Hello lovelies! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com. Iām your favourite time travelling ballerina, Emma, and this month Iāve been transported back to the exciting world of 1729! š©°šø
As you all know, my time travel companion, Magic Meg, is a gorgeous pink, sparkly Shire horse with a magnificent white mane and tail and, of course, the most incredible golden hooves youāve ever seen! š¦ āØ It's truly magical to arrive at a new era with her - she makes every trip an adventure! And, this time, I knew that 1729 would be filled with lots of ballet history to uncover, fashion to feast my eyes on and exciting theatrical performances.
So, before I let you in on all my discoveries, you know the drill ā you lovely readers need to look your absolute best for this ballet blog post. Remember my mantra? Pink tutus for all! šš Letās see those tutus in your photos ā and donāt forget to hashtag #PinkTutuTimeTravel. Weāll get everyone dancing in a pink tutu one day! š
Now, off to 1729 and its ballet world!
A World of Elegant Movements and Refined EntertainmentLet me take you back to a time where elegance and beauty were paramount! Itās truly fascinating to discover how much has evolved since then.
It's almost unimaginable that there wasnāt the kind of dance world I know and love in 1729 ā professional dancers working for years in academies and studios, dedicated companies and productionsā¦ no, in 1729 it was all about entertaining in aristocratic houses, sometimes as a courtly spectacle, and certainly in the theatrical realm!
Now, imagine my delight in 1729:
Ballet Performances as Social Events: Back then, a dance performance wasn't just an entertainment. It was an occasion. A chance to see and be seen, mingle with society's elite, and perhaps even partake in the intrigue. It was a time for ladies to display their beautiful gowns and gentlemen to show off their charm and manners. A real opportunity for a spot of gossip!
The Royal Theatre of Paris: I found myself drawn to the famous Paris Opera Ballet at the Royal Theatre (the ThĆ©Ć¢tre de lāOpĆ©ra). This incredible theatre was all about sophisticated shows! Imagine intricate costumes, elaborate stage settings, and graceful movements! Ballet masters, like Pierre Beauchamps and Charles-Louis DāAuberval, became leading figures. Their approach combined the graceful Italian style with the athletic French style to create a new type of ballet - truly ground-breaking!
Ballet and the Stage: As I delved further into the world of 1729, I realised ballet had already taken its rightful place as a major player in theatrical entertainment! But the art of ballet hadn't been recognised as the full-fledged, professional discipline it is today. Imagine ballet masters choreographing elaborate spectacles, often showcasing heroic stories, mythology, and even biblical tales.
It was amazing to get lost in these performances and experience ballet in such a historical setting!
Of Course, Ballet Isn't Just About Performancesā¦ Itās Also About Fashion!
I love researching fashion, and 1729 offered a feast for my eyes! Imagine silk gowns, lace embellishments, powdered wigs, and elegant shoes. I just love a touch of flair, donāt you?
And, of course, what ballerina travels without a well-stocked wardrobe! š I had my trusty pink tutu, but it did take some adjustments to blend in. Thankfully, Magic Meg provided the inspiration: she sported an exquisitely crafted silk saddle blanket, lined with a beautiful brocade patterned trim. We definitely made an impressive pair. I was so inspired that I added some vintage lace trims to my tutu! A perfect touch for my travels through history.
Collecting Memories and Finding Stories
As always, my ballet bag was filled with exciting discoveries ā everything from an elegant quill to write down all my musings on ballet, to a delicate handkerchief adorned with dainty lace and delicate pearls ( perfect for catching any tear or sigh of admiration when I get lost in those dazzling performances).
Oh, and I almost forgot! In my research, I found an antique, hand-stitched silk shoe from the time. I carefully added this to my ballet collection - such a delightful memento of a bygone era! š©°
Now, onto the highlight of my trip!
What Was Performing on Stage In 1729?
Remember those legendary dancers? Well, it was absolutely amazing to watch them dance on stage ā what a sight to see!
But imagine my shock - it seems I missed them by just a month! The premiere of a ballet spectacle titled L'Amour Malade (āLoveās Sicknessā), by one of the masters, Jean-Baptiste Lully, took place in 1728. This show used beautifully elegant French pantomimic techniques. A perfect ballet for a period when social codes were stricter.
The Art of Ballet is Evolvingā¦ And I Canāt Wait to See Whatās Next!
Even though Iām just a tiny time-traveler from Derbyshire, the time spent in 1729 was so incredibly rich, not just in ballet performances, but also in seeing the art of ballet and fashion evolving! And my fellow ballerinas? My quest to get everyone in a pink tutu goes on ā and itās time to get back on that pink-tutu road to explore even more in the ballet world, and get my creative spark burning even brighter! Donāt forget to keep me up to date with your favourite tutus by posting your pictures and comments below!
See you next month for another exciting trip into the history of ballet. Bye for now!
