Hello my lovely ballet bunnies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! I'm Emma, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed ballerina with a passion for tutus, history, and a touch of magical whimsy. And oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today!
This month, we're jetting back to a very special date: 1720, the 3rd of March. Why is this day so extraordinary? Well, let's just say that a certain influential Frenchman called Jean-Baptiste Lully was having quite the moment!
(Quick history side-step for those of you new to the world of ballet!) Jean-Baptiste Lully, or Mr. Lully as I like to call him, was a big deal in the 17th century French ballet scene. He was a composer, dancer, and choreographer extraordinaire - he basically defined what French ballet was back in the day.
Now, if you picture this dapper, talented fellow, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Yep, you guessed it, a flamboyant costume! Forget simple pointe shoes and leotards; we're talking extravagant feathers, opulent fabrics, and elaborate masks. Think the pinnacle of high-society, French, extra, with a generous sprinkle of theatre thrown in!
(Just picturing it gives me major outfit envy...sigh!)
But back to Mr. Lully. On this day, 1720, he was actually about to premiere a new work titled “Le triomphe des Amours” - The Triumph of Love. Isn't that just a wonderful title?!
It seems, this particular ballet, filled with drama, beautiful melodies, and some absolutely exquisite costumes was designed to celebrate King Louis XIV. Talk about putting on a good show! Can you imagine? I'd be completely swept away in the dazzling lights and breathtaking dance!
*Now, if I could just convince King Louis to have a go in a pink tutu… 😉 *
But you know what else was fabulous in 1720? London! I found a little tidbit in my history books (the one my mother bought me in 1998 - it has such lovely, thick pages!). Apparently, a troupe called "The Italian Dancers" were doing their thing at the Haymarket Theatre.
Talk about the ultimate cosmopolitan ballet adventure! You'd have the London crowd enthralled with their intricate movements and Italian charm, while over in Paris, Mr. Lully would be captivating audiences with his own unique vision of dance.
(Hold onto your tutus, everyone, this is some serious historical action!)
Let me tell you, hopping onto Magic Meg's saddle (my pink sparkling shire horse, she's a beauty!) and riding between France and England for some ballet history feels exhilarating! My trusty leather rucksack filled to the brim with fascinating tales, old ballet pamphlets, and even a very well-preserved tutu design, is the perfect companion for my travels!
I have to say, after all this exciting hopping about, it really makes you think, doesn’t it? We’ve all got this ballet heritage – it’s so interesting to see how it’s evolved over the centuries.
And this is just a glimpse into the magical world of ballet history! But remember, our world is so much wider than a few historic dates! So tell me, what exciting ballet journeys are you going on today? Maybe you're trying a new move at class, catching the latest show, or even dreaming up your own fabulous tutu designs? Share your adventures with me!
Remember, it’s all about embracing the pink, the tutus, and the sheer joy of dancing!
Don’t forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com next month for a brand new adventure into ballet history. And, because you're amazing, I'm adding a little surprise bonus - I'll be posting some adorable 18th-century dance tutorials on my YouTube channel! Let's dance together!
Until next month, dear ballet bunnies,
With love, and endless twirls,
Emma 💕
