Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma here, and this month, I've been swept away to the enchanting 1690s! My faithful steed, Magic Meg, shimmered pink under the January sun, her golden hooves sparkling like tiny suns, as we galloped through a world far removed from my usual Derbyshire surroundings. This month, I'm taking you on a journey back to a time where the art of ballet was beginning to take root and blossom. Can you imagine, my dears, a time when dancing was still mostly about the intricate steps and elegant poses? No modern ballet shoes here, just shoes with high heels and lovely ribbons.
But before we journey back, a little confession – I'm absolutely smitten with pink right now, and it all began during this time travel. I found a dusty, delicate silk scarf in the deepest recesses of an old theatre wardrobe in London, a faded, blush-pink colour, so exquisitely beautiful, it took my breath away. My dear friends, I know what you're thinking...Pink! Is it ever not on my mind? Absolutely! But sometimes a little something just inspires a feeling that's impossible to ignore. Now back to my enchanting 1690s…
A Glimpse into Ballet History:
Imagine strolling through the streets of Paris, my dear friends. Can you see the exquisite cobblestone lanes and hear the lively chatter of Parisians? Now picture the grandeur of the royal court, where Louis XIV, the "Sun King", reigned supreme. This was a period when dance was not only an art but a courtly ritual, reflecting power, refinement, and social stature.
On this particular day in history, the 1st of January 1692, ballet performances were not something you would have stumbled upon easily. They were still very much associated with the royal courts, performances intended to entertain and dazzle the privileged. It was in this opulent setting, amidst elaborate costumes and elaborate gestures, that ballet was taking its first, tentative steps towards the art form we know and adore today.
Imagine stepping into a dimly lit hall, where elegant figures in luxurious costumes gracefully move across a beautifully decorated stage, their movements slow and stately. It's not exactly the athletic and acrobatic artistry of modern ballet, yet there's something utterly captivating about its dignified grandeur.
Adventures in the Past:
While my own "pink tutu" wouldn't quite be in keeping with the dress code back in the 1690s (although I'm sure I'd find a way to make it work!), Magic Meg and I went exploring this historical wonderland. We visited the Opéra Garnier, where, a few centuries later, ballet giants like Pavlova and Nijinsky would set the stage ablaze. In 1692, it wasn't the opulent theatre we know today, but rather a wooden, open-air stage in the Tuileries Garden – a perfect spot to see the ballet while basking in the fresh air and sunlight!
Speaking of sunlight, wouldn't it have been amazing to see those ladies in their flowing gowns, perhaps with elaborate head-dresses of ribbons and flowers, their dance steps delicate, almost a form of courtly ritual? I have it in my mind to sew myself a dress just like they wore, only in a slightly bolder shade of pink, perhaps. Just a thought…
Ballet Inspiration from the Past:
Our journey back in time left me with a deeper appreciation for the foundation of ballet. Those graceful dancers, with their restrained yet elegant moves, remind us that the essence of this art form has always been about beauty, storytelling, and evoking emotion. The movements were about more than just athletic prowess, but also about conveying character and emotions.
From the elegant dances in the royal courts to the quieter forms of storytelling that started to blossom, 1692 holds a fascinating and significant moment in the evolution of ballet. I even managed to score some incredibly valuable vintage ballet sketches in a hidden attic! I think it's time I added these to my personal ballet history collection.
And now, as Magic Meg snorts happily at my side, I must confess - my travels in 1692 ignited a flame for the history of ballet. You might even catch me adding a bit of a historical flair to my next performance, with a touch of courtly grace and a nod to the past. After all, my dears, fashion and ballet are all about timeless beauty!
Join me again next month, where we'll take on another ballet adventure, maybe even stepping into the shoes (or slippers) of a bygone era.
Until then, remember to keep those tutus twirling! And do share your thoughts! I’m absolutely dying to hear from all you pink tutu aficionados about your favourite historical ballet moments.
And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all things pink, beautiful and sparkly!
Yours in dance,
Emma
PS: If you want to see how far we’ve come since 1692, why not visit your local ballet company? I'd love to hear about your experiences and favorite ballet shows. Tell me everything, from the gorgeous costumes and choreography, to the dancers' breathtaking leaps and spins! Don't be shy, darling, let’s make ballet a universal language of dance!
