Hello, darlings! Emma here, back from another time-hopping adventure. I know what you're thinking: 1763? Is it really all about breeches and powdered wigs? Not at all, my dears. Today, Iâm taking you on a trip to Paris, a city brimming with exciting dance trends! But first, as always, a quick catch-up!
As you know, this little Derbyshire girl has been on a bit of a ballet pilgrimage, touring different periods. This month, Magic Meg (my pink-sparkling shire, wouldnât be caught dead in a black bridle, you know!) and I have galloped across time to 1763, France! It's always a whirlwind experience, but with Magic Meg and a trusty leather rucksack (for my vintage ballet finds), we're always up for a good time.
This particular trip took me to Paris. Now, even without the added magic of time travel, Paris in the 1760s would have been something special! Imagine strolling down the boulevards, the smell of pastries in the air, elegant carriages flitting by. And guess what? The world of dance was bubbling with excitement!
I've been gathering so many exciting details for you lovelies - my latest discovery? Ballet in the 18th century wasnât as rigidly structured as you might think! While graceful postures were expected, it was a more vibrant and expressive form of dancing. The emphasis wasn't just on technique but on telling stories with the body, like a beautiful ballet poem!
And here's where things get super interesting! There was a craze in France, called âLa Françaiseâ. This dance, a whirlwind of emotions expressed with fluid, elegant movements, became all the rage, even reaching beyond the royal court. The French nobles (men, alas! sighâŚ) danced it with flair, embracing their passion and individuality in a way that mirrored the spirit of the age. Itâs a delightful change from the stiff, strict styles we know.
Sadly, no pink tutus on this jaunt! They didn't arrive on the dance scene until a few decades later. The ladies in the 1760s were dancing in exquisite but more practical attire: gowns, corsets, and (surprise!) skirts!
I did find myself some stunning details though - exquisite hand-painted shoes adorned with intricate designs, and beautiful headpieces crafted with intricate lace, flowers, and feathers. Can you imagine the colours and textures? I swear I could almost see them dancing!
So, while there were no pink tutus in sight, there were other dance marvels to behold! Imagine me, on 8th August 1763, nestled among a fashionable audience, captivated by the elegant twirls and dramatic gestures. Can you see me, in my own shimmering pink tutu, blending in? Maybe not, but Iâm getting you there, step by step, you see!
My travels aren't just about the history, darling, itâs about the passion that connects us across time. So, when you slip into your own tutu, even for a casual dance around the living room, remember the spirit of those French ladies in the 1760s â their grace, their energy, their way of embracing every step!
Until next time, darlings, and don't forget to embrace the beauty of movement, the magic of storytelling through dance! Keep shining and twirling!
Love, Emma xx
P.S. Stay tuned for more exciting time-hopping adventures, including some fascinating snippets of ballet history from August 8th in the 18th century. Letâs get our own pink tutus shining bright in the world!
Here's some insider information from the ballet world in 1763:
- The Paris Opera: A hotbed of creativity in 1763, a year for remarkable works! âZĂŠphyre et Floreâ, âL'Embarquement pour Cythère", these operas not just ballets, were visual feasts! The Parisian audience went crazy for them!
- The Queen's Ballet: The royal dance scene! At the forefront of fashion, and influenced the whole court with its innovative dance forms! I was almost tempted to put on a regal costume for a closer look!
- A Time of Transformation: The dance world, in a whirlwind of innovation! While this trip, like most of my journeys, was mostly about ballet, 1763 is a vibrant period! A lot of people have it all wrong - the era wasnât just wigs and strictness - the dances in this period were exciting, passionate and experimental, making my travels so enthralling!
