Oh my darlings, welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travel blog! I'm Emma, a ballet enthusiast, historian, and of course, a fervent lover of all things pink and tutus. This month, Magic Meg (my dashing pink sparkling shire, who is the only reason this time travel lark works!) and I journeyed back to the 1st of January, 1681. Honestly, this trip had me swirling with delight!
Imagine this, dearies: cobbled streets bustling with people in their finest garb, the aroma of roasting meat in the air, and…wait for it…a troupe of dancers! Yes, my pink tutu-wearing heart fluttered with excitement. My little bag is positively overflowing with notes from this amazing trip, bursting with fascinating details and stories of this enchanting period.
The world of ballet was blossoming even then, albeit a little differently than we know it today. While grand ballets as we envision them hadn’t yet graced the stage, dance was a prevalent form of entertainment in the courts of Europe. And where were the royals? Naturally, they were in France, and the French King Louis XIV was not only a passionate ballet patron, but a dancer himself! Talk about a king with some serious moves!
The King's favourite dancer? Madame de Lafontaine, a talented ballerina who graced the stage with elegance and grace. Imagine the stunning costumes, the elaborate sets, the vibrant music - truly a magical era for the arts.
However, dancing wasn't restricted to the upper classes. In England, people from all walks of life enjoyed folk dancing. Imagine a grand village fair, with musicians strumming their fiddles and everyone dancing a jolly jig!
My research indicates that "Masque of Blackness" (1605) by Ben Jonson and "The Golden Age Restor'd" (1611), written by Thomas Dekker, were both influential plays that incorporated elaborate dance elements. While not strictly "ballet" as we understand it, these shows presented dances for courtly gatherings. In London's Inns of Court, dance performances for special occasions flourished.
Of course, this time period saw a significant influx of ballets originating from Italy. While I couldn’t witness one firsthand (I blame Magic Meg’s unfortunate aversion to the ferry), my research tells me of these beautiful and intricate ballets performed in grand halls, captivating audiences with their elegance and grace.
What's incredible, dearies, is how much we still see elements of this era woven into modern ballets! It’s almost like those historical dances have survived, evolving over centuries, but maintaining a timeless appeal. The joy of movement, the storytelling through steps, the intricate costumes - these elements are undeniably beautiful.
To understand this time better, let's picture it like a grand stage. There are the royal courts with their court dances and elegant ballerinas, like Madame de Lafontaine. And then there's the grander scene – the vibrant world of village life, bustling streets, and simple folk dances. Both contributing to the colourful tapestry of dancing throughout 1681.
This journey, dearies, reminded me of the power of dance and the enduring beauty of this art form. It made me think – why limit our dance moments to just theatres and ballet studios? Let's be like those 17th century revelers and celebrate life, dance, and yes, the glorious pink tutu!
Now, let me ask you all this – what's your favorite type of dance? Tell me all about your adventures with ballet and share your stories on my Pink-Tutu.com! Until next time, stay twirling, dears!
Lots of Love,
Emma
Remember, you can follow my adventures in pink and time travel through my blog at www.pink-tutu.com, where I’m always sharing tales of tutus, ballet, and, of course, magic horses with a fondness for pink sparkles.
