Hello darling tutu lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind ballet adventure. It’s time to climb aboard Magic Meg, my sparkly pink Shire horse with golden hooves, and set our sights on 11 November 1705, a date destined to bring some rather grand ballet happenings.
This month, we’re heading back to a time when dancing was truly the epitome of courtly entertainment. Now, picture this: a world without tights, leotards, or even the pointe shoes we know and love. Imagine swirling silken gowns and intricate courtly steps performed to the strum of harpsichords and the melody of elegant waltzes. Sounds pretty magical, doesn’t it?
And that, my darlings, is exactly what we’ll be experiencing today. My little pink rucksack is packed and ready for the adventures and ballet treasures this era promises. I’m talking velvet costumes, maybe even some historical notes on ballet choreography, and who knows? Perhaps a little feather boa or two!
But first, let's set the scene, shall we? Picture yourselves amidst the elegant architecture and grandeur of the French court. In 1705, the great Louis XIV is reigning, the Sun King, the patron of the arts, who elevates dancing to an almost sacred status. And he does so with such elegance and opulence – imagine shimmering ballrooms adorned with opulent tapestries and a cacophony of laughter and music filling the air.
But let’s rewind a little. It's the era of King Louis' great court composer, Jean-Baptiste Lully, and it was just five years earlier that this maestro of the court had famously fallen victim to a curious accident – stepping on his toe with his conductor's baton! Poor man! Such a tragic end, though he definitely lived life to the fullest in those days.
Still, imagine stepping back in time and witnessing this dance of the court – all the formality and etiquette of a grand ball. Imagine watching dancers gliding across the ballroom floor with elegance and grace in their silks and brocades, their movements influenced by the styles of the day. I bet their hairstyles were extravagant and their powdered wigs were a thing of beauty!
Now, let's fast forward to today. While it’s not a date bursting with grand première performances, there’s still much to learn. There’s a certain charm in these early years, my dears, before the formalized choreography of ballet emerged. Ballet, at this time, was a captivating art form deeply entwined with the elegance of social life. A bit like what our favourite dance competitions like Strictly Come Dancing are like today.
As I wander through the grand halls, I can already imagine the beautiful silks and satins of the ladies' gowns, and the intricate embroidery of the gentlemen’s fine waistcoats. Perhaps there's even a little ballerina-esque dancing being practiced in a dimly lit room by some budding ballerinas. Or perhaps a group of courtiers practicing for an upcoming royal ball. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing to stumble upon? I think we could really get a lesson in grace and elegance there! Maybe we’ll even get to glimpse a few pirouettes as a lady attempts to practice a fancy curtsy. Oh my! What a time it would be!
It's the era of early ballet steps, like the “relevé” or “port de bras” (which I have in my ballet journal!) - but nothing quite like our iconic “grande jeté” yet. I wonder what it will look like when those daring moves become the centre stage of our beloved ballet world? It is quite a remarkable journey when you think about it!
I've already started filling up my leather backpack with exciting little treasures, snippets of this time period. Did you know that dance became the focal point of social events back then? That a ballet would open the proceedings with an impressive entrance – a real grand flourish of silk and glitter – followed by dances with specific names. Imagine dances named "La Rigole” or “La Passione" or "La Coquette" with a delicate sense of theatre.
As my magical pink Shire horse trots along through the bustling cobblestone streets of 1705, I imagine catching glimpses of the royal carriages, and perhaps some men wearing their hats and fine cravats. I’m already dreaming about a grand costume design based on these eras – all the silks and ruffles, paired with modern touches, perhaps with a pop of bright pink of course! This trip is just full of inspirational ideas and hidden ballet history!
I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll find some amazing snippets for the Pink Tutu website – after all, this period is overflowing with fascinating little bits of ballet history that I just know everyone will love.
I am certain that you will, my dear tutu-loving readers, will also get a glimpse into this time period in this post! Do you remember the very first time you saw a ballet performance? Maybe you wore a special dress? Or had a grand tutu with sparkly embellishments? I do. The time travel aspect is thrilling, but seeing those first dances from the days of yore always transports me back to those happy memories. I've already dreamt up a tutu collection in honour of the era, with velvet and sequins, bows, and the finest lace - all in shades of blush, rose, and that perfect pink, naturally.
So, darling tutu lovers, join me on this grand journey! I'm Emma, and let's travel to a time where ballet is entwined with courtly elegance and societal life! Stay tuned to www.pink-tutu.com for more travel tales, costume inspiration, and ballet dreams as we hop back through history together.
Until next time, twirl with happiness,
Emma
(P.S. Don't forget to share your own tutu adventures and time travel fantasies with us on our social media channels!)
