Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller. Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we journey through history, one pirouette at a time!
Today we're whisking back to June 1705 – 1706, a period just before ballet really blossomed into the graceful art form we know and love. Don't think that means there wasn't any dancing going on though – imagine a world where music, movement and courtly gatherings were intricately intertwined. Think elaborate costumes, shimmering silks, and perhaps even some dainty steps that would be considered more “dance” than “ballet” by modern standards. But just you wait, dears – that glorious evolution is just around the corner!
Before we go, Magic Meg is pawing impatiently and needs to graze – but first, a little fashion talk! Have you ever imagined what the ballet world might look like before tutus came onto the scene? Oh darling, just try to picture those courtly dances with ladies wearing gowns like they've stepped right out of a portrait – layers upon layers of gorgeous silks and velvets, all swirling and swaying to the music. Such romance!
Let’s be honest – a little part of me pines for that era, even if those gowns were about as practical for a jeté as my dear granny's favourite armchair.
Oh! You simply must see the darling little collection of ballet sketches I found nestled within a tome on courtly etiquette, right here in my rucksack! The delicate lines and graceful poses in those sketches really made me smile - it seems, even in a time of flowing gowns and powdered wigs, ballet's fascination with elegance was taking root. Just wait until you see what I unearthed on our trip, darlings – my blog readers are always the first to see the gems I find in these historical time capsules.
Oh my! I just realised we’ve been chatting and haven’t even said hello to our faithful companion, Magic Meg, our majestic pink-sparkling shire! My heart melts every time I see her shining hooves and shimmering coat; truly the perfect companion for any time traveller. Right then, Meg darling, let’s zoom through time to 1705! (Cue that magnificent pink shimmer as Meg sends us soaring into the past).
We've landed… well, glided rather elegantly in a garden just outside Paris. Imagine the most delightful gathering – music tinkling, ladies chatting amongst elegant fans, gentlemen bowing with charming smiles, and a stage being prepared with grand flourishes of velvet drapes. This, darling, is what ballet would have been in the world’s fashion hub!
This year, a lovely French opera by composer Colin de Brosses – "Les Amours du Chevalier Gallant" - will premiere on 14 August, adding another feather in the cap for our love of ballet's dramatic appeal, blending storytelling and music so seamlessly.
As always, I'll leave you with a little historical tidbit: ballet performances were often woven into the fabric of grand parties, held within beautiful palaces, for a captivating display of courtly elegance. Isn't it fascinating how those events became the stepping stones for what we call 'ballet' today? It reminds us, lovelies, how ballet's journey is just as rich and engaging as any stage production – it's a dance of evolution and transformation, isn't it?
As our time travel adventure in 1705/1706 winds down, and the twinkling Parisian lights start to fade, let me ask you this, my dearest readers: Do you think you’d ever be brave enough to try some historical dance steps?
Do let me know what you think!
I’ll be back next month, bringing you another dazzling escapade, and a few more pink tutus, of course. Remember to check www.pink-tutu.com, and be sure to send your ballet questions my way – you know I love hearing from you all.
Until then, my darlings, keep dancing!
Lots of pink love,
Emma
x
