Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another enthralling escapade through history. It's time for blog post number 476 â grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's get transported!
This month, Magic Meg and I are jetting back to 1700! Yes, darlings, itâs time for a whirl through the gilded age of the French Court.
You see, August 8th, 1700, was no ordinary day â it marked the marriage of the future Louis XIV's daughter, Marie-Adelaide, to Louis, the Duke of Burgundy! Now, I can hear you thinking: âBut Emma, surely a royal wedding is all pomp and circumstance. Whereâs the ballet?!â Fear not, my dears, for the Court of Versailles was a true ballet-loverâs paradise.
Just imagine it: Imagine a shimmering, opulent palace, echoing with the sounds of harpsichords and violins. Imagine rows of richly adorned courtiers, their eyes glittering with excitement. And then, the dazzling entrance of the young royal couple, accompanied by dancers twirling and leaping, their vibrant costumes painting the stage with joyous colour.
This was, of course, ballet at its grandest â and the royal weddings were its perfect showcase! You see, the Bourbons loved a good ballet â King Louis himself even choreographed and danced in them!
Todayâs post, however, takes us a little further afield from the opulent, courtly ballet. For my latest treasures found within my trusty leather rucksack (stuffed, of course, with sparkling pink ribbons) is the programme of a theatrical performance â a real gem! This little treasure documents a fascinating play, Les Femmes Savantes (The Learned Ladies), written by Molière. Now, I know what youâre thinking â "What about the ballet, Emma?!â â fear not!
As you know, ballet and theatre were inextricably entwined during this time. It wasnât uncommon for performances to have scenes of elegant, beautifully choreographed dance.
This programme is from the HĂ´tel de Bourgogne â the premier theatrical destination of Paris at this time â and features not just actors but some talented dancers who captivated the Parisian audiences of the era! The stage, decorated with stunning backdrops and special effects, would have been an astonishing spectacle. Imagine, for example, dancers stepping onto the stage amidst fireworks and music!
As a real treat for your eyes and ears, Iâve also unearthed a fascinating piece of music from the era - a ballet air for the Lute! Listen carefully, darlings, for the elegance of these notes hints at the graceful moves of dancers of the past.
So, with Magic Meg (all spruced up in her gleaming, pink sparkling Shire coat â a true vision in her royal velvet livery!) whisking me away, itâs a real adventure, tracing the steps of ballet in 1700, as I search for more secrets to reveal for you, dear readers, about this glorious dance form!
Remember, darlings, no matter where in time or place you are, there is always magic waiting to be discovered.
To the wonderful world of pink tutus and ballet!
XOXO
Emma
Pink Tutu Fashion Update:
As ever, the heart of any historical adventure is the fashion! Today, let's chat about 1700s "ballet costumeâ and the fashionable frills that were dancing on stage and adorning the court.
Ladies of the time, and by "ladies", I mean those fortunate to have some wealth, were in for a real fashion frenzy! Think beautiful hoop skirts, those stunning structures made of whalebone and padded fabrics â perfect for that extravagant, flowing, courtly look! Then, picture them topped off with corsets â those oh-so-cinching devices! Of course, all of this required delicate fabrics such as silks, velvets, satins, and luxurious lace. This ensemble was a world away from todayâs lightweight Lycra! Imagine, darling, how constricted they would have felt with those hoops and stays! But hey, theyâd be oh-so-elegant!
Moving to the dance scene, those lucky enough to dance at court would don dazzling costumes adorned with embroidery, bows, sequins, and yes â the pièce de rĂŠsistance - feather plumes! Picture elaborate plumes in delicate hues adorning beautifully shaped dresses. You wouldn't believe the colours these dancing queens donned! Blues, yellows, deep reds â there was truly no end to the palette on show. Don't forget pastel pink! This was already considered an emblem of feminine charm and elegance.
For the Gentleman:
It wouldnât be fair to leave the gents out of the fashion picture. They too sported exquisite apparel, all decked out in opulent velvet breeches and laced doublets. Their elegant powdered wigs (sometimes decorated with feathers) completed the look, while swords and delicate jewelry, a testament to wealth and social status, were part and parcel of the gentleman's attire.
But for the dance, all this had to be ditched. For it wasnât possible to perform a delicate ballet, much less a spirited pirouette in these stiff, restricting costumes! They would instead have danced in silk stockings, with lightweight breeches that gave greater movement. Now, a word to the wise, my dearest readers, it's not just the costumes that dictated a dance's shape. You'd be amazed by the role shoes played in shaping the movement!
Ladies and gentlemen would dance in heeled shoes â in some cases, adorned with jewels and embroidery. Those gorgeous little heeled shoes, though elegant, can really put a twinkle in your step, if you know what I mean!
Of course, the real gem here was the pink tutu! Sadly, darlings, they were yet to emerge â they wouldnât take centre stage until the early nineteenth century. But imagine those swirling hoops, all flowing as dancers performed their elegant figures!
I must confess, as I stood before that gilded palace â with its sweeping gardens and intricate fountains - my heart soared at the thought of being a dancer, all twirling in pink amidst those sumptuous scenes.
Oh, and before I forget, darling, my time in 1700 was also an adventure for my tastebuds! I canât recommend a stop at the Parisian cafĂŠ Le Procope enough, they offer such exquisite sweets â pastries stuffed with fruit and delicate fillings, served with frothy coffees, or warming, spiced teas â a perfect pit-stop after a day spent exploring history!
And, donât forget the pièce de rĂŠsistance of Parisian fashion and dance - the exquisite ballrooms! Oh, they are truly breath-taking, gilded walls gleaming under the flicker of candles. There is just something magical about the energy in those spaces - a whisper of whispers from the countless parties and dancing nights! It truly gives a special dimension to those beautiful choreographies!
Speaking of which, I do hope you can join me for my next trip, darlings â on the 8th of September we are whisking ourselves to the bustling dance halls of the Edwardian era. Weâll be tracing the steps of the Foxtrot and Tango! Itâs a must-see, darlings! So, don't forget to check in at www.pink-tutu.com for more of our magical journey through time!
As always, my dears, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Please leave your ballet history favourites in the comments! I always love reading about your personal recommendations and discovering new gems! Let's get those tutus twirling!
