Hello darlings! Emma here, back again for another monthly dose of ballet history with my trusty time-traveling steed, Magic Meg. This month, we’re venturing back to 12th December 1715 - buckle up for some regal ballets and a touch of historical intrigue!
My journey began, as always, in my quaint Derbyshire cottage, surrounded by pink tulle and the faint scent of freshly-pressed dance shoes. Today's look, I thought, had to be special for a visit so far back in time. My new custom-designed pink tutu with hand-sewn satin roses seemed just the ticket. A cascade of ruffles framed my swirling tulle skirt, adding an air of theatrical grandeur as I adjusted my pink satin pointe shoes – they simply must make their debut at court!
Magic Meg, my pink sparkle shire with the most magnificent white mane and tail, was ready with her golden hooves sparkling like miniature stars. With a quick pat and a “ready, steady, go!”, we galloped through the centuries, a whirlwind of pink, magic, and ballet dreams.
Our first stop? The Parisian Opéra! Now, this isn’t the Opera we know today. Imagine grand, opulent spaces, flickering candlelight, and music with a touch of the Baroque! We stepped into a world of aristocratic revelry where ballet was a favoured form of entertainment. This date, 12th December 1715, was a day of extraordinary ballets, drawing the elite to watch renowned dancers pirouette and leap across the stage.
My notebook, filled with hand-drawn sketches, went wild as I took in the dazzling gowns and feathered headdresses. The men's powdered wigs and ruffled shirts – how chic! This was an age of elaborate courtly dance, a style that had its own unique charm and elegance. I could practically imagine myself dancing alongside them in their meticulously choreographed dances, the beautiful music swirling around us!
It wouldn’t be a ballet adventure without a peek at the newest developments! You see, dear readers, while ballet may have flourished in courts, something truly revolutionary was brewing - the beginnings of “ballet d’action.” These ballets were stories, unfolding on stage, using movement and music to tell a narrative. Exciting, wouldn't you agree? Imagine the possibilities for pink tutu choreography!
Of course, no visit to 1715 could be complete without catching a glimpse of the magnificent French court. And what better way to immerse ourselves in royal life than a visit to the Palais de Versailles? It was positively grand – think cascading fountains, vast gardens, and gold-gilded rooms, a true setting for royalty.
While Louis XIV (the Sun King!) wasn’t there in person (he had died two years prior) the French court continued its fascination with ballet. It was the pinnacle of courtly entertainment and held significant cultural influence. In my imagination, I danced with the Queen Marie Leszczyńska, graceful as a swan in her luxurious dress, feeling the majesty of the French court pulsating around me.
As always, the memories and treasures from this time are already finding their way into my collection. I snagged a gorgeous silk handkerchief patterned with tiny dancing ladies. It's a perfect addition to my "vintage ballet finds" corner. You know, this pink tutu enthusiast simply can’t resist a bit of fashion history.
Returning to Derbyshire, I’m feeling incredibly inspired! The world of ballet in 1715 – such artistry, drama, and a sprinkle of royal grandeur – I’m thinking of designing a new pink tutu, inspired by those opulent court dresses. Maybe I'll even choreograph a ballet inspired by the “ballet d’action" and share it at my next performance – stay tuned for that exciting news!
This journey reminded me, my darlings, that even as ballet evolves, the magic, beauty, and story-telling it embodies remains timeless. So grab your pink tutus, don your favourite pair of ballet shoes, and let's twirl into the world of dance together. After all, as the saying goes, “dance is a form of poetry in which every movement has meaning.”
And as for Magic Meg? She's enjoying a well-deserved treat – a bowl of sparkly pink sugar cubes! Until next month, stay magical and keep dancing.
Yours in pink tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
