Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where pink tutus reign supreme and time travel is a delightful reality! This month, we're whisking ourselves back to the enchanting year of 1704, landing on the 12th of December - a date full of surprises and, of course, ballet history!
As always, Magic Meg, my dazzling pink shire horse with golden hooves and a mane as white as a freshly-fallen snowdrift, is patiently awaiting my signal, her sparkling pink coat shimmering in the sunshine. Today, we're heading for an exciting journey back to the early days of ballet!
A Dance Through the Centuries:
I'm often asked about what sparked my fascination with ballet, especially the older eras. It's the evolution, darlings, the breathtaking transformation of movement from simple, courtly steps to the sophisticated technique we know and love today. Each time I visit the past, I discover more threads in the tapestry of ballet history, revealing its elegant growth.
This time, the date weâve set our sights on holds an extra-special place in my heart. On December 12th, 1704, in the city of Paris - the birthplace of modern ballet - a very important person passed away. His name was Jean-Baptiste Lully, a musical mastermind whose impact on the development of French ballet was monumental! Heâs considered one of the first ballet composers who crafted the elaborate spectacle that ballet had become at the time. I just adore his work, so today feels like a personal tribute to his lasting legacy!
Imagine my excitement, darlings! Just the thought of having been around for his genius compositions is sending shivers down my spine! He's one of the pillars upon which the world of ballet was built, and his contribution deserves an extra twirl!
A Ballet Lover's Itinerary
Now, a good ballerina always plans her excursions, especially when time-traveling. Youâd be surprised by how much fun it is to discover what the world of ballet was like back then!
My itinerary includes:
- Opera Visits: You wouldnât find formal ballet productions like today in 1704, but opera performances are a delight! Lully's music is usually featured, and opera often incorporated elements of dance - the beginnings of our ballet.
- Ballroom Bound: Fancy a grand ball, my dears? Imagine flowing silks and a whirl of formal dances, an experience almost like ballet in itself. The ballroom dances of this time were influenced by the French Court, so think waltzes, gavottes and polonaises, all perfectly timed to create a delightful visual display. Oh, it makes me want to put on my very best frock!
Behind the Scenes: Naturally, I'm venturing backstage at the Parisian Opera to uncover any ballet secrets theyâre keeping. I imagine costumes are far less practical and elegant - no pink tutus here, darling - but the creativity behind them must have been fascinating. I imagine Iâll be finding some very unusual fabric, and some historical gems for my rucksack!
Time for a Little Time Travel Fun:
And because you lovely people are so fantastic, I thought you might enjoy a few snapshots of the past, some "what Iâve learntâ moments I canât help but share:
Ladies' Fashion: A grand promenade through the streets of Paris will surely be a highlight! While you may have thought the fashion of the 18th century was only for ladies with an impressive sense of style, remember â youâll also find panniers, hoops, and plenty of fabric layers under those graceful frocks. You need serious coordination, darlings, to carry off such an elaborate wardrobe!
What About the Shoes? Oh, the footwear, dear reader! Those dainty slippers worn by ballet dancers back in this era were so unlike what you see today. No point shoes - instead, think soft shoes or simple heeled slippers for men and women. The dance was different and more about grand gestures, less precise and athletic like we see in the ballets today.
Dance Training: Ballet was still in its early stages, and training was more about courtly grace and posture than todayâs complex, rigorous regimes. However, one thing they knew then is as true today â you need to dedicate time to honing your skills. The foundations for a long and fruitful dance career start early! I'm going to slip into some lessons for a bit to see what moves they practice. Who knows, maybe I'll pick up some secret tricks I can bring back with me!
Remember... This is the magic of ballet time travel â we donât simply revisit history; we celebrate the legacy thatâs woven into every pliĂ© and pirouette! Every new date is a dance through time, and with every adventure, the desire to spread the pink tutu message grows! My mission is to inspire every woman to find her own ballerina inside, even if that means wearing a pink tutu in everyday life! You never know who youâll inspire to discover their inner grace, dear reader, until you give it a twirl!
I'll be posting photos on the website soon. Catch up with you next month, when I'll share the highlights from another amazing ballet time-travel journey! And as always, please tell me your thoughts! You know where to find me, darling - at www.pink-tutu.com !
Until next time!
Much Love,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Ballerina
