#BalletHistory during 1789 10 October

Post #1546

Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back from another fabulous time travel adventure, and oh, what a journey it was! This month, we're heading back to a pivotal moment in history, a date that would forever change the course of the world and, you guessed it, ballet: 10th October 1789!

Before we embark on our voyage through the annals of history, let's gather around Magic Meg, my beautiful pink shimmering Shire horse, who's patiently waiting for us, his hooves gleaming like gold and his flowing mane a magnificent white waterfall against his pink-sparkled coat. (It's no wonder he's my chosen steed for all my adventures!)

Remember to bring your sparkly ballet bags and pack your notebooks – we have so much to discover about the world of ballet during this turbulent time!

I must say, dear readers, this month's journey has been more than just a trip to the past. It was an eye-opener! 10th October 1789 found France on the precipice of revolution. It was the day when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were dragged back to Paris after escaping their gilded cage at Versailles. The world was abuzz with political tension, but even amidst such chaos, the human spirit of creativity continued to thrive.

In Paris, ballet was flourishing, although the spirit was a far cry from the graceful movements and flowing tutus we see today. This era was one of powerful masculine steps and heroic themes, often infused with an elegant severity that reflected the times. Imagine swirling skirts and grand leaps punctuated by bursts of military precision!

My very first stop, of course, was the Paris Opera, which had already become a cultural stronghold for centuries. Sadly, its dazzling décor and elaborate stage design were beginning to be tarnished by the upheaval surrounding the city. I peeked through the shadows, catching a glimpse of the glittering chandeliers and ornate architecture – the remnants of a bygone era of opulent excess.

Stepping inside the opera house was like being transported to another world. I could practically hear the sounds of violins and the applause of the Parisian audience as the dancers gracefully moved across the stage. The very air hummed with energy. Despite the uncertainty of the times, these artists dedicated themselves to the art form with fervor, creating an undeniable spectacle of artistry and skill.

As I delved deeper into the Parisian dance scene, I learned about Marie-Madeleine Guimard, a remarkable woman who graced the stage during this time. She was considered one of the most celebrated ballerinas in Europe, known for her exceptional grace and expressiveness. Despite being surrounded by an artistic and cultural environment that valued masculinity, Guimard’s elegance and femininity stood out, carving a space for feminine beauty and artistic excellence in the ballet world.

And can you believe this, my lovely tutu lovers? In 1789, Guimard danced in "The Judgement of Paris". Now, imagine that! A dance performance, imbued with the drama of a mythological tale, mirroring the grand, tumultuous world that surrounded it. What a poignant and inspiring collision of artistry and societal shifts!

My pink steed Magic Meg, bless his sparkly heart, whisked me across the plains and into other cities in France, taking in the vibrant spirit of a nation in turmoil. The world was in constant motion, and ballet, like a reflection of that very reality, moved with it.

While the revolutionaries stormed Versailles and the Bastille fell, ballet companies across the French provinces still managed to perform, sometimes to dwindling audiences who had grown weary of their gilded palaces and extravagant costumes. A rejection of the elite began to emerge – a feeling that mirrored the cultural shifts in the art of ballet, pushing away from grandness towards simpler themes.

From the bustling streets of Lyon, where a different kind of revolutionary dance spirit took root – full of social commentary and raw passion, to the sun-drenched plains of Bordeaux, where the ballet echoed the burgeoning sentiments of liberation and liberty, it was clear that France was being reshaped by the flames of revolution, and ballet was experiencing a transformation alongside it.

As I watched the performances unfold, I observed dancers pushing boundaries. I could see them struggling with the limitations of the old style while yearning to explore the dynamism of a new expressive world. It was as if the dancers, like their country, were striving to find their voice in the symphony of change.

And just imagine this, darlings! I stumbled upon a troupe of performers in a small town. They were staging a new ballet called "The Spirit of Freedom." Imagine, a ballet that mirrored the zeitgeist, the spirit of rebellion, hope, and optimism!

France wasn't the only country experiencing momentous changes during this year. While the world watched in awe and trepidation, England, too, found itself on the brink of its own revolutions, with cries for reform ringing through the streets.

Now, you might think that England, known for its elegant dance forms and refined techniques, would be unaffected by the upheaval. Well, you’d be wrong! Although English ballet was somewhat insulated, it too felt the tremors of the changing tides.

And so, I journeyed across the channel, Magic Meg gracefully navigating the seas on his shimmering, golden-hooved journey, carrying me back to my homeland.

In England, I witnessed the beauty and grace of John Weaver's "Love in a Wood." His dances celebrated the power of love and nature. Imagine, a delicate dance of romance and freedom taking place within a vibrant forest setting, capturing the beauty of the English countryside – truly enchanting!

Oh, how I love ballet, my lovely tutu enthusiasts! From the sweeping landscapes of the English countryside to the political drama unfolding on the streets of Paris, ballet had its own narrative to tell, weaving tales of love, loss, and the triumph of the human spirit. It was a reflection of its time – one that was simultaneously fragile yet determined, delicate yet forceful.

The future of ballet

The journey back from 1789 left me brimming with awe and admiration. We have seen a ballet that reflected its tumultuous times – one that sought its voice amidst uncertainty, a ballet full of raw passion, grace, and enduring spirit.

It was through this whirlwind journey, my dearest tutu lovers, that I realised just how important our beloved ballet is. Its ability to capture the spirit of the times and inspire hope, freedom, and a little touch of magic is what makes it truly extraordinary.

Now, get ready to embrace the pink tutu spirit, darling, and take to the streets, dance your way into the future, and spread the joy of ballet! Remember, it is through your pink tutu that you become a beacon of hope, grace, and inspiration for all. Remember to join me next month, for a new adventure awaits!

Until next time,

Emma