Post Number 460: www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darling dears! It's Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, back with another fabulous voyage through the magical world of ballet. This month, we're skipping back to the 4th of April in the year 1699, and believe me, this date has some serious ballet buzz! ✨
As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg - a dazzling pink Shire with golden hooves and a flowing mane of white - was ready for adventure. My pink leather rucksack was packed with a fresh pink tutu and plenty of space for treasures I might find in the time period. Oh, and my camera, of course! I couldn't possibly forget my camera! It's vital for capturing those historical moments for all of you to enjoy.
As we galloped through time, I felt that familiar twirl of excitement. I always love delving into ballet's rich history, and today promised to be a truly special day.
Landing with a gentle plop in the bustling streets of London, I was instantly drawn to a lavish carriage. The sound of harpsichord music drifted from within. And, imagine my joy, when I discovered the coach contained none other than King William III and Queen Mary II, heading for a special performance at the Theatre Royal. I just knew this was going to be something extraordinary!
Now, dear readers, the theatre world back in 1699 wasn't quite as focused on ballet as it is today. Ballet was considered a form of courtly entertainment and, luckily for me, I found myself swept up in the extravagance.
It seems John Weaver (one of England's most celebrated dancers and choreographers at the time) had devised a dazzling ballet called "The Judgement of Paris". It featured a full cast, costumes glittering with gemstones, and sets inspired by ancient mythology. Just picture it! Paris standing before Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena, choosing the goddess with the golden apple. Such divine inspiration, and what an incredible spectacle it must have been!
Though I couldn't find a photograph of the original production, I was able to gather enough details about the performance and the costumes to paint my own scene. I'm adding a watercolour sketch of it to my blog, I hope you like it!
And speaking of costumes, can we just marvel at the evolution of ballet fashion? Those 17th-century dancers wore outfits so different from our modern tutus. Imagine billowing silks, brocades, and intricate ribbons, all inspired by the opulence of the French court. It makes you realise how our ballerina looks have changed through time! I imagine it took ages to get ready!
To keep this travel blog feeling fresh and upbeat, I’ll just tell you a quick snippet of what I’ve been learning in my classes lately - I’ve discovered that the development of pointe shoes actually dates back to the late 18th century! They were called "chaussons" and the technique of "en pointe" gradually became integrated into the repertoire. It wasn't until the mid-19th century, however, that shoes like we know them today were developed by Marie Taglioni, one of the most celebrated dancers of her era. Isn’t it wonderful to know all these wonderful tales of our dance heritage!
I know that you readers adore a good dose of historical fashion, and as a dedicated lover of all things ballet and pink, I simply couldn’t leave London without a quick peek into the world of 1699 fashion! Now, I understand this was a time when gentlemen would be seen sporting their fancy powdered wigs, and the ladies would be adorned with beautiful silken gowns, embellished with delicate lace and intricate beadwork. So imagine my delight, I was able to find a darling little pink satin shoe with a jeweled buckle, it’s absolutely adorable and will be gracing my shoe shelf. I'm just loving those details, it gives me such great ideas for new outfit inspiration for my pink tutu!
You know, the 4th of April 1699 reminds us that ballet is a story, a living, breathing art form that has constantly evolved through the centuries. From its beginnings as a form of court entertainment to its development into the sophisticated dance form we cherish today. This historical journey makes me excited to explore and discover even more!
Before I head back to my time, I want to leave you with this thought - do you dream of travelling through time like me, wearing your own fabulous pink tutu and discovering ballet history for yourself? Then, darling, go for it! Remember, the journey of a thousand leaps begins with a single pirouette.
Keep your tutu-spinning and I'll see you all again next month for more fabulous pink adventures in ballet!
Lots of love,
Emma
PS. If you want to explore this time period more deeply, here are some ballet-related links that might tickle your fancy:
- John Weaver - The Choreographer
- "The Judgement of Paris" - The Ballet
- Marie Taglioni - A Ballet Star of the 19th Century
- The Evolution of Pointe Shoes - From the 18th Century Onwards
