Hey lovelies, Emma here, back from another time-travelling adventure! February, oh February...a time for love, chocolates, and of course, ballet! This month, I'm whisking you all back to 1662 – get ready for a journey through time with the grace of a ballerina!
It was a chilly Derbyshire morning when I donned my trusty pink tutu and hopped onto Magic Meg, my magnificent pink shire horse with a dazzling white mane and tail (and, of course, shimmering golden hooves - it's all about those details, isn't it?). I strapped on my leather rucksack – filled to the brim with beautiful ballet memorabilia, and of course, some trusty pink ribbons – and off we galloped, through the frosty air, towards 1662!
Arriving in Paris, I felt a distinct change in the air... the French, ever so stylish, embraced a certain…panache. It's hard to imagine, but this date marks a significant moment in ballet history: The Académie Royale de Danse, the very first ballet academy in the world, opened its doors!
Fancy Footwork in the French Court
King Louis XIV, who would become known as the “Sun King”, was quite the ballet enthusiast. In fact, he even took the stage as the god Apollo in a ballet performance - now, talk about a performance pressure!
The Académie was designed to educate the elite on the art of dance and establish a set of rules for movement. And let's be honest, some kind of order is needed when everyone is attempting fancy footwork and elegant leaps. These days, our schools have their own strict ballet syllabus. Back then, they had a Royal Ballet Academy and a syllabus determined by the Court – the ultimate ballet power duo!
I imagine the classes back then were quite the spectacle - gentlemen and ladies, all beautifully adorned in their finest costumes, practicing their pirouettes and arabesques. Perhaps they didn't have the precise and technical ballet moves we see today, but they certainly laid the groundwork for what we have come to know and love.
Dancing to the Beat of History
One of the highlights of my visit to 1662 was witnessing the evolution of ballet de cour. This form of courtly ballet involved themes of love, intrigue, and even mythology, much like the story ballets we enjoy today. The royal court would dress in their grandest attire, filling every inch of the room. They would watch as dancers told stories, performed intricate choreographies, and brought history to life in every movement.
It was truly inspirational to witness the birth of what would become one of the most beloved forms of art – it all began with a group of dedicated individuals wanting to share their love of dance with the world. And just think, back then, tutus were simply the gowns they wore – very grand and very romantic. And of course, they were perfectly suited for twirling and pirouettes, perhaps not quite as whimsical as ours, but certainly the inspiration for what we see today!
Finding My Inner Ballerina in 1662
And while 1662 Paris was a whirlwind of ballet brilliance, my trip wouldn’t be complete without my trusty leather rucksack. It wouldn’t be a true Emma time-travel adventure without gathering a little piece of history.
I popped into a bustling shop filled with ribbons, beads, and lace – perfect for embellishing my next tutu. The store owner, Madame Antoinette, was a vision in an extravagant velvet dress, her smile as warm and welcoming as her shop.
“I've always loved fashion and its power to tell a story,” Madame Antoinette shared. “Dance is like that too. Every pirouette, every graceful arabesque speaks volumes about who we are.”
Her words echoed in my ears, reminding me that ballet goes beyond just the steps and movements. It's about passion, artistry, and the power to transport an audience to another world. It's about history in motion, just like this journey I'm on!
I slipped a vintage piece of French lace into my rucksack, ready to give it a starring role in my next tutu design. Madame Antoinette's words made me think – perhaps the next ballet I design could have some courtly style in it – and it will most definitely be in a beautiful shade of pink, of course.
The Power of Pink: Sharing My Love of Ballet with the World
I have a confession to make… my dream is to have the world in pink tutus!
Maybe not everyone will take to wearing them in daily life - though the idea does bring me joy – but everyone can find their love for ballet, just like I have. This is why my website www.pink-tutu.com exists! To bring a little touch of pink (and a lot of ballet joy!) into your life.
From 1662 and beyond, it's clear that ballet is a timeless form of art that connects us all. It tells stories of love, resilience, and creativity, in the language of movement.
The journey through history continues – what an adventure it has been! Stay tuned next month, when I’ll be hopping back on Magic Meg for another fabulous time-travel escapade.
Until then, keep dancing!
Emma xoxo
