Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to my monthly journey through the world of ballet! Today we’re hopping on trusty Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling Shire horse, and venturing to… Paris! Now, you might think that Parisian ballet would be all about elegance and grace, right? Well, hold onto your tutus, because this date marks a time when ballet was undergoing a radical transformation…
A Peek Into The Past:
Today’s date takes us right into the middle of 1705. Imagine Paris - cobblestone streets, bustling marketplaces, and a certain je ne sais quoi in the air. But let's skip the romanticism and delve straight into the ballet scene. You see, ballet in the 18th century was a far cry from the airy grace we see today. Think opera - flamboyant, theatrical, and filled with drama! It's during this time, my darlings, that ballet really began to experiment with storytelling and spectacle. No longer confined to mere steps, it evolved into an art form that could move audiences to tears with its captivating narratives.
From Ballroom To The Stage:
1705 was the year the "Opera-ballet" truly began to come into its own, with works like "La Désertion" and "Psyche" showcasing the early efforts at storytelling within a dance framework. It wasn't just the stage itself that transformed, darling. The clothes, oh the clothes! Picture rich colours, shimmering fabrics, and elaborate hairstyles – all combined to create an astonishingly dramatic aesthetic.
The Ballerina's Guide to 1705 Paris:
To feel the Parisian ballet scene's vibrant pulse, imagine yourself strolling through the charming Palais Royal. Its garden theatre is the heart of dance, where the finest performances captivate the discerning Parisian crowd. But, darling, hold on to your fan! Because, like any good Parisian ballet, the audience is as much a part of the show as the performers themselves. The women, all dressed in their most elaborate finery, whispering gossip amongst themselves and making grand pronouncements with their elegant gestures. The men, too, in their powdered wigs and elegant suits, engaging in intellectual debates with equally refined gestures, forming an elaborate silent dance of Parisian society.
Fashion Tips For Your Parisian Adventure:
Darling, when you step into 1705 Paris, remember to channel your inner Parisian lady! Embrace the opulent fashions of the time:
- A graceful Robe à la Francaise: This exquisite gown, featuring a fitted bodice and wide, flowing skirt, would be perfect for a ballet night out. Imagine the whispers of admiration as you walk into the theatre, your form a silhouette of grace against the plush velvet backdrop. Add a touch of personal flair with your favourite accessories - a dainty pearl necklace, a flowing velvet ribbon, or even a feather-trimmed fan!
- *A hint of the *Robe Volante: ** To really be on trend, don your "Robe Volante," a lighter version of the Rococo era style. These were shorter and had lighter fabrics, making it perfect for swirling around the grand ballroom.
Travel Fashion Tip: My dear fashionistas, when travelling back in time, one essential for me is a fabulous travelling cloak! It helps me not only look effortlessly stylish, but it keeps my precious tutu pristine and keeps out the pesky draughts and dust when travelling on Meg!
Beyond the Stage:
My darlings, remember, it's not just the big stage performances that matter. A ballet fanatic in 1705 Paris would also delight in ballrooms, where young gentlemen and ladies practiced graceful dances - from stately minuet to the swirling waltz, where hearts danced just as gracefully as the feet!
Ballet Musings:
From 1705, I carried with me a piece of the Parisian spirit; a silk ribbon, dyed the same deep crimson of a Parisian sunset. It reminds me of that transformative period - the dawn of theatrical ballet! As I head home on Magic Meg, with the swirling echoes of ballet music in my head, I'm already planning my next trip. Where will my tutu and I take us next?
Till next time, darling, and remember, always dance your way through life!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S.: Join my next ballet journey by visiting www.pink-tutu.com for dates, times and ballet show schedules!
