Hello my lovely readers!
It’s Emma here, back again for another whirlwind trip through time! I’ve always loved the thrill of leaping across centuries, flitting through history with my trusty companion, Magic Meg – the most magical, sparkly pink Shire horse you’ll ever lay eyes on (with those golden hooves and her white mane and tail!). Today, we're stepping into the glamorous world of 1704, where dancing with the French Court awaits. I’ve packed my best pink tutu and a touch of sparkle for this delightful escapade. I even managed to sneak in a bit of vintage lace for a touch of historical authenticity, because I'm all about getting that perfect ballet-inspired look!
My pink-tutu loving heart always flutters a little extra when it comes to historical dances and courtly performances. We have to thank King Louis XIV, the "Sun King," for laying the foundations of ballet as we know it today. He was quite the enthusiast, wasn’t he?
Anyway, back to 1704… I’m at Versailles, a place full of ornate grandeur. Can you imagine? A massive palace with dazzling gardens and a royal ballet performance happening right here! The king’s court was known for its dazzling theatricality. Now, I’m a bit of a theater enthusiast myself, but even I have to admit this was next level!
The highlight of my visit? Witnessing a stunning ballet performance right inside the Palace! The costumes were incredibly intricate, with elegant designs and intricate lace embellishments, and even though their moves might have looked a little different compared to what we see today, there was an undeniable elegance and grace in their performance. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see some of those elegant movements incorporated in ballet techniques centuries later!
Talking about the movements, I was most surprised to see how expressive they were. Every movement was deliberate, flowing like a well-crafted choreography. It reminded me of the way modern dancers explore their movements to tell stories, evoking emotions and narratives within their performances. That connection between past and present is what makes ballet so fascinating!
Now, if you're feeling inspired, let me tell you – this year's Autumn ballet season is absolutely buzzing! We've got some incredible performances happening everywhere, from Derbyshire to London and all around the world. Imagine that! From traditional ballet shows featuring timeless classics like Swan Lake, to exciting contemporary dance productions pushing boundaries and showcasing modern storytelling. There's something for everyone! I've even managed to sneak into a couple of pre-opening performances - shhh, it’s a secret! They were mind-blowing. I may have to dedicate a whole blog post just about them!
As for my mission to have everyone wearing a pink tutu, well, my plan is still in action.
Remember, darling readers, when it comes to ballet, it's not just about dancing; it's about expression, emotion, and bringing beauty into the world. I’ll leave you with a final thought. Maybe it's time for a touch of pink to brighten your day, and let your inner ballerina shine!
Until next month, Emma x
Ballet Around The World
Here's what was happening in the ballet world on 10th October, 1704:
French Royal Court: In the heart of Versailles, the French Court would be in the middle of preparations for another magnificent dance event. These royal ballets were highly stylized performances, showcasing the artistry and grandeur of the French Court. The King, known as Louis XIV, was a fervent supporter of dance, even making himself the "Sun King" of the dancing stage! He would’ve taken great pride in these events and loved nothing better than watching his court’s artistry.
Italy: While French ballet was taking centre stage, Italian dance traditions were still influential, especially in the area of dance theory. The Ballet Master of Versailles, Pierre Beauchamp, was a leading figure in codifying dance techniques. Even today, we see influences from Beauchamp's ballet technique in classical ballet.
Time Travel Tip:
Want to channel a touch of 1704 elegance into your style? Don't forget to check out your local historical museum or antique shop. A little touch of vintage lace, silk or embroidered ribbon on a new tutu can make all the difference!
*What are your favorite ballet memories? And tell me, have you been wearing pink recently? *
Find Emma's blog and be sure to share it with your fellow ballet-lovers. Head to www.pink-tutu.com to see her most recent adventures in the world of pink tutus and time travel! Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes peek at my dance life!
