Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! January the 1st, 1716... what a truly divine day to step back in time, wouldn't you say? Just imagine, starting the year in the grand era of powdered wigs and courtly dances! I, your faithful Pink Tutu Correspondent, am so excited to share with you the highlights of this time travel adventure, as I hop onto the back of my darling Magic Meg and whisk you all back to the vibrant world of the 18th century!
For this journey, my pink tutu, with its cascading layers of tulle, shimmered under the faint light of dawn as I donned my favourite bejewelled tiara - just the perfect touch of glitz for a royal occasion! Now, we all know that pink is the most flattering colour on any ballerina, and this shade just screams elegance and grace! Oh, my sweet Meg, with your golden hooves, you certainly are a glamorous steed! Your white mane and tail flow like the most exquisite ribbon â a pink bow might be in order!
My trusty leather rucksack, ready to be filled with all the delightful finds of the day, hangs snugly on my back. Today's finds are likely to include historical ballet ephemera, fascinating tidbits about dance during this period, and perhaps even a vintage ballet slipper or two (cross your toes, lovelies!)
Our destination this month is a journey through time, taking us straight to Paris, the heartbeat of French ballet, to see if we can glimpse any dance performances, and find some exquisite costumes for my ever-growing collection.
(In between typing away in her blog, Emma looks over at the time travel map pinned to the wall above her computer).
Oh! It looks like we have a delightful treat in store, as January 1716 was just before Louis XIV's passing - the grand patron of the dance world - which means we'll get to witness the height of courtly dance.
But first, tea! The smell of freshly brewed Earl Grey is filling my home office... a pink tutu-themed teapot and dainty porcelain cups complete with ballet dancer illustrations are perfect for such a royal affair, wouldnât you agree?
Let's take a closer look at the world of ballet during this time, and remember, darling, if you want to be a part of this pink-filled time-traveling journey, grab a tutu, and your cup of tea - it's going to be a wonderfully fabulous trip!
A Peek Back in Time: The Court of Louis XIV and its impact on Dance
You know, Louis XIV, he wasnât just any king, my darlings! He was the epitome of grandeur, and his love for the arts, and particularly dance, was nothing short of legendary. Just picture him - the "Sun King" - a dashing monarch in all his gilded glory, gracing his grand palace, Versailles, with performances that set the standard for royal entertainment for generations to come!
Now, if you are wondering what makes this particular moment in history so thrilling for us dance lovers, imagine it⌠The era of the graceful ballets, filled with intricate steps, where the costumes were just so flamboyant, the settings were opulent, and every gesture seemed to reflect the magnificence of the court.
Imagine stepping back into the Court of Versailles, surrounded by the luxurious fabrics and plush velvet of the opulent setting! The ladies, decked out in flowing silks, adorned with diamonds and lace, while the gentlemen with their powdered wigs, swirling in intricate dance patterns. That, my lovelies, is the essence of the era that Louis XIV created - a true symphony of beauty, extravagance and dance.
While we cannot find much written record about specific ballets during January 1716, itâs exciting to know that just a few months before this date, King Louis, who was also a dancer himself, retired from the stage in November, 1715, marking the end of an era. I have it on good authority from our dear friend Time, that his court performances were always grand, involving magnificent costumes, elegant choreographies, and grand celebrations that reflected his immense wealth and stature.
Now, the dance of that period wasn't quite the same ballet we see today - it was more theatrical, more story-based, and packed with emotion. In these ballets, dance was woven into the storytelling, with a rich mix of graceful movements, pantomime, music, and captivating visuals.
**(Here, Emma's gaze momentarily drifts off to her window. Outside, a lone sparrow is chirping, catching her eye. The thought of dancing sparrows brings a soft smile to her face. )
*Let's talk about costumes, because what is ballet without the fashion? *Sigh! Imagine - the sheer beauty of brocade and satin! These dancers moved with so much fluidity in their richly decorated and flowing gowns, topped off with a head of hair so artfully sculpted that it practically defied gravity! **
I bet there's so much hidden history within the costume boxes at the grand Opera Houses in Paris. It would be wonderful to find the costume that this eraâs ballet dancers might have worn! Imagine, just a small scrap of fabric with its tiny sequins, a forgotten piece of history that evokes the spirit of a long-gone era!
I wonder what colours they wore! I suspect shades of ivory, gold, silver, with just a splash of pink here and there... Wouldn't the grand palace of Versailles look so radiant with a blush of pink against those rich royal colours?
(Emma is now completely mesmerized by the thoughts of a Pink Palace!)
Of course, if you want to visit the time, I would definitely recommend taking a pink tutu along! I wonder how it would look against the backdrop of Louis XIVâs court! Imagine the astonishment! A whirlwind of colour and elegance â I just know it would make the biggest statement in the history books!
Speaking of history, wouldnât it be lovely if the history of the âPink Tutuâ movement started back then in that majestic palace? How magical it would be to find traces of my own influence, woven into the grand narrative of ballet fashion! (Emma laughs at this thought, picturing a historical photo with a majestic Louis XIV surrounded by pink tutus)
Ah, to be back in those grand halls once more. But for now, I must take my leave, my darlings. Until next time, keep on dancing! And remember to bring the magic of Pink Tutus into every ballet moment, both in your world, and across the timelines!
Yours in Pink, Emma
P.S. Be sure to head over to the website to catch the latest dance trends! It's filled with all things ballet fashion, from tutus to hair pieces to the latest dance shows around the world - donât miss out on this monthly ballet feast!
**(As she presses publish, she turns to her trusty companion, Magic Meg. Her sparkly Shire horse is resting at her feet. They both have a knowing look about them. It seems they are ready to travel across the next time barrier together, pink tutu in tow.)
