Hey, tutu lovers! Emma here, back from another whirlwind time-travelling adventure. Buckle up, because today's journey takes us all the way back to the 1740s! 🕰️
It's June 6th, 1743, and I'm in my element – swirling and twirling through the French countryside on the back of Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse.
Can you believe it? It's just over two hundred years before ballet got truly huge. Think ballerinas in extravagant costumes, the dramatic flourishes of the early Romantic Era, and, of course, the incredible invention of the pointe shoe – a pivotal moment for ballet!
My aim? To see the magic of ballet before it even blossomed! It's not quite a tutu yet, but we're getting there! Today, I'm all about the history – the stepping stones, if you will. 👣
The Courtly Arts in the French Court
We arrive at the magnificent Palace of Versailles, the centre of the world in this time period. The court of King Louis XV is a symphony of opulence and grace, with grand balls and opulent ceremonies a constant in court life.
There's not a tutu in sight – but wait! What's this?
The French King’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour, was a famous advocate of the ballet d’action – a form of dramatic ballet which would lay the foundation for the classical ballet as we know it. It’s essentially a story-based ballet, full of elaborate and symbolic choreography. Now that’s something I could definitely get on board with!
Just imagine! A world where ballet is an intimate dance, a sophisticated entertainment for the royal court, not just an elaborate stage production. It's charmingly intimate – imagine an elegant waltz under the chandeliers, a subtle pirouette by a lady in silk, all under the approving gaze of the French monarchy. ✨
And what's more – while I don’t have my signature pink tutu, the ladies are sporting exquisite court dresses – think layered silks, glittering embroidery, and cascading gowns - all that romantic grandeur! It's not exactly tutu fashion, but I can see the whispers of future tutu styles in those billowing silhouettes!
A Glimpse into the World of Opera
Speaking of artistic whispers, did you know the opera is big business right now? A real theatrical craze sweeping the continent. While I’m all for ballet, it's worth saying the two art forms often share the same stage. I think it’s fascinating that they were considered, as one historian so eloquently put it, "twin passions." I can definitely see how their creative energies intersect!
Just imagine being in the audience, seeing a production of Mozart, feeling the emotion rise with each note – it would be mesmerising, especially considering opera is just at the start of its magnificent journey!
Opera houses around Europe were brimming with drama and excitement, from the iconic La Scala in Milan, to the grand Opéra Garnier in Paris. Talk about grand theatres – we’re talking architectural masterpieces! And just imagine – these were places where music and theatrics were inseparable, the precursor to ballet as we know it.
On The Road Again with Magic Meg!
Now, as lovely as France is, the journey continues! We’re off on horseback, galloping through the picturesque landscapes. Magic Meg has a mind of her own, but I trust her completely, and her mane just gleams in the sunlight. ☀️ The scenery whizzes past, reminding me that the world is full of wondrous beauty, and that we're just a tiny piece in the vast history of dance.
Finding Stories & Collecting Fashion
Every month, my little pink leather rucksack fills up with the souvenirs of history! Today, I’ve found an enchanting antique lace-trimmed handkerchief, the type they wore back then, as delicate as butterfly wings. I imagine a lady at the French Court, gracefully dropping it as she dances a courante, all part of the unspoken communication of a time gone by.
The Quest for The Tutu Continues!
And yes, the journey has just begun, you guys! There’s so much more to discover! And I bet you there are hidden clues for the origins of the tutu. This quest for pink perfection knows no bounds, and every stop is a thrilling adventure.
So until next time, remember: embrace your love of ballet! Don't be afraid to twirl and spin, because every dance is a moment of pure magic!
Love,
Emma 💖
