Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your time-travelling, tutu-clad guide to the wonderful world of ballet history! This month, we're venturing back to the dawn of the 18th century, to the bustling, beautiful world of August 8th, 1710.
This time, I'm rocking a glorious pink satin tutu with delicate hand-sewn pearl embellishments (think Cinderella meets Marie Antoinette!) - itâs just perfect for a jaunt through the cobblestone streets of a time when elegance and grace were paramount. And, as always, my trusty steed, the stunning Magic Meg, a pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane and tail that practically glows in the sunshine, is ready to carry us back through the centuries.
Now, before we delve into the delights of the ballet world on this date in history, let's unpack what's in my leather rucksack this month. This time, I managed to snag some delightful finds from the 1710s - a genuine embroidered bodkin, a hand-drawn programme from a royal performance, and a truly gorgeous antique ballet slipper, crafted from fine velvet and decorated with delicate hand-painted flowers. They'll look just divine in my time travel ballet collection back home!
So, onto the ballet! The year 1710 was a significant time for dance, particularly in Italy, where ballet was developing into a refined art form. There were numerous ballet schools popping up all over the country, especially in Rome and Venice, where the theatre and the art of performance were thriving. Ballet wasnât just for the aristocracy; it was being embraced by all strata of society, from the most influential families to the burgeoning middle class. It was truly the beginning of balletâs rise to global prominence!
Now, letâs take a peek into what was happening on the 8th of August, 1710!
If we were to have travelled to Venice, a bustling hub of trade and cultural influence, weâd have found ourselves swept away by the grand opening of the Teatro San Moisè. This opulent theatre, decorated with gold leaf and extravagant frescos, was a true spectacle, built in an innovative style with its curved design, intended to amplify the acoustics and draw the audienceâs gaze to the stage.
The Venetian nobility was in raptures, flocking to this stunning venue. But you know me, dear readers - my true passion is ballet. So, weâd head straight to the ballet rehearsal room! This period saw ballet becoming more dramatic and expressive, featuring intricate solo performances and beautiful ensemble choreography. Imagine the artistry!
Unfortunately, as this blog post is only my fifth ever on this date (that's a total of 596 since my first ever blog post in July 2018 - time really does fly!) - it is impossible to say definitively what was being rehearsed on this particular day in 1710, so close to the Teatro San Moisèâs inauguration. The excitement must have been tangible, with dancers perfecting every move for this brand new venue.
Instead, letâs journey to a completely different, yet fascinating location â the Court of France. This was the heyday of ballet de cour, a grand and refined form of dance reserved for the aristocracy. Ballet was synonymous with elegance, an embodiment of good breeding, so all court members were expected to attend and witness these majestic performances. The dancing at court was a mixture of French traditions and those originating in Italy, and this eclectic combination proved very successful.
And what were they dancing to, you may wonder? In 1710, Louis XIV, the Sun King, had begun commissioning new ballets from his personal dance master, a Frenchman called Louis de Cahusac. Known for his sophisticated artistry and intricate choreography, Cahusac truly pushed the boundaries of court dance.
On the 8th of August, 1710, imagine the vibrant spectacle unfolding within the sumptuous halls of Versailles. With chandeliers casting dazzling reflections, powdered wigs shimmering, and intricate fabrics swirling around them, the dancers were indeed like figures from a painting! It would have been an absolutely mesmerizing experience to witness.
The year 1710 was also a time of change and evolution for ballet. With the burgeoning popularity of ballet, choreographers began exploring themes that touched on societal issues, and dancers sought new ways to express human emotions through their movements. These pioneers of ballet dance paved the way for the ballet we know and love today, and their influence continues to reverberate across the centuries.
Speaking of influence, did you know that the legendary ballet dancer Marie Camargo (a future favourite of mine - she was so incredibly glamorous, donning daring low-cut bodices that made a big splash in 18th century society) had actually been born in 1710? Her innovation and elegance completely transformed dance in her time. Sadly, Marie's story won't make its appearance on this trip, as she was born in December 1710.
Instead, let's indulge our love for ballet fashion! The costumes worn during this time were incredibly intricate and ornate.
For ladies, the typical dress included a beautifully tailored corset, flowing skirts in lavish silk, with elaborate embroidery. And let's not forget the extravagant headdresses â often large and intricate, incorporating feathers, lace, and even jewels. You simply had to look royally fabulous!
However, on stage, we wouldnât have seen such opulent creations. Early 18th-century ballet costumes were far more simplified. There were the basic âtutus,â very simple affairs indeed, usually crafted from woven, and even some quite delicate fabrics (such as satin!) with embellishments of ribbon. Think a refined, beautiful version of a Roman tunic. But the most fascinating detail was that dancers had to perform with their toes out - imagine trying to achieve elegant poses with that limitation!
And speaking of dancers, Iâve been on a mission! It's incredibly hard to uncover specific ballet performances from this era â most records are of the royal performances that took place. It's all about piecing the jigsaw puzzle together, really!
One particular ballerina who I managed to research was Catherine-Rosalie CuvilliĂŠ, or Rosine, a true French beauty, whose performances during this era were lauded for their captivating style and technical brilliance. I even managed to find out that she performed at the Grand Theatre du Palais Royal in 1714! Talk about exciting!
But to see ballet performed in 1710, and to actually witness Rosine's amazing performances? Now that would be a ballet time-travelling dream come true!
Iâm determined to find more records from this time period â maybe a few more time travelling trips will reveal more stories about Rosine's career? Or a secret glimpse into another show, on stage at the ThÊâtre du Palais Royal? Maybe I'll even encounter Rosine herself, one day?
I hope youâve enjoyed joining me on this captivating journey back in time!
As always, darling readers, stay curious, keep dancing, and embrace the world of ballet in all its magnificent forms! Remember, the perfect tutu for every occasion can help transform your life! And remember - join the tutu movement and don a pink one every chance you get - we'll take over the world!
Until next month,
Love, Emma!
P.S. Be sure to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to join my wonderful community of ballet lovers - I love chatting with you all! And stay tuned, my lovelies! Youâll hear from me next month, from another fascinating chapter in ballet history. And to all my beautiful patrons, youâre the reason Iâm able to travel in time to share all these wonderful ballet experiences with you. Thanks for your support! Donât forget, Iâll be back on the 8th of September - until then, keep on twirling!
