Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, where we hop through history, twirling and leaping our way through the greatest dance moments in time. It’s your girl, Emma, here, ready to whisk you off on a whirlwind adventure.
This month’s journey takes us back to September 9th, 1699 – can you believe it? It was a Wednesday, so we can imagine everyone waking up feeling ready to start the week!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg – you know, that sparkling pink Shire horse with the golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail – was already groomed and gleaming in anticipation. My leather rucksack was packed, ready to gather new stories and trinkets from this fabulous time. As for me? Dressed in my signature pink tulle tutu, feeling like a fluffy, girly pink cloud, I was practically buzzing with excitement!
Let's Talk About the World of Ballet in 1699…
Imagine this: The year 1699. Baroque music is swirling, candlelight flickers over velvet and lace, and the stage is adorned with lavish backdrops depicting mythical gardens or grand palaces. That’s the backdrop to the ballet world at this time. We're still far from the intricate narratives of ballets we know today; however, there's a real spark of theatrical beauty bubbling up!
This period in ballet history was a time of exploration! In 1699, Louis XIV’s reign was nearing its end, yet the King, who adored dance, had played a key role in shaping the ballet world we know today. While some might picture the ballet scene solely in Paris, it was also blossoming in London. We had The Queen’s Theatre, later renamed Drury Lane, churning out dramatic and musical performances, and that was just one of many!
Now, let's take a quick trip across the English Channel and delve into Paris.
Here in 1699, the Académie Royale de Musique (yes, that’s their impressive name!) was a place buzzing with activity. There was a special kind of dance called "le ballet de cour", a fancy courtly dance where the performers wore extravagant costumes and practiced elegant movements, almost like a highly choreographed performance, and those performances often included singing and acting!
* Imagine: a flurry of glittering gowns, elegant poses, and the captivating swirl of powdered wigs! It’s enough to make my tutu want to twirl with excitement.*
A World Beyond Ballet
Remember, we’re not just focused on ballet. We explore the wider world as well!
September 1699 was filled with bustling news: the ongoing War of the Spanish Succession was causing some anxiety in Europe, and news travelled a bit slower than it does today – think months, not minutes! On this day, there was also a book published, a play called The Wandering Jew was enjoying success at The Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London, and in a London paper, there was a little anecdote about a remarkable event in Ireland, where the inhabitants, thanks to heavy rain, couldn't get across the river, a fact mentioned alongside a piece about London's recent theatrical performances! It’s a fascinating window into the world of 1699, and that’s why I love time travel so much, discovering these tiny pieces of history!
* Now, let's delve deeper into this day.*
Imagine the streets of Paris, or even London, with their cobbled pathways, charming cafes and grand buildings, all under the blue, cloudless September sky. How lovely it must have been to be able to stroll around such a scene wearing a long, flowing gown! A dream, I'm sure you'd agree.
A Fashionable Trip
The ballet world has always been synonymous with beautiful and captivating fashion! As I strolled around in my pink tutu, I could just imagine all the amazing clothes that I might discover. Imagine swirling gowns with panniers, the frills and lace of the time! Perhaps a velvet waistcoat here and a glittering pendant there - it truly is a magical world for a fashionista!
* And remember, my dear ballet enthusiasts,* the costumes back then weren't exactly the comfy leggings we're used to now! Back then, the ballerinas were sporting elaborate, layered dresses that might take a small army to put on and take off! But then again, there was something so enchanting about the romance of those times – I must confess, it did make me wish I had a sparkling dress from the period in my closet, right now, wouldn’t that be lovely?
The Importance of Ballet History
My aim, you see, is to inspire everyone to embrace their own pink tutu. Whether it's actually pink or not! That’s why I’m sharing these time travel stories. Because they’re full of beautiful memories, inspiring characters, and remarkable movements, just like the dancing I adore.
I want to spread the magic of ballet everywhere, and I know this history inspires us. By embracing those dance legacies from centuries ago, we’re embracing the heart of our dance community, our past, and ourselves!
I’m off, darlings, to gather some ballet goodies in my rucksack. It’s been such a pleasure traveling back to the past with you, and I can’t wait to see what adventures await us next!
Don't forget to visit *www.pink-tutu.com to join our monthly adventures through ballet history! And remember, if you ever find a sparkling pink tutu, just grab it with all your heart!*
Lots of love and a sprinkle of pixie dust, Emma
Post No. 465
* Pink-Tutu.com - Embracing Your Inner Ballerina!*
*P.S. *I'd love to hear your thoughts on this journey, especially any favorite ballet facts you've discovered about this period! Share your comments below, and remember: A pink tutu brings joy to the world!
