Hello fellow tutu lovers! Emma here, back from another time-travelling adventure! February 2nd 1699 was a whirlwind of discovery and inspiration. As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a beautiful pink shire with shimmering hooves, whisked me through the centuries, landing us right in the heart of 17th century Europe.
Today's journey felt particularly special. It's like the whole world was a ballet stage, buzzing with intrigue and the energy of burgeoning art forms. It felt like an absolute privilege to peek behind the curtain of ballet's early days and see the very foundations of what we love today.
Oh, but before I delve into the history, let's talk about the fabulous outfits! Imagine this – ruffs, wigs, powdered faces, and velvet fabrics! I actually found myself wishing I'd packed a few more of my frilly petticoats and layers of tulle. My trusty leather rucksack is usually overflowing with lace, ribbons, and delicate feathers.
But my dear friends, back then, it was all about grandeur, about intricate detailing. There were no skimpy leotards, and tutus as we know them weren’t even dreamt of! So instead of delicate chiffons, we're talking layers of silk, thick brocade, and embroidered gowns that swept the floor. But believe me, this doesn't diminish the artistry and beauty of the movement; it just redefines it.
This period, however, was quite a transition in ballet. While courtly dances like minuets and quadrilles remained popular, we are on the precipice of a real revolution. From what I discovered in the archives and my trip to the Parisian opera, a change is in the air – the Italian Commedia dell'Arte is finding its way into French ballets, adding a comedic flair and a new layer of artistry.
This led me to explore the wonderful Théâtre de la Rue des Fossés Saint-Germain, where the legendary Molière was just finishing up his most popular works. Seeing "Tartuffe" performed live, with its mix of laughter and drama, left me deeply inspired. The use of costumes, movement, and exaggeration were pure theatre, and it is easy to see the impact it had on dance. It’s almost like they had to bring a certain kind of theatricality and expression to their movements just to be seen!
I know this isn’t necessarily pure “ballet” as we understand it today. But it’s those roots – the exploration of drama, emotion, and theatricality – that give ballet its unique power.
Oh! And talking of theatricality, imagine this: no electricity, no bright spotlights, just flickering candlelight illuminating the stage. This is the magic of live performance - there was no digital capture, it was pure moment in time. You had to be there to experience it. Just as it is for me, in my little pink tutu, riding through time, absorbing the history of the art I love so much.
However, while this journey back in time was truly exhilarating, there was something quite humbling about the lack of access to information. Back in 1699, a dancer like myself might only have learned through a small number of masters, each passing down a tradition rather than a scientific method.
So here's a shout out to all the dancers of today, we are so privileged with our ballet history knowledge! With libraries full of information and the Internet available at our fingertips, our exploration of dance is truly limitless. Remember, even when you are dancing in the middle of a bustling London studio or the bright lights of the Royal Opera House, you are standing on the shoulders of giants, echoing centuries of tradition.
Don’t forget to join me next month for a new exciting adventure on www.pink-tutu.com. I’m excited to show you what incredible ballet adventures await us. And who knows, maybe I'll inspire you to embrace a little bit of pink tulle in your own life! After all, wearing a pink tutu makes the world a better, more whimsical, and wonderfully joyful place!
Until next time, happy twirling, Emma
P.S. I was lucky enough to find an ancient recipe for lavender-scented oil used to dress ballerinas back in the day! Who knew there was such a history of floral elegance in ballet?!
