Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, and today I'm taking you on a whirlwind journey back to the glorious 1687! ✨
November 11th - oh, the history we're going to uncover! My trusty pink steed, Magic Meg (who's positively shimmering under her saddle today!), is chomping at the bit to take us on another exciting adventure. My rucksack is already bursting with historical ballet finds, just waiting to be unpacked and shared with you!
First, let's talk outfits! This trip, we're going for a 17th century vibe - a dash of rococo extravagance with a sprinkle of my signature pink, of course. My dress, hand-stitched by the most talented seamstress in Derbyshire, features flowing silks, a playful touch of lace, and a bodice that emphasizes the beauty of a dancer's torso. The most striking detail? My pink silk tutu! Just imagine, dancing under the chandelier light in this gorgeous garment, with every twirl adding a touch of vibrant joy! 💖
Our first stop is Paris. You can't mention 1687 without mentioning the "Sun King" Louis XIV, and his glorious reign! Can you imagine what the ballet world looked like at the court of Versailles? This was the era of court dances and the birth of the ballets de cour, a sophisticated mix of storytelling and elaborate choreography performed for the king and his noble guests.
One particular performance that happened this very day in 1687, was "La Princesse d’Élide" (the Princess of Elis) which involved beautiful dancing, stunning costumes and the music of Lully. We're talking gorgeous choreography that pushed the boundaries of what a ballet could be. Imagine all the extravagant costumes, the music that would have swept through the royal halls, and the audience watching with breathless admiration! It’s making me want to travel through time right now and catch the show myself! 🤩
Back in England, London was humming with a new wave of artistic expression. Ballet performances were becoming increasingly popular at the Covent Garden Theatre, the newly constructed marvel of the theatrical world. This was a theatre built to inspire awe, and to be the beating heart of the stage in Britain. And just like today, theatre performances were drawing in crowds from every walk of life, hungry for entertainment and stories told through dance.
My next stop? The National Ballet Museum in Rome, which was just being founded this year, and you can’t talk about Italian dance in the 1680s without mentioning Ballroom dance! I'm absolutely smitten with the idea of these elaborate dances performed in opulent ballrooms! The elegance, the social rules, the sheer grandeur of these gatherings were unlike anything else! 💃🏻
I'll share more about the Ballroom dancing traditions in my next post – I’ve found a collection of manuscripts in my travels that are brimming with details! But before I go, let’s talk fashion, because for every ballerinas, fashion is just as important as ballet. Can you imagine dancing in beautiful, floor-length silk dresses, each one carefully designed to show off your figure?
I have an extra special find in my rucksack, which is an authentic 17th century ballet skirt. I’ll be showing it to you on a new Instagram reel tomorrow – make sure to come back to www.pink-tutu.com and follow me @pinkskyballet!
This year’s exploration through 1687 is leaving me feeling totally inspired. The spirit of these early dancers, their creativity, their determination to express themselves through movement - it truly touches my heart. It's a reminder that ballet is a language that transcends time. It's a language of passion, of beauty, and of storytelling that we can all understand and connect with.
So until next time, darlings! Don't forget to wear your pink tutus with pride, because everyone deserves a touch of ballet magic! 💕
