Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in time with my gorgeous, sparkling Magic Meg. This month, we're skipping across the centuries to 1662, and guess what? Paris is on our list!
Now, you know I absolutely love a good tutu. But did you know that June 16th, 1662, saw the birth of ballet as we know it? It's the day the Académie Royale de Danse was founded in Paris! 🩰🎉 This momentous event officially marked the beginning of ballet's transition from its earlier, courtly origins into a proper artistic discipline, complete with professional dancers, codified movements, and – of course – stunning costumes!
It’s amazing to think that before this, ballet was a performance by members of the royal court. But Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King” had other plans. He envisioned a more structured ballet, with steps and technique being meticulously choreographed and performed by trained dancers. This new approach sparked a surge in creativity and technical mastery that laid the groundwork for the ballet world as we know it today.
Imagine, darlings, my pink tutu in the elegant Parisian salons of 1662! Can you see me, twirling and pirouetting in front of a delighted audience? I can almost picture it: the intricate gowns, the chandeliers sparkling above, and the soft murmur of applause as I grace the stage.
We can thank the French court for giving us all this loveliness! The academy flourished under Louis XIV's patronage and quickly attracted talented dancers and choreographers, becoming the pinnacle of dance education. Ballet in France soared, and it didn't take long for its allure to spread across the world!
My dear Magic Meg and I trotted about Paris for days, soaking in the excitement surrounding the new academy. You can almost imagine the hum of excitement on the streets, as people anticipated this fresh and innovative form of art!
Imagine the vibrant colours in the gowns of those first ballerinas! While there were no tutus yet (those wouldn't arrive for quite a few years, oh darlings!) there was definitely plenty of beautiful movement on display.
My rucksack is brimming with lovely finds from this trip! I picked up a stunning sketch from an 18th-century ballet notebook. It depicts a dancer in a richly embroidered bodice and billowing skirt, graceful as a swallow. And just look at this delicate velvet fabric swatch – you can practically smell the elegant perfumed air of those early Parisian performances. I'm planning to add some Parisian flair to my latest pink tutu creations using this beautiful velvet!
While we’re on the topic of Paris and its rich history of ballet, let's have a little talk about current events, darling! My, it was hard to say no to a front row seat at the Paris Opera Ballet! Seeing Swan Lake danced with such exquisite elegance and precision just reminded me why I love the art of ballet so much. And of course, those tutus, simply divine.
You know I always advocate for everyone having a tutu, especially when you're witnessing breathtaking performances like those. From grand premieres to intimate showcases, there’s a tutu out there for every occasion and every style! Just as those first Parisian dancers ignited a ballet revolution in their time, you can help spark a tutu revolution too, darlings. Just let your inner ballerina shine!
Let’s leave Paris and bring you up to date on Derbyshire's bustling ballet scene. This weekend I'll be performing at the “Derby Dance Festival" at the lovely Theatre Royal in the city center. There are over a dozen dance performances throughout the festival, all celebrating different styles, from classic to contemporary.
And you’ll see me wearing the most stunning new pink tutu designed by none other than yours truly! 🤫
Make sure you join me there for the pink-tutu revolution!
Don't forget to keep those tutus twirling! I'll see you on the blog next month for a new adventure in time.
Much love,
Emma
P.S. Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see our latest blog post and find the best tutu for you! 💖
