimmering gold - remember that in the heart of every ballet performance is the spirit of those early court dancers! I’m off to slip on my pink satin ballet slippers, my sparkling pink tutu, and find out what incredible stories 17th century France will bring!
Until next time, darlings,
Love and tutus, Emma x
P.S. If you’re thinking of giving a Pink Tutu Time Travel blog a go, be sure to pop on over to our Pink Tutu Time Travel Shop for a complete collection of everything from time-travelling maps to little pouches for gathering trinkets!
P.P.S. Be sure to follow Pink Tutu on social media, and let me know in the comments what time period you’d love to travel back to! Remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet travel inspiration!
