Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This month marks a very special post for me, number 505 - a true milestone in our adventures through the history of dance! And you know what's even more exciting? I'm travelling back to the early 18th century - a period bursting with style and intrigue, and it all begins on the 1st of January, 1703!
Grab your pinkest tutu (and maybe a little extra sparkle, because we're about to be transported to a time of dazzling fashion!) and climb onto Magic Meg. Our loyal steed, with her shimmering pink coat, golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, is ready to whisk us through time! As always, my trusty leather rucksack is strapped securely to my back, waiting to collect all the fabulous ballet stories and trinkets I can find.
1703: Where the Story Begins
So, why January 1st, 1703? Well, it's a time of artistic and cultural evolution, especially for dance!
Back in 1703, ballet was just beginning to gain its modern form, moving away from courtly dances and evolving into something truly expressive and dramatic. In France, ballet master Louis Pécour, with his renowned skills and revolutionary choreography, was laying the foundations for the dramatic and theatrical dance we know and adore today. And can we just stop a minute to appreciate the beautiful outfits those early dancers would have worn? With extravagant ruffles, billowing fabrics, and plumes of feathers, these costumes were truly spectacular. I've heard they used over 100 yards of silk to create one ballgown! I'd definitely say that counts as a lot of bling! Imagine me twirling in one of those beauties. Oh, to be a ballerina of that time!
A Day in 1703 with Pink Tutu
Imagine, darling, strolling through the Parisian streets. The cobblestone paths would echo with the clatter of horseshoes and the lively chatter of market vendors. We could imagine the whispers as we glide through in my shimmering pink tutu! Perhaps a nobleman with a ruffled shirt and breeches would gaze upon us in admiration. Now wouldn't that make for a perfect Instagram post!
Imagine the music - probably played by a lively string quartet! The French aristocracy would have flocked to performances, each hoping to be the star of the social scene. The ballet itself would have been full of grandeur - stories of love, sacrifice, and triumph would have unfolded in an enchanting blend of dance, song, and storytelling. And the whole spectacle, I bet, would have left everyone captivated and longing for more.
Dancing through Time with Magic Meg
On our travels this month, Magic Meg might even gallop past the opera house where Italian opera began to truly flourish. Can you just imagine it? The passionate music, the intricate melodies, and the soaring voices, all swirling around us like a mesmerizing dream! And the audience - perhaps I'll see someone who looks like the perfect model for my next "Tutu Trends" feature!
1703 was a turning point in history - a time of enlightenment and artistic expression, and the seeds of ballet's glorious future were sown in this era. Just imagine all the incredible stories, secrets, and secrets waiting to be unearthed! With every jump, every twirl, we’ll discover more.
And my lovely readers, if you want to follow along, remember to visit Pink-Tutu.com, because we are also going to be doing a LIVE tour of the world's most famous ballet studios. I can't reveal too much right now, but I promise, you will be blown away! I will have to see you at the studio - where the true magic begins - soon.
Until next month, keep those pink tutus twirling and your imagination soaring! Remember, a life filled with ballet is a life well danced!
Emma xoxo
