Hey my darlings! It’s Emma, back with another delightful journey through time. December is such a magical month for ballet, with the festive season all around. This month, we're stepping back to December 12th, 1713. Imagine! Buckles, bonnets, and maybe a bit of powdered wig. Fancy, isn't it? I've got a whole collection of historical trinkets from this time period stuffed in my leather rucksack. I just love collecting little mementos from all the different eras I visit, like an old ballet programme or a little silk ribbon. It really helps to make those times come alive for me.
Of course, I'm travelling on Magic Meg. She's an absolute queen in a sparkling pink coat, with those golden hooves and the softest white mane you could imagine! She's a Shire horse, strong and steady, and takes me to every corner of history, galloping through time to explore all the exciting ballet moments! She really is magic.
I'm on the hunt for an extraordinary ballet happening on this day back in the 18th century. But, my lovelies, let me tell you, things were a bit different then! The ballet as we know it hadn't quite blossomed. We’re still in the age of courtly entertainment. While there were lavish dance performances, these were more like elaborate court dances, full of graceful bows and charming smiles. Think of them like beautifully choreographed waltzes with a sprinkle of pantomime. They were all about celebrating the grandeur and elegance of the era.
So, in a way, we are a bit early to the ballet party as we know it! But hey, the whole point of time travel is to explore and discover, right? Imagine wearing the gowns and powdered wigs, being part of those courtly gatherings with exquisite etiquette and intricate social rules! Wouldn’t that be fun? Now that’s a theme I could see working in a modern dance piece!
I love finding parallels between the ballet of yesterday and the ballet of today. So, while we didn't find any ballets premiering on the 12th December, 1713, let's talk about a few ballet landmarks. Remember my beloved friend Louis XIV? This was the golden age of royal ballet. He, along with his talented dancers, established ballet as an integral part of courtly life and helped evolve the art form from a folk dance into something spectacular and elaborate. I'm just swooning! Can you imagine being there for the premieres of all those brilliant works!
There’s one show I would have absolutely loved to see: Ballet de la Roy, an incredibly opulent production featuring lavish costumes and spectacular sets, showcasing the talent and technique of dancers at the French court. I picture my pink tutu and sparkly shoes standing out in the crowd, dazzling everyone with its vibrant colour and its chic simplicity. Can you see it? Maybe a sprinkle of pink, just to add that touch of whimsy and colour.
But don’t worry my lovelies, you’re not missing out on any dance action, because we have a whole array of amazing ballet performances happening here in the present! In Derbyshire, we’re lucky to have so many wonderful performances and schools. And I just know that many of you have fabulous ballet shows and dance classes happening near you, so get those pink tutus ready! And remember, darling, no matter where you are or what the occasion, you are part of the amazing history and evolution of ballet, so spread the pink love. Let’s go forth and celebrate all things ballet, from the most elaborate court ballets to the vibrant contemporary pieces we cherish today.
Until next time, remember to dance your way through life with grace and elegance.
And as always, don’t forget to subscribe to my pink-tutu.com website for even more ballet adventures!
Love,
Emma.
xxx
