Hello, my dearest fellow ballet lovers! Welcome back to another adventure in time travel, and welcome especially to any new readers. For those who don’t know me, I’m Emma, a ballet enthusiast from Derbyshire who just loves a bit of pink! As a dancer, and most importantly a pink tutu enthusiast, my heart is completely stolen by this captivating art form. I believe the tutu is more than a piece of clothing, it's a symbol of grace, artistry, and of course, fabulousness!
But today, we're not just here to talk tutus. We're going to dive into a historical moment: the 3rd of March 1697! Buckle up, because I’ve got a real treat for you.
This month, Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire horse with those incredible golden hooves and majestic white mane and tail, is galloping us straight into the heart of the late 17th century. Picture this: no internet, no YouTube ballet lessons, but people still craved beautiful artistry. And boy, was there something exciting happening in the world of ballet!
It’s hard to believe now, but back in 1697, there wasn’t a grand and elegant stage, with beautiful costumes and sets for the world of ballet to take hold in. The ballet world was just beginning its journey and dancers would find themselves performing in palaces or courtly spaces. The most renowned ballet of that time was 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour'. Just imagine - the drama, the costumes, and of course, the dance, all in a courtly setting, with members of royalty in the audience! What a magical experience that must have been!
As we arrive in 1697, a grand palace seems like the ideal setting, its opulent décor making my little heart flutter. In my rucksack, (a gorgeous, blush pink leather number I found in an antique shop), I’ve got my notebooks, sketch pad, and of course, a small ballet practice outfit just in case I get the chance to learn some moves from the dancing masters. You know how I love a little twirl, even when we're traveling through time.
But back to 1697. A real buzz is in the air as the world waits for Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, to see the grand spectacle of 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour'! In France, a grand palace ballet 'Ballet Royal', inspired by 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour', will also be making its debut. I’m particularly excited for this one. You see, this performance features the legendary ballerina, Mademoiselle Camargo! My ballet hero! Just thinking about her makes my pointe shoes quiver with excitement. Imagine! Her grace, her style, her passion – I wish I could see her dance.
I already see myself gracefully slipping into the palace for the event, my pink tutu adding a splash of color to the scene, and me sketching in my notebook the elaborate, intricate costumes that are sure to be featured.
While some dancers were honing their craft in palatial halls, other movements were emerging across Europe. Even though dance as we know it was only starting to bloom, I can’t help but feel connected to this beautiful history, to these artists, dancers, and creators.
Now, I hear you, dear readers, you're saying “But Emma, no internet, no ballet schools in 1697? How are we going to experience the ballet then?” Don't fret, my darling tutu-lovers, there are ways to capture the essence of ballet history even in the absence of modern technologies!
As a dedicated ballet historian, I’ve managed to acquire a beautiful, rare first edition book featuring illustrations and information about the dance styles and courtly events of the time. What a joy to sit with this treasure and dive deep into the details! You see, every little detail tells a story, and even without YouTube, there are still incredible resources to learn and grow. Just imagine reading a first edition book – you’re almost touching the very hands that held this information so long ago. And this book is a beautiful blend of words and images that gives us a vivid picture of the ballet in 1697!
But of course, it wouldn't be a time travel trip without shopping for the latest fashion! Oh my dear, in 1697, the clothes were absolute dreams! Imagine layers upon layers of beautiful silk fabrics, adorned with lace and sparkling embellishments. Think puffy skirts, elegant sleeves, and an air of refined femininity that was truly beautiful.
For me, however, the ballet costumes of this period hold the true allure. While tutus haven’t become a mainstream wardrobe staple quite yet, I can imagine the incredible fabrics and shapes used in these early days, their craftsmanship capturing an elegance and beauty that still speaks to us today! It’s all in the details, my friends! Even without modern tutu designs, I’m picturing intricate detailing, fabrics chosen for their sheen and movement, and I know, even in 1697, dancers were probably just as enthralled with what made their outfits stand out!
And what about dance lessons? In 1697, dance masters were working hard to ensure their pupils were ready to impress. In fact, there are mentions of "ballets for the benefit of learning", meaning students were already taking classes. That’s amazing, my tutu lovers! The dedication and love for this art form is evident even in those early days.
While the 1697 world may not have had tutus in their modern form, that's what I am here for, you see? As I travel the time streams I like to bring my pink tutu to the attention of the historical figures. I'll be dropping a tutu on someone, just to show them that I've been through time and they can experience a bit of my ballet fashion magic. Maybe one day I’ll be able to take Magic Meg back to 1697 and show off some of my dance moves - now wouldn't that be something?
Of course, no adventure is complete without a grand finale! I hope you are as captivated as I am by this period in ballet history, as we uncover stories of the past and share the passion for this enchanting world with you. Remember, whether it's 1697 or today, the world of ballet is bursting with magic and creativity. And maybe, just maybe, one day everyone will wear a pink tutu. It would certainly be a much more fabulous world!
Until next time, my lovely readers, happy twirling, and keep spreading the ballet love!
See you next month for another thrilling pink tutu time travel adventure, my dear ballet devotees. For all the latest, be sure to visit the official website of pink-tutu.com. There, you will find blogs, a gallery of pictures from my time travel adventures and even the schedule for my upcoming performances that fund my time travel adventures! Don't forget to follow my page on Insta for even more pink tutu inspired pics!
