Hello my lovely ballet bunnies! š Itās Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another dazzling dive into the world of ballet history! This month, weāre taking a twirl back to July 1661 - prepare to be whisked away on a journey filled with powdered wigs, courtly elegance, and the dawn of a revolutionary ballet movement!
Before we set off on our historical adventure, letās give a shoutout to all my wonderful ballet fam. This month, Iām funding my time travels with a double-header at the Derbyshire Dance Theatre ā Iām doing a sassy solo in the classic āSwan Lakeā (naturally in a shimmering pink tutu, duh!) and then joining the company for a dynamic piece called āUnfoldingā by the young, exciting choreographer, James Lewis.
Speaking of dazzling dance pieces, have you seen those new pointe shoes by 'Danse Divine' that have hit the ballet market? Theyāre so beautifully handcrafted and feature shimmering pink accents ā obviously I snapped them up right away! You just canāt resist a bit of pink sparkle, can you? š Anyway, back to our history adventure!
Riding Through Time On A Sparkling Shimmer
My trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, a shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a snow-white mane and tail, is already pawing impatiently, eager for our adventure! This month, our journey takes us back to a time before tutu-mania fully swept the globe ā we're venturing to the year 1661!
As Magic Meg trots along, the familiar whirring sound of time travel fills the air. The wind rustles through Megās silken mane, and I pull my shimmering pink tutu tight around my waist. My leather rucksack ā packed with my ballet-loving heart, my vintage dance book, and a spare pair of those Danse Divine pointe shoes ā feels secure on my back.
We arrive at the cobbled courtyard of the Palace of Versailles, France, a magnificent building fit for a fairytale princess. The air is thick with anticipation and buzzing with the energy of a new era in dance. Today is July 1661, a day that changed the history of ballet forever ā a day when Louis XIV officially founded the AcadĆ©mie Royale de Danse. Talk about a momentous occasion for ballet lovers!
Louis, the Dancing King and His Ballet Mania
I don't know about you, but I find it incredibly cool how dance, especially ballet, is intrinsically connected to royalty and their powerful influence! The legendary Louis XIV, affectionately nicknamed "The Sun King," was known for his impeccable taste, flamboyant court, and love of ballet. It's almost like he had the ballet world in his royal palms, don't you think?
Imagine all those beautiful wigs, flowing costumes, and intricate dances - the ballet world was utterly spellbinding in 17th-century France. The Sun King himself, Louis XIV, played an important role in pushing the boundaries of dance. Can you picture a King literally performing on stage, demonstrating his love of dance to the world? I find it utterly delightful, especially in such a magnificent, formal time period!
Itās not surprising that Louis XIV saw the potential of the newly established academy. It became the central training ground for dancers who would ultimately grace the world's most prestigious stages, including our very own London. And of course, ballet blossomed into a form of court entertainment, becoming synonymous with power, artistry, and sheer elegance.
Catching Up with My Tutu Time Capsule
To truly understand this historic moment, I always take a little dive into the time periodās ballet world ā and it's simply brimming with inspiration! Remember how I mentioned the royal influence on dance? Louis XIV believed that ballet was a vital tool for strengthening the monarchy and national identity. He considered dance a powerful medium that projected France's elegance and stature to the world. So, the academyās mission wasn't simply to train talented dancers. The goal was to elevate ballet to an art form, showcasing not only grace and technique but also French elegance and royal grandeur.
For me, this moment feels particularly exciting as it signifies a new era in ballet history ā a departure from the rather rigid courtly dances of the past, opening the door for greater theatricality and more intricate choreography. Imagine the creativity! Imagine the excitement of dancers discovering the endless possibilities within balletās newfound freedom!
It feels pretty fabulous to be back in the 17th century and see the dawn of modern ballet. The founding of the AcadĆ©mie Royale de Danse didnāt just mark the creation of a school, it solidified ballet's standing as an integral art form in France and indeed the world! I love thinking how these early ballets influenced the ones we adore today!
Ballet On This Date In History
So, whatās happening in the world of ballet on this date back in 1661? Well, sadly, I canāt go and witness any real live performances ā as my little dance book confirms, there were no ballets created for that exact date in history. However, itās interesting to know that around this time period, King Louis XIVās Ballet de la Roy, the company made up of men of the nobility, is in the middle of a production cycle, preparing to show off their choreographed skills for their beloved king!
But hey, who needs real-life ballet when we can indulge in some awesome imagination? Today, Iām channeling my inner choreographer, imagining a stunning ballet sequence that pays tribute to the AcadĆ©mie Royale de Danseās establishment. I picture delicate waltzes that are infused with a touch of majesty, intricate movements showcasing elegant technique and stories told with a touch of grandeur and drama ā perfect for a royal performance!
Sharing My Passion For Pink Tutu Power
My time at the Palace of Versailles is coming to a close. As Magic Meg trots back through the swirling mists of time, I feel the powerful pulse of history beneath my feet. This trip is a great reminder that balletās story is a beautiful journey. Iāve found it fascinating to see how the past continues to inspire the dance world today!
Now, while Iām buzzing from this inspiring journey, I have a little ballet challenge for you ā grab your tutu (the pinker, the better!), and letās celebrate balletās evolution!
Until next monthās Pink Tutu Time Travel, keep on dancing, keep on sparkling and keep those ballet shoes dusted!
Remember, ballet isnāt just a dance form ā it's a way of life, a way to express our deepest feelings, a way to bring people together, a way to paint the world with joy!
Stay twirly! āØ
šEmmaš
* www.pink-tutu.com *
