Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where we take a twirl through time, exploring the beautiful world of ballet from eras gone by. Today, I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share a particularly special trip - all the way back to 1715! Buckle up, darling, because we're in for a vintage ballet adventure.
My trusty time-travelling steed, Magic Meg, the most dazzling pink Shire with golden hooves and a white mane flowing like a ballet dancer's silk scarf, was snorting and pawing with anticipation. This time, our journey started at the break of dawn, with the sun just kissing the dew-kissed meadows of Derbyshire, where my ballet journey began. My favourite pink tutu, with its billowing layers and shimmering sequins, felt like a warm hug.
It was quite a long ride to 1715, but the chatter between Magic Meg and myself, and the changing landscapes, made the time fly by. As we arrived, it was as if I was transported onto a stage set. Lush gardens, cobblestone streets, and quaint tea shops with ladies in elaborate dresses greeted us. I felt like I had stepped straight out of a Rococo painting.
My leather rucksack, brimming with ballet goodies I’d gathered over the years, felt heavier than usual today. I had an urge to delve deeper into the history of ballet in 1715. So, I grabbed my ballet research book and dove into some exciting discoveries. Imagine my delight when I learned that, on this very day in 1715, the French Académie Royale de Musique held a special ballet performance of 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour'.
This ballet, written by Jean-Baptiste Lully, was a grand spectacle featuring dancing, singing, and intricate costumes. It seems, my dears, that ballet was already a huge part of Parisian life, much like it is for us today.
As I walked the cobblestone streets of Paris and the boulevards of Versailles, I was drawn to the vibrant and ever-so-fashionable clothing. Women’s gowns featured layers of ruffled silk, elaborate lace, and stunning embroidery. These fashions sparked my inner dancer and inspired a whole new understanding of the elegance of early ballet costumes. I couldn't wait to see the costumes in 'Le Triomphe de l'Amour', so I ventured into the Théatre du Palais-Royal, a beautiful theater built by the Duke of Orléans.
As the lights dimmed and the stage came alive with music and motion, my heart quickened. The performance was a dazzling combination of grand steps, intricate footwork, and beautiful gestures. The dancers' movements were precise and captivating, and I couldn't help but admire their poise and elegance.
What fascinated me the most was the focus on grace, beauty, and the telling of stories through dance. In a time without cinema, ballet was a way to entertain, educate, and delight.
Back then, ballet performances were considered a luxurious social event. Audiences would dress up to impress and admire the refined dance. It reminded me of the excitement I feel when attending a grand ballet gala. We are carrying on that tradition even today, aren’t we?
After the show, I found myself lost in thought while sitting in a charming café on a beautiful terrace, watching the world go by. The air was filled with the scent of fresh pastry and coffee beans. The rhythmic steps of street musicians provided a delightful background music as I enjoyed a warm, chocolate cream dessert. I scribbled notes in my journal, capturing these observations and the emotions I felt surrounded by this beautiful world of 1715.
One of the biggest things I learned about this era, was the power of fashion in creating an illusion of magical flight.
I could see how important costume design was in shaping the ballet form, and it made me want to experiment more with tutus. I'm always looking for new ways to bring a bit of ballet flair to my everyday life!
I think my journey through 1715 left a big spark in my imagination. Imagine: what if we had grand ballets telling tales of history and love, in our towns and villages. Imagine all the creative dance forms and costume design that we could explore! That is what I’d like to see happening more in the future, with people everywhere in their pink tutus! Wouldn’t that be fabulous!
If you'd like to join me on another time travel adventure, be sure to subscribe to my website www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time, dear readers. Keep twirling!
Emma
xx
