Hello my fellow tutu-wearers, and welcome back to my blog! This month, Magic Meg, my pink, sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves, took me on a trip right back to the 1700s, to a world that felt so different from our modern dance scene. We journeyed all the way to 10th October, 1701. It’s quite a trek for Meg, but thankfully, she knows how to find her way through time.
Today, I’m in a rather delightful mood because this time, I have a very interesting piece for my rucksack! I spotted a fascinating fashion accessory in a French market - a pair of silk-covered heeled slippers that were just achingly pretty. It appears that fancy footwear has always been a thing!
As you know, my dream is for every single one of us to embrace the fabulousness of a pink tutu. And today’s trip gave me the inspiration for a new mission - to track the origins of ballet shoes! It seems that even in 1701, they had slippers, although these were nowhere near the elegant pointed designs we know and love. Still, the idea that dance is a form of self-expression that requires specific attire, is fascinating, isn’t it?
You know, my journey back to the early 18th century was filled with surprise and joy. The theatre, where ballet had begun to develop into a performance art, was buzzing with excitement. People were so different - with wigs, powdered faces and elaborate dresses. I couldn’t help but stand out in my pink tutu – a bit like a dancing flamingo in a ballroom full of peacocks!
I didn’t really feel comfortable getting involved in any of the performances as the dancing styles were not at all similar to what we do today. The steps were rather complex and often involved a lot of grand movements, but less intricate footwork than what we’re used to in the 21st century. It was a bit like seeing a historical film about the history of ballet – only I was right there in the action!
One particularly memorable event was a performance I saw in the courtyard of a French chateau, a kind of impromptu gathering for the aristocracy. They were fascinated by the sheer spectacle of dance, the costumes, and the sheer spectacle of it all! The choreography, if it could even be called that, consisted of grand and rather graceful gestures. But, there was a definite lack of the athleticism and artistry I am used to, particularly for the ladies. Even with the elaborate, often restrictive outfits, they managed some impressive contortions, so kudos to them for that.
It’s quite the privilege being able to be transported through time to witness these key moments in the evolution of dance! The ballet world was just starting to blossom in 1701. A far cry from the polished world we have today, but all the same, a world that gives me much food for thought and inspiration for my pink-tutu journey.
What has been going on in our ballet world, right here in the 21st century, you ask? Well, on this date in 1701, there was, as far as I can tell, nothing going on – the history books only mentioned the weather. The royal ballet would take several years to form, and for us tutu-wearers to embrace ballet as the artform we love.
Still, for my trip, it was fascinating to step back and witness how much dance has evolved and what a journey it’s been! I find it truly motivating to know how far we’ve come. After all, even in the 18th century, even the gentlemen (although they certainly didn't wear tutus) embraced the theatricality of movement! I found it all rather inspiring!
Remember, my lovely readers, whether you’re on stage or not, the magic of dance, of self-expression, lies within you. Now go out and make your world pink with a little bit of ballet joy, because life’s too short to wear a dull coloured tutu!
Don’t forget to join me again next month, as I continue on this grand ballet adventure through the annals of time!
Your Tutu Time-Traveling Friend, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
