Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another amazing ballet adventure! Today, we're stepping back in time to the glorious year of 1693, and as usual, I'm absolutely thrilled to be sharing this experience with you all.
This month's journey found me back in my trusty saddle, Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink sparkling shire horse. Meg’s coat gleams like a thousand pink gemstones, and with her white mane and tail, she truly is a vision of equine elegance.
And you know me – I love a bit of glitz and glam! A pink tutu always elevates my mood, and this journey wouldn't be complete without my trusty companion, my fabulous fuchsia feather boa, fluttering gloriously as Meg and I galooped through time. I am hoping that one day everyone will own a pink tutu. Perhaps then I could create my very own fashion collection!
Ballet in the Year 1693: A Little Different from Today...
Landing softly in the charming countryside, the air was fresh and full of birdsong. This was a long way from my Derbyshire home, I can tell you, and everything felt so quaint, as though from a book. We’ve all heard of "Ballet in the time of the French court", right? But did you know that by 1693, the dancing craze was in full swing across Europe, from grand Parisian balls to the rustic courts of the Italian Renaissance. My heart already leaped with anticipation. Imagine: Ballet in the year 1693! This had the makings of an epic pink tutu-powered time travel adventure, so let's hop into our ballet slippers, darlings, and get ready for some extraordinary stories!
Louis XIV and the Dawn of French Ballet
Speaking of Parisian grandeur, 1693 was all about Louis XIV, “the Sun King,” as he was affectionately known. Louis XIV, oh how I adore his flamboyant, exquisite style! In his lavish courts, dancing became not only an art but a necessity for the upper crust, a symbol of sophistication and grace. Ballet, with its intricate steps and dramatic choreography, was an undeniable spectacle, adored by both aristocrats and commoners alike. The dancers were like a magnificent flurry of tulle, satin and glitter – pure enchantment!
This wasn't like our ballet today though, with those gorgeous graceful, sweeping moves that I absolutely love to do and teach! It was very different back then, more formal and courtly. They’d all dance in fancy costumes, holding hands in intricate formations, telling stories through the movements of their bodies and faces. And there was a huge focus on the use of facial expressions, as their dancing skills were largely hidden by their very full attire, long gowns with panniers and the like!
What was being danced on that fateful day in 1693?
Imagine: the 5th of May in 1693 – The Paris Opera, a majestic and magnificent theatre, lit up with candles and glowing with excitement. The air is alive with the rustle of silks and the chatter of an enthusiastic audience.
The performers were getting ready for a performance of Lully's Atys. It was a story about Atys, a young shepherd who was smitten with the Goddess Cybele. What a fabulously dramatic plot! And no doubt they wore magnificent costumes - full of feathers and embroidery! I bet they had some seriously grand powdered wigs too! Just imagine!
Exploring the World of 1693: From the Dance Floor to My Rucksack!
The crowds of that day were thrilled with Atys, and it is little wonder, what an enchanting performance it must have been! Of course, I had to grab myself a souvenir, I slipped my way through the eager crowds, discreetly of course! My leather rucksack bulged with fascinating discoveries - a torn piece of fabric, probably from someone's exquisite dress, and a worn but beautiful sketch, likely of the performers in their magnificent attire.
I cannot wait to return to my studio at home, to pour over these finds and recreate the era in all its wonderful historical details, using the fabrics I collect and using my vintage ballet sewing skills!
Remember to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com and read all about this wonderful adventure, I hope it sparks your passion for history just as it sparks mine! Until next month, I bid you farewell from my pink wonderland. Dance your heart out, my dear lovelies, and remember to always embrace the power of a pink tutu!
Lots of love and pinkest wishes,
Emma 💖
