Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the glorious world of ballet, one time-travelling pink tutu adventure at a time! This month, we’re waltzing back to the year 1725 – a fascinating period brimming with rich history, dramatic costume choices, and perhaps, dare I say it, the very beginnings of our beloved ballet as we know it today!
Now, you all know me, and you know how much I adore my pink tutus. So naturally, you can imagine my delight when I saddled up my majestic steed, Magic Meg, a shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail, for this latest ballet pilgrimage. My trusty leather rucksack was packed with anticipation and, of course, a spare pink tutu just in case I needed a costume change!
Let me take you back in time…
The Dawn of Ballet's Golden Age?
While we often think of ballet’s origins in Italy, this era marks a crucial point in the dance world’s trajectory – particularly in France! You see, in 1725, Louis XIV, known for his passion for the arts (and the famous “sun king” persona!), bestowed upon his esteemed dancer and choreographer, Pierre Beauchamp, the prestigious title of Maître de Ballet. It's almost as if he was knighted! Can you imagine? This bestowed immense power and influence upon Pierre, allowing him to usher in a new era of creativity and innovation for ballet. He’s a true hero for ballet fans – the one who put the “art” in “ballroom dancing.” 😉
Now, you might be wondering, what did this mean for ballet back then? Well, this was a period when the world of ballet began to embrace codified steps and structure. We are talking about the foundations of those graceful moves that we associate with ballet today! It’s quite astonishing to think that just 300 years ago, ballet was finding its feet (pardon the pun). And it’s not too much of a stretch to see that it blossomed into the powerful and emotional art form that it is now!
From Court to Theatre
1725 was a time of change and transition. Ballet performances were starting to move away from the confines of royal courts and were increasingly being staged in public theatres! This shift truly changed how ballet was enjoyed, expanding its reach to new audiences and cementing it as a truly popular and vibrant form of entertainment.
Fashion Faux Pas and Frills
Just picture the fashion! We are talking about big, lavish wigs, ostentatious jewelry, and a serious penchant for ornate silks and brocades. The ballet dancers back then were quite the sight to behold. No pink tutus, but equally grand – the ballerinas, mainly ladies of the aristocracy, danced in their exquisite dresses, often layered with ruffles and flounces. They moved with grace and charm in these flowing gowns, captivating everyone with their elegance.
This, of course, led me to reflect on our own evolution of ballet fashion! Our modern costumes might not feature all those ruffles, but they are a symphony of innovation, grace, and comfort – just as exquisite, even if not quite as historically grand.
My Little Pink Tutu Corner
What did I find in my travels this time, you ask? Oh my darling, I'm so thrilled to say my rucksack is brimming! There’s a little lace ribbon that a dancer was wearing as part of their costume – imagine, all these years and this precious ribbon is right here in my hands! It makes me so happy! Then I snagged a few drawings from that time that show ballet steps, which are quite beautiful in their simplicity, so very early forms of the movements that have inspired decades of ballets since. My little pink tutu corner just got a whole lot more magical!
And to cap off the entire experience, I got the most wonderful treat! It seems the “Ballet Master” of the court, Pierre Beauchamp, was showing off some new pieces at the opera house in Paris! My favourite ballet shoes were packed, and I waltzed in with Meg to witness a magnificent performance that took my breath away! It’s a strange feeling to experience the early days of this art form. So beautiful, so raw! I couldn't resist a spontaneous tutu twirl during the intermission, causing a little stir of amusement among the aristocratic attendees. There wasn't a single pink tutu to be seen, but I decided to start my little pink tutu campaign – for the good of fashion history, of course!
To conclude our whirlwind journey through 1725, I would say…
This trip made me feel ever so grateful for the incredible ballet heritage that has unfolded throughout history! This time in 1725 feels like the very spark that ignited a wildfire of creativity and innovation in ballet, giving us everything we love about this art form. And that, my darling friends, is worth celebrating.
So, whether you're rocking a dazzling pink tutu in the classroom, at the theatre, or at home, keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and keep on embracing the magic of ballet! Until next month, keep those tutus twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com next month for a new ballet time travel blog adventure! You know how much I love seeing all the lovely comments. What ballet era do you want to travel to with me? 🩰 💕
