Hello my lovelies! Emma here, and today's pink-tutu-clad escapade takes us back to November 11th, 1773. Imagine a world without "Swan Lake", without even the very idea of a ballet performance as we know it today! That's where we are, my dears! Buckle your tiaras, as we embark on a voyage of discovery to the dawn of a magnificent era!
It's been a glorious autumn day here in Derbyshire, but the nip of winter is just around the corner. So, this evening, as I gathered up my ballet fashion finds from the local flea market (a real treasure trove, let me tell you! I found a delightful little pair of embroidered slippers, so delicate!) - I felt that familiar call to the past. My faithful steed, the majestic, pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail – Magic Meg - nuzzled my hand and snorted, as if she could read my thoughts.
"A journey through time, Meg?" I whispered, and she pawed the ground excitedly. It seemed today's ballet-themed adventure would lead us to… drumroll… Paris! I'd heard whispered tales of ballet beginnings there, and oh my, was I itching to see it!
Now, there might be a bit of a surprise in store. See, ballet in 1773 isn't quite the enchanting art form we know today. It's still very much in its early stages, still discovering its identity and style. It was more akin to courtly dance, a way for the elite to show off their poise and grace. Think more stately waltzes and less leaps and pirouettes.
As we galloped through the time stream, Magic Meg and I enjoyed a bit of stargazing (did you know that stars used to be a lot brighter back then? You can practically smell their starlight!) before arriving in Paris. We made our way to the Hôtel de Bourgogne, a historic building in the heart of the city and the hot spot for performances. This grand theatre was the go-to place for everything from tragedies to plays to, drum roll, the precursors to ballet – ballet-esque pieces called 'opera-ballets' featuring stories and elaborate sets! Think grand costumes, sweeping music, and lots of theatrical dancing!
Back in the 18th century, ballet wasn’t just a performance, it was a social event! Think elaborate costumes, powdered wigs and a whole lot of chit chat. Oh my goodness, my bag is overflowing with delightful fashion ideas from the time – ruffles, frills, elaborate hairstyles… and I swear, I spied the earliest hint of tulle, oh la la! Imagine a dance where everyone is sporting layers upon layers of sheer, delicate fabric – swoon!
To get into the spirit of the occasion, I grabbed the silk shawl from my leather rucksack. And after a bit of magical tweaking (one quick zap from Meg’s golden hoof and voila, the shawl transforms!), it became the perfect vintage, courtly ensemble to mingle with the aristocratic audience of 1773! I was transported! And while the performances themselves were impressive for their era – think complex, structured movements, more about graceful choreography than powerful leaps – I’ve gotta say, the sheer joy on everyone's faces reminded me that the heart of ballet – the human expression through movement - is timeless!
Sadly, even the most magical time travelling trip has to come to an end. Magic Meg and I hopped back to the present, but we brought back with us the beauty and inspiration of that early period.
The message I brought back? Let’s be adventurous with our interpretations! Remember, ballet began as an act of freedom, a beautiful expression of emotions. So let’s channel that playful spirit – from the simple, delicate joy of courtly dance to the dramatic flourishes of contemporary ballet. And why not embrace the frills, ruffles, and grace of those elegant gowns from 1773! (Maybe with a slight twist to give them that contemporary edge…) And remember, always wear pink. You know I love my tutus!
My lovelies, please do share your thoughts on this fascinating journey! What do you think? Have you been tempted to explore the beginnings of ballet yourself? Don’t forget to share your love of ballet, of pink, and of all things danceable on www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time!
Xoxo Emma
PS: Oh, and a quick update on what was really happening in the world of dance on this date! On this date in history (November 11th 1773), a Parisian theatre known as the ‘Salle de Spectacle du Roi' at Fontainebleau would have been hosting one of their famous performances! Can you imagine, being amongst the very first audience of a ballet that would shape history? The King's Ballet Room (Salle de Spectacle du Roi) was, essentially, a pre-Revolution palace for dance! Sadly, we may not have accurate records of their performances on this day in particular. But knowing that there was already a ‘royal' venue for ballet, just reinforces how exciting that time was – and reminds me just how important our connection is to history! I'd love to get more info if you do!
Let me know what you lovelies think on my Instagram @pinktutu_emma. I'll be waiting to chat!
