Welcome, darlings, to my very first post on Pink Tutu Time Travels!
I'm Emma, a Derbyshire girl with a passion for pink tutus, ballet, and all things twirly! I’ve been dancing my heart out ever since I was a little girl, and my love affair with the history of ballet just keeps growing.
That’s where Magic Meg comes in! She’s not your average steed – think a dazzling, shimmering Shire horse, decked in a pink satin coat, golden hooves, and a flowing white mane and tail. Yes, Magic Meg is a time-travelling beauty who whisks me off on breathtaking adventures through history. And with my leather rucksack always by my side, I gather all the amazing stories and ballet gems I find along the way!
And so, for my first trip, we’re heading to 1st January 1661!
As I settle into the saddle and Meg sends shivers down my spine with her pink sparkles, I’m buzzing with anticipation. After all, this is the year of a very special ballet milestone!
1661 - A Royal Decree for the Dance!
You see, in 1661, King Louis XIV of France declared a big love for ballet – and with that love came an important change! The king, who was known as the "Sun King" for a reason, realised just how much grace and beauty ballet brought to his court. So, he signed a royal decree establishing the Académie Royale de Danse! Imagine a dedicated school, all about honing the artistry of dance, complete with its very own teachers! This was a giant leap for the future of ballet, one that helped set the scene for the dazzling world of ballet we know today.
Can you imagine how thrilled I was, galloping alongside Meg as I saw that moment in time unfold? Just think: if the Sun King hadn’t loved dance so much, we wouldn’t be surrounded by such phenomenal dancers and enchanting ballets!
A Time-Traveller's Rucksack Full of Wonders
My little rucksack has been quite full since this first time-travel escapade!
I was mesmerized by the pompous, elegant clothing favoured by the royal court. I just had to have a few bits of ribbon, some brocade samples, and a beautiful little lace handkerchief that I found near the Academy.
I even snagged some notes from one of the teachers! I just love finding these little glimpses into the world of early ballet.
What's on in the Ballet World: 1661?
While the Académie Royale de Danse was the big event of the year, 1661 was filled with fascinating happenings in the world of dance:
- Italy: A Love for the Dance: You know me, I love exploring all the dance trends! The Italians were already big fans of ballet, showcasing it in elegant courtyards and palaces. Their "balletti" were incredibly popular!
- France: The Dance Takes Centre Stage: From ballet to musical drama, French courts loved it all! I can't wait to tell you more about the opera ballets they were performing, with dazzling costumes and stories fit for royalty.
England: Early Steps: England was just starting to dabble in ballet, but things were starting to heat up. Imagine the excitement – a whole new world of dance just about to unfold!
What about Pink Tutus?
Now, I must confess, I didn’t spot many pink tutus back in 1661. Ballet fashion was a whole lot different then – flowing robes, high heels, and elegant ornamentation were the go-to style. But just think: who’s to say that with a little magic and a sprinkle of my own pink tutus, I might not get a whole royal court to join the pink revolution!
This is just the start of our Pink Tutu Time Travels journey! Join me every month for another fantastic dance trip to explore more fascinating moments in ballet history! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see all my pink tutus and amazing finds.
Remember, darling, dancing is a magical world. Let’s explore it together!
