Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, and it's time for another monthly dose of history and haute couture!
This month, we're skipping back to 2nd February 1697. Hold onto your tiaras, my lovelies, because we're stepping into a time when powdered wigs, silk stockings, and the beginnings of a grand new dance form are taking the world by storm!
Now, you know how I adore a bit of history, and what better way to explore the past than by leaping into it astride my magnificent pink sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg? She's got golden hooves, a snow-white mane and tail, and just the most elegant trot you ever did see - perfect for time-travelling ballerina style, don't you think?
Where To In 1697?
Today's adventure is a tad different, darlings! We're not just going to watch a ballet, we're going to see something even more special: the beginning of the balletic revolution! Remember that glorious invention, the proscenium arch, a beautiful gateway framing the world of dance and drama? Well, this is where it truly came into its own! In 1697, the Palais Royal Theatre in Paris opened its doors with a stunning spectacle of theatre and music, ushering in a whole new era of performance and delight.
Imagine, my lovelies, a magnificent theatre, all silks and gold, a setting worthy of the most exquisite of dances! We’re not quite to the height of our beloved tutus yet, but the seeds are sown. Imagine, a time of high drama, powdered wigs and an audience so dressed to the nines that even the men wore diamonds! Now that’s fashion I can get behind. And while the dances might be different to what we’re used to, they’re the early, early forms of what will become ballet as we know it. Just imagine, we're seeing the first sparks of our beloved art form!
Bagging Those Ballet Treasures!
Speaking of history, you know I can’t resist a bit of souvenir hunting. I'm carrying my leather rucksack, ready to gather any treasures from this era - sketches of dancers, snippets of music, a lock of hair from a Parisian aristocrat perhaps - anything that speaks of the early days of dance. You can bet my blog will be bursting with stories of this amazing period when dance truly came into its own.
A Fashion Flashback!
Oh my darling readers, the fashion is truly something else. Imagine, beautiful, extravagant gowns, all silks and satins. A world away from our contemporary ballerina attire, but fascinating nonetheless. I must confess, though, I wouldn't swap my pink tutu for anything! The colours of the past were very muted in comparison. We certainly bring a splash of fabulous to these old-time adventures.
Dancing Into the Future!
As I sit here writing, sipping my English Breakfast tea, I just feel so excited for this next adventure! I have a hunch this period in time will be brimming with inspirational stories and glimpses of the evolution of dance. Remember, dear ones, this is what ballet is all about - evolving, growing, always finding new ways to express joy, grace, and stories through movement. I just know this trip will inspire me, and you know what that means? New content for you all!
Until next time, my lovelies,
Stay pink!
Yours,
Emma 💕
And Now, For A Little Look at The Past…
What's Going On In the World of Dance on 2nd February 1697
The ballet scene in 1697 was about to get a huge shake-up! We’re still quite some way off from the ‘golden age of ballet’ in the 19th century but, exciting things are brewing! Here's a snippet of what might have been going on:
The Parisian scene: At the Palais Royal Theatre, it's not yet ballet as we know it, more a theatrical extravaganza! Think music, masks, drama, dance – all mixed together in one big spectacle. We might find ballerinas wearing something closer to court dress than what we recognize as ballerina garb.
- Elsewhere: While the Palais Royal was setting the trend for French dance, it’s a fair bet other European courts are holding their own with similar styles of theatrical presentations. You know I adore researching! Maybe even an exciting English version to check out on our next adventure!
Pink Tutu Fashion Tip: If you’re feeling like channeling a touch of 17th-century flair in your wardrobe, think delicate silks and satins in subtle colours with lots of lace trim. Add a bit of glitter and a big pink bow and you’re good to go, darlings! You never know what history might inspire you to wear!
P.S. Don't forget, my lovelies, the more performances I give, the more adventures we can go on! You can check out my tour schedule on the website: www.pink-tutu.com You can also check out the website for upcoming events, exciting news, ballet reviews, and of course, my time travel stories. Every day, my dear readers, I aim to make you smile and embrace the magic of dance!
Don't forget to spread the pink tutu love! 💕🩰
