Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another fabulous era! This month, Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink-sparkling Shire horse with the golden hooves and flowing mane, has galloped us back to a time when powdered wigs were all the rage and the sun king reigned supreme… the year 1701!
As always, I packed my trusty leather rucksack, ready to collect precious ballet history treasures. But first, a stop at my favourite spot – the world of fashion! And what a treat it was! Imagine, ladies, corsets so tight you could barely breathe, and gowns so enormous you needed a team of servants just to bustle them.
While I wouldn’t recommend tightlacing for daily wear, the elegance and grandeur of the court attire certainly sparked some ideas for my tutu designs! Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be twirling in a frilled silk skirt with a matching feathered headdress, courtesy of the 18th century. Just picture it!
Now, on to ballet! You wouldn’t believe it, but even back in 1701, ballet was a hit! The French were already making their mark on the world of dance, and everyone was in a whirl about it.
Fancy footwork? Check! Elaborate costumes? Double check! A touch of the theatrical, mixed with royal court glamour? You bet!
This era saw the emergence of Ballet Comique de la Reine, the very first ballet to include a full storyline, set to music. This grand, lavish spectacle held court at the Château de Fontainebleau, right before the King of France’s grand birthday!
Just imagine the excitement! All of the French aristocracy was present, adorned in their most exquisite garments, ready to witness a dazzling spectacle of dance, song, and costumes. Imagine dancing under the gaze of the Sun King, Louis XIV himself!
Now, picture me, in my own shimmering pink tutu, arriving in a swirling cloud of fabric. Just as I imagined it, wouldn't it be amazing? It's what every ballet-lover dreams of – dancing before royalty, capturing the essence of an era!
Speaking of which, let me take you back to this particular day.
I dismounted Magic Meg at the edge of a sprawling estate, nestled amongst rolling green hills. The air was crisp and fresh, and I could smell the fragrant scent of blooming wildflowers, carried on the gentle breeze.
As we approached the main gates, the sight before me stopped me in my tracks. Imagine, my darlings, a grand building, majestic in its proportions, with soaring towers and delicate carvings adorning every corner!
Oh, the stories that building held, secrets whispering from the past!
My heart skipped a beat! It was the very Chateau de Fontainebleau, where the royal family were already gearing up for King Louis XIV’s birthday celebration! I quickly donned a flowing silk shawl – a perfect balance of practicality and chic – and carefully tucked it into my leather rucksack, just in case!
Entering the château was an enchanting experience. I could feel the whispers of history swirling around me. As I strolled through grand hallways, I admired ornate frescoes on the ceilings, intricate tapestries decorating the walls, and crystal chandeliers glittering like stars in the late afternoon sun. My imagination took flight!
I knew the King loved the arts, and ballet especially. So I felt it was imperative I witness this momentous occasion. What was life like at the royal court? Was everyone just as enamoured by ballet as I was? Was there a dedicated space for dancing within these very walls? I felt the secrets were waiting to be unearthed.
The Grand Hall was where I discovered the secret magic of the court! All eyes were glued to the elegant dancers, their movements graceful, their costumes adorned with an intricate artistry that whispered of a rich cultural heritage. I could have stayed for hours watching, enthralled by every delicate gesture, every precise step, every pirouette that swirled through the air. And guess what, I wasn’t disappointed!
My notebook overflowed with notes, sketching furiously, recording each observation as I was transfixed. The performance captured the very essence of the era! The costumes! I envisioned myself in a swirling sea of vibrant fabrics and shimmering jewels. The music! My mind already raced, imagining the melodies translated into the melodic language of modern ballet, but imbued with the rich tapestry of history. The dance moves themselves! While seemingly graceful, I recognized hints of the very moves I see in ballet schools today! I learned about the elegance, the posture, the techniques – a foundation laid, to be developed upon, centuries later. What an exciting historical ballet performance to see!
What a treasure trove of information my rucksack now contained. Oh, the stories I would have to share, when I returned to the 21st century! I imagined telling my fellow ballet-lovers back in Derbyshire about these dance innovations. I already had the first chapters of my new ballet fashion designs ready, my mind a swirling ball of color and imagination!
Time flew by! Before I knew it, the evening drew to a close. As I stepped outside, a moonlit sky glittered above, a celestial ballet of stars shimmering in the velvet darkness. My mind stilled and my spirit felt nourished. It was a night of royal charm, cultural magnificence, and artistic triumph. It was a journey through time, a window into a bygone era! The journey home felt as magical as my destination.
Now, for those of you who might be feeling inspired, here's some insider info from the world of ballet, direct from 1701:
On the ballet scene this week, April 4th, 1701:
- The debut of Ballet Comique de la Reine at Chateau de Fontainebleau - a truly memorable moment for dance lovers of the era!
- The king himself! King Louis XIV of France is the undisputed patron of ballet and his birthday celebration is always the most anticipated ballet event. He even performed on stage during his younger years, what an inspiring monarch!
I encourage you to watch some of the Ballet Comique de la Reine if you can find them online. Look out for the elaborate sets, elaborate costumes, and fascinating stories. Don't forget your pink tutu and sparkly pink horseshoes as you learn more about the era! I promise, it will spark your creativity! Until next month, my loves, happy dancing! 🩰✨
And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, where I share all of my ballet adventures!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo
