Hello, darlings! Itās Emma here, back from another thrilling time-travelling adventure! This month, we're waltzing back to the year 1680, a year brimming with balletic beginnings. And, as always, Iām bringing back a delightful dose of ballet history, a smattering of fashion inspiration, and a few exciting insights from my trusty pink tutu-clad adventures.
Youāll remember my magnificent steed, Magic Meg? Sheās a truly magnificent shire horse with a coat like spun sugar, gleaming golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow. Meg and I are quite the pair, wouldnāt you say? Iām positively giddy to share our journey to 1680, where we witnessed the first ever ballet performed in the grand Salle des Machines in Paris.
The grand Salle des Machines, designed for spectacular festivals and performances, was an architectural wonder. Iāve heard whispers of how it even included an elaborate hydraulic stage that allowed for magical transformations and elaborate scenic effects! We slipped into the audience, disguised amongst the royal guests, our pink tutus blending perfectly into the tapestry of elaborate silks and brocades, and there it was, the birth of ballet.
The performance was called Le Ballet du Roy, or āThe Kingās Ballet.ā As the story goes, Louis XIV, King of France, himself starred in this lavish affair, showcasing his incredible dance skills and his flamboyant stage presence! I imagine a flurry of footwork, impressive leaps, and the elegance of the king himself. We were enchanted by the elaborate costumes, costly fabrics, and elaborate gestures that must have mirrored the grandeur of the court.
From the plush velvet gowns of the royal court to the ornate hats and the gleaming buckles adorning every gentleman's shoe, the attire of the period was an extravagant and impressive spectacle. In fact, 1680s ballet was much like a lavish costume party, each participant striving for their own flamboyant take on courtly refinement. The dance itself, known as ācourt danceā had elements of ritualistic tradition combined with theatrical grandeur, a mix that captivated the whole room.
I canāt help but feel a little bit envious of the extravagant designs and the daring costumes. This period was so alive with rich colours and creative designs! It reminds me of the breathtaking grandeur of some of the ballets we see today ā I just imagine a fantastical world where our stage costumes incorporate such bold detail. Now, wouldnāt that be a sight?
Now, where do we get this fabulous, intricate choreography from 1680? This is what makes our ballet history explorations so special - every era of ballet offers unique insight and inspiration. Iām off to dig in my satchel and see what precious relics Iāve collected, my lovely darlings! It is bursting with remnants from the 1680ās, including snippets of lace, an old sketch of Louis XIV in full regalia, and of course, a little silk thread for my own creations! I will be sharing these and more insights from my time travel adventures throughout this month on www.pink-tutu.com, so stay tuned!
As I say goodbye, remember to wear your pink tutus with pride and be daring to step out of your comfort zone and make every step a fabulous one! Donāt forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for a delightful blend of ballet history, fabulous fashion and captivating time travel stories. And donāt forget, every dance is a story, so wear your tutu with passion! Until next month, darlings!
