Hello, my darling dance-loving dears! It's Emma here, back with another scintillating escapade through the wondrous world of ballet history! This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, and I are whisking back to a time where courtly grandeur met graceful steps – September 9th, 1698!
Now, you might think this date isn't exactly overflowing with ballet-related buzz. Think again! It's the year 1698, after all – the time of elegant courtiers, bustling London streets, and of course, a ballet revolution brewing in the French court.
Let me take you back, darling, to that oh-so-glamorous Parisian world. The Sun King, Louis XIV, the very epitome of regal sophistication, was deeply enamoured with dance. His court was a symphony of dazzling performances, extravagant costumes, and, let's be honest, some absolutely groundbreaking ballet movements! Can you imagine a royal court where everyone – from the King to the court jester – knows the steps of a perfectly executed bourrée? I simply swoon at the thought!
Tutus on the Time Machine: My Outfit for the Occasion!
Now, this is a look that speaks of "courtly elegance meets ballet romance," darling! It's not the frills and ruffles of Louis XIV's court, but I did borrow some inspiration! My tutu for this trip is a luscious shade of dusty rose, evoking the rich tapestries and floral embroidery that adorned that era's gowns. I've layered a silken, emerald green camisole beneath, giving a nod to the colour palette that dominated royal attire, and topped it with a tailored, lace-edged jacket, which is, dare I say, a little avant garde for 1698, but you can never have too much sophistication, right? To add a touch of that exquisite French charm, I've swept my hair up in a neat chignon, pinned with a shimmering pearl and pearl-trimmed, velvet ribbon. Don't forget my favourite trusty boots – always a ballerina's must-have for traversing through time, both chic and comfy!
My Backpacking Ballet Odyssey!
Just like a modern-day Marie Antoinette with a passion for ballet history, I always travel with my trusty leather rucksack! Today, I'm on the hunt for a little gem: a manuscript from a legendary choreographer of the era, Pierre Beauchamp. Imagine! A piece of history detailing ballet techniques and routines! The joy! It’s also the perfect time to snag some silk and lace snippets, maybe even some gorgeous velvet scraps for inspiration! (Did I mention how obsessed I am with materials?!) And, of course, I can't leave without adding a few fascinating tidbits about this glorious period of dance history for my beloved blog.
Magic Meg, My Pink-Shire Wonder
Speaking of my beloved companion, I just have to gush about Magic Meg. The sparkle on her coat! Oh my, the glittering effect of her golden hooves against those cobbles! Honestly, you'd never guess a pink Shire could be so time-travelling! She's always so calm and patient, and I love how she sniffs every rosebush we pass, as if to say, "Emma, just smell the beauty of history."
London's Dance Buzz - Not quite like Covent Garden yet...
While London in 1698 wasn't exactly the ballet haven it would later become, it had its own unique rhythm! Covent Garden itself wouldn’t see its ballet stage until much later, but theatres were filled with other forms of dance - masques, playhouse productions with dancing, and perhaps some of those early ballet companies finding their footing. Imagine, stepping into one of those old playhouses, the audience mesmerised by graceful movements under candlelight! I wouldn’t mind experiencing that first-hand!
Back in the World of Fashion
A ballet fanatic like me, simply has to soak in the sartorial elegance of the era, don't you agree? The elaborate costumes worn in the theatre! Imagine intricate bodices with delicate lace collars and panniers, gowns with layers of rich fabrics and lavish trims, the opulence! Even the men wore such splendid outfits! Velvet and satin! It was almost too much for this lover of all things frilly and glamorous. And you simply must remember, it was all about those dances! Those elegant curtsy's, graceful movements, all culminating into such an exhilarating spectacle.
My Ballet Bucket List: Adding New Items
While exploring 1698, I just had to add a few items to my ballet bucket list. Seeing a commedia dell’arte performance with its blend of acting, dancing, and slapstick would be delightful, don't you think? I even dreamed of visiting a masquerade ball in the style of the time. Just picture it – masked dancers twirling beneath glittering chandeliers, their outfits whispering tales of romance and intrigue – that is my idea of pure magic.
From Tutu Dreams to Reality: My Final Thoughts
Even though my ballet heart skipped a beat for the elegance of the Parisian court, there’s nothing quite like the electrifying energy of a live performance, in any time period, from 1698 to our present day! The artistry, the emotions, the beauty - it's all wrapped up in the captivating world of ballet.
Oh, darling! You'd be delighted to know that I've added some truly gorgeous swatches of velvet and lace to my rucksack – a little reminder of my 1698 ballet escapades. Don’t forget, you can keep up with my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com, where you can join me every month on a new time-traveling ballet expedition!
Until next month, may your pirouettes be perfect, your arabesques graceful, and your tutu always a stunning shade of pink!
**XOXO,
Emma**
