Dearest tutu-lovers,
Welcome back to Pink Tutu's Time Travels! This month, Magic Meg and I are soaring through the centuries to March 3rd, 1708, a date ripe with intrigue in the ballet world, at least if you're a fan of pre-classical ballet. I have a feeling this blog post might just make you swoon. đ
We all know that history's a big tapestry, right? And as ballerinas, we're all about graceful movements and flowing fabrics, much like that tapestry! So let's see what kind of beauty is hidden within the threads of this historical date...
A Whirlwind of French Fashion
Our time travel landed us right in the heart of Paris, which was basically the capital of ballet during the 1700s. I had a little peep at a theatre programme and gasped! The dance performance was âLes FĂȘtes Galantesâ, an opulent ballet celebrating the French aristocracy's love of all things fashionable! This time period is all about swirling costumes and extravagant sets, and I just knew I had to get a closer look. I'm talking ruffles, lace, and plumes â seriously, a visual feast for the eyes!
Now, I must admit, the ballet wasn't quite the polished, classical form we know and love today. It had a lot of theatrical pantomime and musical flourishes, very different from the precise steps of ballet we are accustomed to. But that doesn't mean it wasn't entertaining! Think of it like a fun, wild dance party with a dash of storytelling thrown in. And itâs worth noting that these âballet de courâ â court ballets - were a crucial stage in developing what would eventually evolve into our contemporary ballet.
Of course, I couldn't resist the lure of a vintage shop for a little sartorial inspiration. Imagine: corsets with flowing silk, knee-high silk stockings, and wigs so elaborate they might require their own designated chair. Talk about ballet-chic! I immediately purchased a stunning hand-stitched fan from a stall overflowing with vintage accessories. I simply had to get it â I can just picture it adorning a blushing ballerina's hand as she waits to make her grand entrance.
Meeting My âTutu-Fellowsâ
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a group of Parisian dancers. I managed to chat with one of the lovely ballerinas about their work â although sadly, ballet wasn't really a âprofessionâ in that era â more of a high-society pursuit. I even spotted a beautiful silk dress on display in one of the ballet studios that could easily pass as a precursor to a tutu! It wasnât pink, but it certainly sparked the same feeling of feminine grace and artistry! I couldnât help but picture a modern tutu worn over it and instantly added a new goal to my âspread the pink tutuâ crusade! đ
Discovering The History Behind the Pas de Deux
Of course, I'm always looking for inspiration for my ballet classes back in Derbyshire, so I spent the evening at a beautifully grand theatre (which might I add, would fit right in with the architecture of a fairytale castle!). They were staging a lavish production filled with the Pas de Deux â that duet of love and longing â that's been the hallmark of classical ballet ever since.
Turns out, those elegant movements have their roots in the courtly dance styles of the 1700s. Now, those court dancers certainly didnât perform a pirouette or an arabesque quite the same as our professional dancers today. But they planted the seeds, laid the groundwork, if you will, for the amazing grace and strength we see in modern ballet.
The history of ballet is truly fascinating, my dears! Itâs all about the little steps that led to the big leaps, about the delicate nuances that morphed into full-blown drama, and about how ballet has consistently redefined beauty, passion, and grace across centuries.
I simply have to share this exciting little tidbit â on this date in 1708, Louis XIV of France â known to many as the âSun Kingâ â continued his relentless efforts to bring the dance from the courts to the public. And who could resist the âSun Kingâ? Not I! His commitment to promoting and nurturing dance in France certainly contributed to making Paris the epicentre of ballet for such a long period.
And my dears, it truly shows that ballet, from its humble beginnings in France, to the grand stages of London and beyond, has taken on a remarkable journey, inspiring artists and dancers throughout its history!
My Pink-tutu Wish for YouâŠ
For all the budding ballerinas and ballet lovers, I hope my tale from 1708 has fuelled your inspiration for this month. The world of ballet has evolved drastically from its earliest stages, yet those first steps remain our bedrock. Think about what your tutu might have looked like in that time! Do let me know in the comments what you think!
Until next month, I hope youâre twirling in a tutu â it doesn't matter if itâs pink, red or black. Just go ahead and let those inner ballerinas bloom!
Love and pirouettes,
Emma xx
