#BalletHistory during 1706 02 February

Hey Tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where every month we journey through time, twirling our way through history with a pink tutu, a magical horse, and a whole lot of ballet love!

This month, we're galloping back to the 1700s on February 2nd, 1706, a date etched into the annals of ballet history (although maybe not in the way we’d like). I’m Emma, your resident ballet time-traveler, and my aim is simple: get the whole world wearing a pink tutu!

Now, grab your best ballet-themed snacks (a pink iced bun perhaps? 😉) and let's hop aboard Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse with the golden hooves, as we ride into the past...

We arrive in Paris, the city of lights and… well, where ballet was starting to flourish. But, alas, no pink tutus! They were centuries away!

Picture this: 1706. Ballet is still heavily influenced by the French court. We're talking grand balls, elegant costumes, and theatrical dances showcasing grace and courtly behaviour. No matter how much I love my pink tutu, I had to keep it tucked away in my leather rucksack this time, or else I'd be looking a bit, well, out of place!

Instead, we find ballet in the form of ballets de cour, dances performed by noblemen and women at the royal court, often accompanied by elaborate sets and costumes. Think of it as a very fancy, formal dance party!

The Palais Royale, the French royal palace at the time, would have been buzzing with activity. There was the Comédie Française too, the official theatre of France, showcasing drama and court ballet performances.

Sadly, no surviving ballet performances are recorded for this specific date, so I had to rely on the amazing ballet historians, who are practically detectives, to discover the story behind the era.

I felt a pang of sadness, knowing I couldn’t twirl my way through those elegant halls in my signature pink. Instead, I sat and absorbed the atmosphere. What would the ballet lovers of that time have thought of my bold pink tutu? They might be perplexed, even scandalized! But perhaps, somewhere, in the heart of this grand age, a dream of color and playful expression might be hidden…

After my Paris rendezvous, it was on to London, the heart of the British Isles. Here, ballet was a nascent art form, still influenced by French traditions.

While we didn’t see elaborate courtly performances like Paris, London’s theatre scene was booming, especially after the fire of 1666 rebuilt the city’s theatres. These new venues attracted crowds, showcasing a blend of theatre and dance. Perhaps the most popular venue at this time was Drury Lane, a place still renowned for theatre even today!

But, again, no pink tutus on the stage, no bright flashes of colour, no whimsical leaps across the theatre. Just an air of intrigue and drama, mixed with classical dance forms. It wasn’t my ideal ballet spectacle, but I caught a glimpse of the exciting history waiting to be spun.

This London wasn't entirely without its vibrant fashion, though. While my pink tutu would be a shock to the system, ladies of fashion embraced bright colours, elaborate embroidery, and rich fabrics, showcasing their wealth and taste. You can bet those fashions inspired some stunning costumes, even if they didn't include my beloved tutus!

Now, as you've heard, my time travels involve a fair amount of exploring ballet's past, even when there isn't a pink tutu in sight. I love piecing together these moments in ballet history and remembering that even during quiet, sometimes dull moments, the art of dance was evolving.

It reminds me of my passion for ballet, a passion that started in Derbyshire, my little corner of the world. You see, even here, the seeds of ballet history were planted! Years later, ballet academies like The Royal Ballet School, one of the world's top dance institutions, would bloom, drawing inspiration from both our beautiful Derbyshire countryside and the vibrant Parisian scene.

So, if you're ever in Derbyshire, make sure to pop by some of our charming local theatres, or visit our lovely shops filled with dance-related fashion, or even try your hand at a dance class. After all, our own little patch of the world, just like 1706 Paris or London, holds a story, waiting to be told!

While I might not have sported my signature pink tutu in 1706, there's nothing stopping YOU from making your own mark in ballet history! Get out there, explore, experiment, find your own love for this wondrous world!

But, most importantly… don’t forget your pink tutu! ✨💕

Until next time,

Emma 💖