Hello dearies! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back from another enchanting jaunt through ballet history. This month, Magic Meg and I took a trip back to 11th November, 1743. Can you imagine? It's just a little bit surreal to think about what ballet was like back then!
I've always been fascinated by how ballet has evolved, and this month's journey certainly didn't disappoint. Just a thought - you know those big, frilly, absolutely magnificent tutus you see in classical ballet performances? They didn't actually appear until the 1830s! Just imagine... ballet in 1743, without a tulle cloud in sight! 🤯
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what was happening in the ballet world on 11th November, 1743! Back in my Derbyshire roots, it wouldn't have been possible to catch a ballet performance on that very day, but let me tell you, there was plenty happening across the pond. Across the Channel, in Paris, the Palais Royal was buzzing with theatrical magic, home to the Académie Royale de Musique. This esteemed academy wasn't only focused on ballet, oh no, they also hosted opera, which in those days, often featured elements of ballet. So, imagine a world where ballet and opera twirled and danced hand in hand - truly breathtaking!
For my 1743 excursion, I decided to explore the French ballet scene. The Académie Royale de Musique held a captivating opera titled Les Indes galantes with enchanting choreography from Jean-Baptiste Lully, a name known throughout history for revolutionising French ballet. In those days, men danced en pointe! Think about it - strong and graceful gentlemen strutting their stuff in the highest of heels. The Académie was a hive of artistic activity, showcasing incredible costumes and magnificent dancing. Now that's my cup of tea!
Back in the 1740s, ballet wasn't solely confined to the grandeur of the royal theatre. Ballet was flourishing in the open air as well, with performances taking place in gardens, courtyards, and even town squares! Can you imagine dancing beneath a clear sky, a starry night, with only nature's gentle symphony as a backdrop? Such romantic beauty!
Oh, and you know what I found out? This very same year in 1743, there was a flurry of ballets performed in Paris called 'Ballets-bouffon', full of wit and social commentary. Now, you may wonder - what is 'bouffon' all about? Well, it means buffoonery, dearies! These were essentially comic ballets, filled with playful dances and characters that poked fun at the social norms and conventions of the time. So, a lot like my cheeky little pink tutu! Think of all the stories those dancers could tell just through movement.
While I might not have a giant pink tulle tutu with me back in 1743 (that, after all, wouldn't be invented for a few more decades!), the sheer elegance of the ballet attire back then was undeniably charming. Think flowing robes, graceful lines, and intricate embroidery - simply captivating. Not to mention, those dashing men, who sported stylish buckled shoes and embroidered jackets. Such style! You bet I did my own little "ballet fashion show" in the garden of the Académie Royale de Musique - Magic Meg looked radiant in her own pink attire! It's not so difficult to imagine how our love of fashion transcends through centuries.
This particular adventure truly left me yearning to learn even more about 18th-century ballet. So many details have been etched into my ballet-loving mind. It made me realise how crucial each step, each movement, each costume has been to shape the ballet we adore today.
If you're looking to embrace the wonders of ballet history, remember to head to your local ballet archives! Many museums have magnificent collections and archives, like the Victoria and Albert Museum here in London, or even libraries, which have some incredibly interesting resources. Or, of course, hop aboard your very own pink-tutu-magic and join me on your own personal adventure!
Just think: a time when ballet was an intimate affair, an exploration of emotions and stories woven into movement. I imagine a dancer from this era, bathed in the moonlight of a Paris garden, swirling with captivating grace and artistry. A moment frozen in time, etched in history, reminding us of the enduring power of dance and its profound influence on society.
Well, I’ve got a ballet show to attend, and who knows, I might see a few gentlemen on pointe! Until next time, darlings! Remember to wear pink tutus with pride! 💕
Your time-travelling tutu-clad blogger,
Emma.
