Hey ballerinas, it's Emma here, back from another exciting journey through time, and believe me, this one was truly a gem! Today we're skipping back to December 12th, 1701, and wouldn't you know it, it's the day that ballet really started to take centre stage on the world's grandest dance floor! As always, I packed my trusty leather rucksack, grabbed my darling Meg, the most majestic pink-sparkling shire horse you could ever imagine (with those golden hooves and that magnificent white mane and tail!) and off we trotted, ready to capture some seriously glamorous history!
Now, you see, dear readers, while the foundations of ballet were already in motion back in the Renaissance, the real shift happened right here in 1701. Picture it: a Parisian theatre brimming with opulence and excitement, the air filled with the delicious whispers of silk and the intoxicating aroma of lavender and sandalwood perfume. It was a world away from the quaint ballet classes I love so much back in Derbyshire, but oh, the spirit of dance was undeniable!
In that shimmering theatre, a man named Jean-Baptiste Lully was creating a ballet-opera masterpiece! L'Amour malade - The Lovesick, it was called. Now, you wouldn't have caught me in anything but a perfectly fluffy pink tutu (although slightly more subdued for this time period, naturally!), swirling and pirouetting with the graceful ladies on the stage. Ballet was more than just steps back then, my darlings. It was a spectacle! It was drama! And it was fashion, my goodness, the fashion! Imagine flowing satin, shimmering lace, and elaborate powdered wigs adorned with plumes and sparkling gems – it was the absolute dream for a ballerina with a penchant for a fabulous spectacle!
And wouldn't you know it, just when I was admiring the beauty of those embroidered silk costumes, I stumbled upon the story of Mademoiselle Camargo, a real ballet superstar back in this period! She was known for her daring leaps and quick, intricate steps – and you know what else she did? She took to the stage in a revolutionary short skirt! Talk about a trailblazing lady! It sparked controversy, darling, but for me, it's proof that those passionate women of the past knew the importance of letting their legs shine!
I was in the audience, dancing in my heart and taking mental notes for my future ballet choreographies, you see, it was a complete treat to experience this revolutionary moment firsthand. This era marked the beginning of the Ballet d'action, where ballet began telling stories, just like a play, but with the grace and magic of dance!
While I wouldn't trade my ballet class in Derbyshire for the world, it was quite magical to step into that theatrical space and immerse myself in this captivating blend of history, spectacle, and artistic brilliance. I also managed to grab some incredibly fascinating details for my pink-tutu blog. You've got to hear this one! Apparently, it was all the rage in this period to use masks during a ballet performance. They had masks representing gods, heroes, even animals! Imagine all that drama and symbolism woven into one beautiful dance routine! And let’s not forget about the music. It was an entirely different world! They didn’t have the full orchestral glory we enjoy today, instead, they had instruments like lutes, harps, and even a lovely wind-powered organ, creating music that echoed through the theatre in an absolutely magical way.
After taking a whirl in 1701, I returned home, brimming with inspiration! The way that dancers embraced every facet of life - their costumes, their steps, their expressive faces - it filled me with a renewed enthusiasm for my own creative journey. This year, we're celebrating 10 years of Pink Tutu Time Travel, and what better way to celebrate than by remembering that it's all about the love of dance, the power of fashion, and a whole lot of twinkle! Remember, my darlings, whether you're rocking a fabulous pink tutu at the theatre, in the studio, or in your living room, we’re all part of the magical journey of ballet, just like those incredible dancers of the past! So let's keep dancing, keep creating, and most importantly, keep twirling in style!
Until next time, stay fabulous!
P.S. I've just got my hands on a stunning new pink tulle, with shimmering sequins! It's practically begging me to spin it into a graceful twirl. Look out world, I’m bringing you some ballet-inspired pink goodness soon!
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
