Hello lovelies!
It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back with another exciting entry in my time travel ballet diary! August is always a lovely month for dancing, what with all the lovely sunshine, warm evenings, and endless possibilities for exciting new moves. This month I'm venturing back to the year 1709, a time when the world of ballet was on the cusp of some thrilling new developments. As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, the most fabulous pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail, is ready for another journey!
Now, you might be wondering: what's so special about the 8th August 1709? Well, darlings, let me tell you! This date marks a fascinating crossroads in ballet history - the very same day that a new dance craze, the "minuet," took centre stage. Imagine, my loves, all the graceful steps, the elegant curtsies, and the elaborate costumes – it must have been a sight to behold!
Let’s Waltz Back in Time
I'm already feeling giddy with excitement to witness this historic dance. Can you picture it, darling? Ballroom dances sweeping through grand halls, a flurry of powder puffs and billowing gowns, the scent of rosewater and champagne… I've always been a big fan of the graceful movements of ballet and the exquisite costuming - but 18th century dance style really took elegance to a whole new level! The minuet was known for its slow, elegant, and courtly steps. Its graceful and delicate choreography made it perfect for both couples and groups. And imagine the beauty of the elaborate outfits! From exquisite silk dresses to flowing wigs and delicate ruffles, everyone in 1709 seemed to put their best fashion foot forward! I simply cannot wait to slip into some fabulous, vintage-inspired garments.
A Dancer’s Life
Today, however, the minuet was just beginning to find its place on the world stage, particularly in France. Oh, Paris! You will be my first stop on this enchanting voyage. The City of Lights is renowned for its artistry and elegance, a true haven for ballet and a place where beauty and creativity blossom like a gorgeous bloom in full sunlight. This is where I can indulge in the sheer joy of Parisian ballet and absorb its unique atmosphere – all whilst sporting my favourite pink tutu, of course!
I'm already planning my schedule - I can't wait to take in a ballet show. Even though tutu styles and choreography are vastly different in 1709, you bet I’ll be snapping plenty of photos and soaking up the history. And while I’m there, it wouldn’t be right to miss out on some serious Parisian fashion therapy, finding the perfect, pink tutu-inspired outfits to complement my look! I will definitely find some lovely new ballet items to add to my rucksack, to share back with you later in a post devoted to 18th century ballet fashion.
A Dancer’s Fashion
Speaking of pink tutus… imagine my surprise, darling, when I stumbled across an enchanting tidbit about 18th-century fashion! Whilst men favoured silks and velvets, women’s attire leaned towards elaborate styles. Ladies of that era wore full-length dresses called "robes à la française," which featured huge hoops and flouncy panniers. It's true that these designs lacked a traditional ballerina tutu, but they possessed their own dramatic grandeur! Can you imagine those flowing skirts with beautiful silk designs, with perhaps a dash of pink, shimmering like stars? I am certain these designs held the essence of grace and elegance that inspires our modern tutus.
My research suggests that fashion wasn’t the only exciting thing taking shape in 1709. Some groundbreaking ballerinas were leaving their mark on the world, with one name shining bright: Marie Camargo, the daring and innovative ballerina! A master of leaping and bounding, Camargo introduced daring techniques never seen before, challenging traditional ballet movements and inspiring a generation of ballerinas to embrace their own individuality. The woman’s bravery and talent paved the way for the development of the modern ballet form and inspired the graceful leaps that we know and adore today! What an inspiration! I can’t wait to feel her spirit.
As for Magic Meg, she's a natural time traveler and is just as excited as me. She knows just how important this journey is - not just to witness history, but to understand where we came from. It's like taking a peek behind the curtain of ballet, uncovering the secrets of the dance, the steps, and the costumes that brought us to where we are today! After all, we never stop learning, especially in the world of ballet!
Let's keep the conversation flowing!
What's your favourite thing about the history of ballet? Tell me in the comments! Don’t forget to check out my ballet fashion and historical insights in my next blog post. And until then, keep your tutus flowing and your dancing shoes ready for an enchanting journey into the world of ballet.
Always keep it pink! Emma www.pink-tutu.com
