Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another installment of my time-travelling adventures, and today, we're twirling right back to 1st January 1693! I can almost feel the crisp, winter air against my face as I prepare to gallop through the cobbled streets, my pink tutu swirling around my legs, accompanied by the rhythmic clip-clop of Magic Meg's hooves.
It's been another busy month of ballet. You wouldn't believe the magnificent performance I saw at the Royal Opera House – the choreography was breathtaking! Afterwards, of course, I treated myself to a little retail therapy – a beautiful silk scarf for my hair and a pair of pearl earrings to complement my pink tutu, you see. Speaking of tutus, you should have seen the tutus in the production, truly exquisite! But enough about my adventures, it's time to whisk you all away to 1693.
Imagine a world without "Swan Lake" or "Giselle" – oh the horror! On this day, January 1st 1693, the world of ballet was very different. There wasn't even a specific ballet vocabulary or training methodology. Imagine that - dancing without the 'à la seconde' or 'sissone' jumps we take for granted today! Can you even fathom? The form as we know it, wasn’t yet formalized. However, let me assure you, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t vibrant and intriguing. Ballet's roots were in the elegant and captivating French courts of Louis XIV. And that's where we're going today, darling!
Now, my leather rucksack is ready, brimming with curiosity and my notebook prepared for new stories and insights. Today we're heading for Versailles. There, the Sun King's court danced, and danced they did, my dears! There were masques and ballets and operas – it was a constant swirl of artistic creativity and lavish fashion!
My lovely Magic Meg and I will be heading for the Théâtre de l'Opéra - yes, it's actually the only remaining one of those magnificent theatre buildings that remain from those heady days! Imagine that, my dears – witnessing a real glimpse of the first performance of Le Ballet de l’Opera. My dear reader, if there's one thing I love about time travel, it's experiencing a glimpse of a moment of historical significance like this - the start of ballet as a form we know it today, even if it was in the form of a masque, and I intend to document everything in my journal, naturally!
You see, "Le Ballet de l'Opéra" is much more than just a performance – it's a turning point. The formalisation of dance! A shift from improvised steps and spontaneous stories into structured, disciplined routines and elaborate plots. I am thrilled beyond words to experience this!
After our theatrical adventures, my dear Meg and I shall continue our journey – I imagine strolling through the beautiful gardens of Versailles, catching glimpses of elegant courtiers in extravagant garments, watching children play on sunny days, and catching a glimpse of life at this royal court.
Speaking of courts, you wouldn’t believe the gossip about Madame de Sévigné’s salon - a veritable centre of the Parisian social scene! She was a passionate and enthusiastic dancer and she would bring some of the most celebrated dancers of the time to her gatherings. One can imagine how these occasions were simply full of excitement, stories, laughter, and a certain amount of intrigue too. And I intend to experience it all – and not just be a spectator, dear reader, but to blend in with these fashionable, intriguing, elegant people – perhaps a gentle sway here, a waltz with a gentleman there – a little dabble into this captivating, flamboyant world.
As always, it is not only about dancing. You wouldn't believe the fashion. There was so much talk about this stunning fabric – a very special woven velvet that is called "velvet for the grand court"! Oh my, how I'm already envisioning the intricate embroidery! You see, in this era, ladies and gentlemen of fashion and social standing prided themselves on their intricate garments and exquisite silks. This velvet was truly something else – woven with beautiful threads in colors of the sea and the earth, just to set off a very expensive, elaborate style that defined the very peak of refinement and exclusivity. My dear reader, if you thought about shopping today – you know where my mind is taking me – an absolutely unique garment. Perhaps, a matching head piece - to ensure we stand out as fashionable dancers, of course!
This whole day feels like a very romantic notion. Perhaps there will even be some stories of romance as I enjoy an afternoon sipping lemonade in a local café and chatting with a young French man about love, life, and fashion! Perhaps a passionate romance in the royal gardens by moonlight, who knows?
It is time to set off on our adventure – I have already prepared myself! A pink tutu in the spirit of 1693 is calling. An elaborate satin ballgown to accentuate its simple silhouette is essential – a ribbon with intricate flowers – my favorite pink – to embellish the neck line. Oh! And don't forget about the powdered wig. Imagine – an iconic image for my readers, my darling! So I shall begin my preparations for my first look, for the most luxurious dance in the world of the grand royal court of 1693!
Let me know your questions and requests about our time travels – and make sure to post a comment below about how you like this very unique travel experience, darling.
To a grand dance in 1693,
Emma!
P.S. You can also join me for a virtual trip through time by joining my ballet classes. Check the www.pink-tutu.com for more details – and find us on Instagram!
