Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a fabulous time! This month, we're pirouetting back to the year 1661, specifically the 4th of April! It's been a bit of a busy month for ballet, so buckle up, babes!
As you all know, I, Emma, have an unshakeable love for everything ballet. But the joy of travelling through time is the chance to explore the history of ballet, how it blossomed into the captivating art form we know and adore today. Imagine, dancing under candlelight, or experiencing the majesty of royal courts filled with exquisite dance!
For this particular time trip, my trusty steed, Magic Meg (a stunning pink shire with shimmering golden hooves, a snowy white mane, and a sparkle that could rival a thousand diamonds) carried me back to Paris. Now, we all know the French are known for their chic and je ne sais quoi, and the 17th century was no exception! The French were just beginning to embrace ballet as a formal art form, moving beyond its early Italian origins.
A Royal Affair:
April 4th, 1661 saw King Louis XIV of France granting a Royal Warrant to his favourite dancer, Pierre Beauchamp. It was a grand affair, a flurry of swirling satin gowns, shimmering jewels, and powdered wigs. Imagine the excitement, darling! Pierre Beauchamp, who is credited as the father of ballet as we know it, was allowed to open the first royal ballet school! That's right, ladies, the dawn of formal ballet education was in sight! Can you imagine studying under such a legend? My imagination is already spinning with dreams of en pointe lessons in those opulent French palaces!
Behind the Scenes:
While King Louis was a ballet enthusiast, the world was far from our glamorous studio and theater experiences! Performances happened in grand halls, sometimes even in the streets! You wouldn't be seeing elaborate sets or dazzling costumes; it was all about elegant movements and the beautiful grace of the human body. Can you imagine the sheer bravery of dancing under the stars, relying solely on the strength of your performance to captivate an audience? That kind of commitment takes real grit, my darlings!
Fashion Fiasco:
You wouldn't be catching me in a poofy gown or heavy skirt, not for a single twirl, even back in 1661! That's where my trusty rucksack comes in! Every time I visit a period, I fill it up with little tidbits and trinkets, including pieces of fashion from the era! My dear readers, even in this earlier age, a strong sense of fashion was evident! Of course, ballet fashion back then was much more grounded compared to the feather-light tutus of today.
Think graceful flowing lines, elegant yet modest gowns for the ladies and brocaded breeches for the gentlemen. Oh, the beauty! While the men danced in shoes similar to our own, the ladies would twirl on stage in elegant, sometimes high heeled shoes, adding even more poise to their graceful movements!
A Legacy of Dance:
It’s remarkable to see the journey ballet has taken, isn't it? Imagine those early days when Pierre Beauchamp and others were making their first steps toward this captivating art form. They've created something truly special, a timeless beauty that connects us across time and continents.
And to think, my lovely readers, that all of us can contribute to the legacy of ballet, each time we take a leap, pirouette, or simply take in the magic of a performance! Don't forget, your love for dance inspires me to continue exploring, and who knows, maybe one day you can join me on one of my fabulous time-travel adventures!
Now, for the fun part! Let’s see what’s going on in the world of ballet in 2023, our time!
This Month's Must-Sees!
The Royal Opera House, my personal favourite, is presenting Giselle. You all know I’m a bit obsessed with the ballet! The story of Giselle, is all about doomed love, heartbreak, and magical redemption! It’s pure ballet perfection!
And let’s not forget about the ballet fashion! In our time, it’s an explosion of colour, elegance and flair! Designers create spectacular creations for our beloved ballerinas. And of course, we can all enjoy that feeling with our pink tutus!
Remember, darling, to spread joy, to twirl freely and remember, a pink tutu can truly bring magic to your world! Don't forget to follow us on www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet adventures, fabulous outfits, and amazing performances. Until next time, darlings! Let's all dance like there's no tomorrow!
Yours in ballet,
Emma
