#BalletHistory during 1661 05 May

Hello my lovely readers, Emma here from the delightful Derbyshire! It's time to take you on another thrilling adventure through the wonders of time with yours truly, and, of course, my ever-faithful steed, Magic Meg - a glorious pink sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a cascade of white mane and tail.

Today, we're diving deep into the world of ballet history, because you simply can't talk about ballet without knowing where it came from! This month, we're jetting (or rather, galloping!) to May 5th, 1661.

Hold on tight, my dears, because we're about to waltz back into the glorious age of King Louis XIV!

It was a chilly spring day in Paris, and the sun, a blush of pale pink, had just begun to kiss the city awake. I, dressed in a flowing blush-hued tulle tutu, had parked Magic Meg in the courtyard of the Palais-Royal, an elegant structure befitting a royal palace. This wasn't just any day – it was the very day King Louis XIV, the "Sun King" as he was called, decreed the founding of the Royal Academy of Dance!

You can imagine the excitement in the air. The palace was alive with vibrant discussions and bustling artists! The Royal Academy of Dance, the very first official dance school dedicated to ballet, was an absolute triumph for the dance world. And of course, I wouldn't miss such an auspicious occasion! It's quite difficult to find a suitable outfit that works well both on the back of Magic Meg AND for stepping inside such a grand palace! I think you'll agree that the delicate ruffles on this new creation by Parisian designers were absolutely divine.

Now, let me tell you a little bit about Louis XIV and his influence on the ballet world. Oh, he was absolutely smitten with the art of dance. This monarch, who reigned over France with a velvet glove and a steely hand, was, in many ways, a visionary. He saw ballet as an art form of national pride. In fact, Louis XIV himself loved to perform on stage, and he often inspired choreographers and composers with his theatrical visions. You'll see him depicted in gorgeous costumes, all in all a true renaissance man, he made it his goal to create a ballet that was bold, dramatic, and grand. His reign was an absolute golden age for French ballet and indeed, much of European dance was born from the innovations of this particular monarch.

As the King took the stage, the Royal Ballet, as we know it today, started to take form! From then on, ballet became more than just a mere courtly entertainment; it ascended to become a true art form in its own right!

Imagine a grand performance taking place right here in the palace with ornate costumes inspired by myth and legend. Gorgeous ballet movements are performed to a rich musical accompaniment composed specifically for the piece, It is truly magical. The grandeur and pageantry!

The first few years of the Royal Academy were truly exciting times for fashion too! If you are looking for ideas to dress for the occasion yourself - remember pink is definitely the way to go! Think layers of flowing tulle with intricate embroidery. A delicate floral crown and sparkly embellishments on the sleeves, are a wonderful complement to any ballerina's attire. The Academy provided a unique platform to elevate and promote the world of fashion alongside dance. Ballet dancers of that era were revered not just for their athleticism and talent, but also for their unique and refined style.

It is simply impossible not to feel a deep reverence for such a significant date in ballet history. Imagine, the excitement in the air, as dancers began to study with true dedication. Every pirouette, every grand jeté, every elegant port de bras. They were striving for perfection, all with the ultimate goal of impressing the King!

The atmosphere in the Palais-Royal is palpable. I imagine the King smiling down at his company and whispering, "Bravo!" after every performance, for there is something special, something magical that happens when dance and artistry meet royalty and passion!

### Bringing Home a Treasure

My journey in 1661 was an inspiring one, and I’ve already collected many pieces for my ballet-themed collection, including the "The Dance of the King" tapestry (just breathtaking!) and a vintage dance card inscribed with the Royal Ballet’s schedule - an absolute treasure for my treasure chest at home!

But I have to run now my loves, Magic Meg and I have an exciting show in Edinburgh tonight !

Keep the faith and embrace the joy of dancing. And of course, don't forget to slip into your very best pink tutu – that is, after all, what makes your dreams take flight.

Until next time, dear readers!

Emma

P.S. I hope you have a marvellous month ahead and please, be sure to follow me on pink-tutu.com for your dose of dance inspiration every month. Don’t forget, my pink tutus are for sale! My latest range "Dance to Dream" is selling like hot cakes. You can get your own at www.pink-tutu.com

www.pink-tutu.com

What else was happening in the world of ballet on May 5th, 1661? It's difficult to be precise as the detailed history of that specific day hasn't been recorded with absolute accuracy. However, by understanding the general context, we can paint a picture. Remember, ballet as an organised institution was just blossoming at the time.

1. Royal Favour: King Louis XIV's strong interest in dance made ballet a significant aspect of the French court. Performances, while not always on a fixed schedule, were frequently enjoyed by the King and his guests.

2. Italian Influences: While French ballet was starting to forge its own identity, the influence of Italian dance styles was strong, evident in costumes, music, and dance choreography. This combination of styles is what contributed to the vibrant artistic tapestry of the period.

3. A World of Talent: While ballet itself was largely an exclusive court activity, dancing, and musical traditions thrived in the bustling streets. This period saw the development of street performances, particularly in Spain and Italy, often based on lively folklore, and these street traditions added to the cultural mosaic of the world of dance.

Our little trip through history has reminded us that ballet is a beautiful art form that continues to evolve with each passing season. Remember, every pirouette, every graceful plié, tells a story. Every dance has a unique history, every ballet studio has an inspiring story of its own. We need to hold onto the joy of dance, the enchantment, the sheer elegance. Let us never forget the power of the ballet.

And, of course, always remember, darling readers, you can never have too many tutus!

I'll see you next time. Happy dancing!