Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident time-traveling ballerina, back with another blog post brimming with the joy of ballet! This month, Magic Meg and I took a magnificent trip back to 11th November, 1694, a date which, believe it or not, holds some seriously lovely ballet connections! So buckle up your tutus and grab a cuppa, we're about to embark on a thrilling journey back through time!
I know, I know - the idea of 1694 might conjure images of dusty tomes and rigid social rules. But fear not, my dears! Back then, ballet was flourishing and that, my friends, is a reason to celebrate. Imagine my joy when I found myself whisking through the bustling streets of Paris! (Of course, Magic Meg was wearing her most fabulous pink-and-sparkle bridle for the occasion!) Our destination? The Paris Opera House!
Can you believe that the year was still fairly early in the history of this iconic theatre? It was the age of King Louis XIV, the Sun King, a fervent ballet enthusiast.
Now, a lot of people think ballet started in France, but its roots reach even deeper! The truth is that ballet first sprang into life during the Renaissance, evolving from royal court dances and elaborate masquerade balls. Italy's influence on French ballet is undeniable. Think Le Ballet comique de la Reine - a majestic theatrical masterpiece with all the extravagant costumes and fantastical sets you could dream of. It even included, prepare yourself, real animals! Imagine tigers strutting across the stage! The influence of Italy on French ballet was like a dazzling kaleidoscope, throwing light on all the aspects that made the art form such a triumph.
And then there's L'Amour victorieux, another phenomenal ballet masterpiece from this time. With the iconic King Louis XIV playing the part of the triumphant hero, these performances brought ballet right into the spotlight! He wasn’t afraid to showcase his skill and style, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy!
Ballet in Paris during this era wasn't just about the elite. The Paris Opera was already an exhilarating hub of creativity, where dance emerged from its royal beginnings and blossomed into an art form accessible to many.
The music! Just imagining the incredible sounds swirling within the walls of the Opera House makes me swoon! Baroque music, bursting with drama and emotion, was a perfect companion to the choreography, bringing life to every step. Imagine composers like Lully, Corelli, and Couperin contributing to the majestic atmosphere.
You might be thinking, "What were they wearing, Emma?" Well, ballet dancers in this era, mostly men, embraced intricate, theatrical costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and luxurious fabrics. You wouldn't see a tutu as we know it today, but they wore fitted tunics, short breeches, and even pantaloons! All this topped off with plumed hats!
I spent hours soaking up the energy and the excitement of this golden age of French ballet, imagining all the emotions and stories expressed through their graceful movements! My dear Meg even found a discarded feather from a performer's hat – it's now proudly displayed on my ballet bookshelf at home in Derbyshire!
I am absolutely filled with the joy of it all - these early ballets weren’t just about entertaining, they were about sharing narratives, celebrating life, and showcasing the power of artistic expression. That’s what I love so much about this art form! And even though tutus hadn’t yet taken centre stage, just imagine - it wasn’t long before dancers started wearing more fluid skirts, opening the way for the wonderful tutus we cherish today!
Now, remember I mentioned collecting stories from each of my time-travel expeditions? My rucksack is bursting with fascinating discoveries! I unearthed an interesting story from the Court of Louis XIV about a remarkable ballerina who rose to become a respected choreographer. Marie-Therese de Subligny, an incredibly talented ballerina who wasn’t afraid to challenge conventions! I discovered that, unlike some of her fellow performers, she was actually very focused on dance technique and sought to develop ballet beyond just theatrical performances! Can you believe that? Imagine being a woman who could move and teach such a demanding art form back then! Marie-Therese, what an inspiration!
And what about you, dear readers? Where are your favourite places to find the spirit of early ballet? Is it in the intricate movements of Swan Lake, the power of La Bayadère, or even the stories woven into ballets like Coppelia and Giselle? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!
In the meantime, let’s celebrate the remarkable power of ballet - a timeless art that continues to captivate us and take us on the most extraordinary journeys.
*As for me, I’m already dreaming of my next time-travel adventure! But for now, keep twirling, darling readers, and remember, *there’s a pink tutu waiting for everyone! * *
Until next time, Emma xxx
P.S: Don’t forget to check out the lovely range of pink tutu-inspired goodies in the Pink-Tutu Shop on my website www.pink-tutu.com There are the most wonderful things - ballet-inspired tote bags, jewellery, and even the softest cashmere tutus to keep you cosy on your ballet adventures!
