Hello my lovely ballet-loving friends! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels. It's October already, can you believe it? The crisp autumn air is perfect for a little twirl, don't you think? This month, I'm whisking you away to the 10th of October, 1711! Get ready for a dazzling trip through the world of ballet in a time where fashion and dance were evolving at a breakneck pace.
Now, you all know that I adore my pink tutus, but this month's trip was a bit of a challenge for the old wardrobe! You see, ballet was a very different affair in 1711, far less whimsical and airy than the tutus we know and love today. In fact, ballet was barely even ballet! You wouldn't find dainty tulle and graceful swirls in 1711. Instead, think big, grand gowns, voluminous silks, and some seriously impressive headwear! Luckily, I always pack a few extra options in my leather rucksack. I have this absolutely exquisite emerald green silk gown, perfect for the 18th-century courtly scene, complete with a shimmering bodice and delicate embroidery - utterly enchanting, even if a little less comfortable than my favourite pink tutu.
As always, my journey began with a dash of Magic Meg's sparkly magic. We've got such a good routine going now; she gives a playful snort, then, with a flicker of pink light, we're whisked through time. This time, I landed in the heart of Vienna. As I stepped out of the glistening time-travel portal, the bustling city greeted me with a cacophony of sights and sounds - horse-drawn carriages, lively street vendors, and the most glorious, opulent architecture. Imagine! Grand, ornate buildings painted in pastel shades, intricately carved facades, and majestic gardens filled with sculptures and fountains - truly the stuff of fairy tales.
Now, the Vienna of 1711 was a whirlwind of ballet excitement. I was right in the middle of a grand transition! For years, ballet had been largely defined by courtly dance - extravagant shows in majestic halls, brimming with grandeur and grace, performed by nobles and ladies of the court. Imagine a swirling sea of satin, lace, and jeweled adornment. It was definitely an air of āopulenceā and 'grand theatreā. But something amazing was about to happen - the first steps of what we would come to know as "ballet d'action", a new style that was a bit more focused on dramatic story telling through dance, which of course is a style we see today on every ballet stage!
Luckily, I had just enough time to take a peak at a little production called "The Triumph of Bacchus". It was one of the very first productions to explore these new ideas, with scenes featuring a fantastical mix of gods, nymphs, and some really captivating mime-inspired action. They werenāt using steps weād see today - that all comes later! It felt more about telling the story than showing off leaps and turns. The costumes, though, were pure perfection, riddled with bright colors, plumes of feathers, and enormous ruffles, making this production all the more thrilling to watch! Think theatrical, think story telling. Thereās even talk that a certain Monsieur de la Salle who, at the time was the Kingās Dancer, even did a full blown cartwheel on stage! And with the full weight of his lavish, shimmering gown. Can you imagine?! I thought Iād burst out laughing, in such a fantastic way! And his cartwheel just felt so very rebellious for a ballet of the time! But hey, if it took one brave cartwheel to move the world of dance a little bit closer to my pink tutu dream, then by golly, it was definitely worth it!
My next stop? Why, the bustling streets of Paris of course! Oh Paris, always so full of flair and chic. It's a fashionista's paradise, and I have to say, the 1700s Paris was no exception! Think flowing fabrics, intricate embroideries, silks in the most gorgeous colors ā think elegant lace collars and bonnets so delicate and delicate. Honestly, my fellow fashionistas, my time travel rucksack had no hope of fitting all the inspiration this city offered. I could only grab a few dainty bonnets, a few lace collars (because theyāre so very versatile with pink tutus), and enough brightly colored silk fabric to make a pink tutu fit for the Queen of the Court! It is this Paris time travel that gives me so many outfit ideas!
One thing I find most interesting is the "Danse Ć la franƧaiseā , or French-style dance, in full force. Itās elegant, with focused, slow and dignified gestures - quite elegant. So different from the energetic jumps and twirls of today. Yet, this form of ballet became a sort of "lingua Franca", meaning it was a widely understood dance form, that influenced everyone, from English Court dancers to those in Vienna.
But it's time for me to return home. The pink Tutu is always beckoning me to share all my latest discoveries with you lovely dancers! Thank you for taking this incredible trip with me. Remember, next month's post will take us further down the path of ballet history, deeper into the beauty of this amazing world and of course, you will never hear me say it too often, the joy of wearing a pink tutu! Until then, happy dancing!
Yours in pirouettes, Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
