#BalletHistory during 1663 01 January

Hello, my dearest Tutu-ettes!

It’s Emma here, your very own pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on a dazzling trip to a time long past! This month, we’re stepping back to 1st January, 1663, just a few years after King Charles II had returned to the throne of England after the turbulent period of the English Commonwealth.

Oh, the excitement! I’m giddy with anticipation, my pink tutu practically vibrating with anticipation! You know I can't resist a good bit of history, and what's better than discovering the roots of ballet in such a fascinating era? This time, I’ve got Magic Meg saddled up and ready to go, and I’m even more thrilled than usual because – brace yourselves! – 1663 is a truly pivotal year for the development of ballet!

We’ll be skipping right to the heart of Paris, a city brimming with artistic spirit and a desire for new forms of entertainment. King Louis XIV, with his famed flair for the dramatic, has just formed the Académie Royale de Danse, paving the way for ballet as we know it today! Think swirling costumes, refined steps, and the first beginnings of grand opera, all with a touch of courtly grandeur!

Now, what could be more perfect than a little vintage shopping and ballet-watching in this dazzling city, just across the channel from dear ol’ Derbyshire?! And trust me, I've been meticulously prepping my wardrobe – think soft pinks and sumptuous silks!

Our arrival at the Académie Royale de Danse is practically a spectacle in itself, with Magic Meg causing a flurry in the cobbled Parisian streets. People whisper with fascination at her golden hooves and shimmering coat – rumour has it, she was actually born under a shooting star! I can almost feel the excitement of these Parisians – the thrill of seeing their ballet traditions develop, evolving from medieval court dances to a sophisticated art form.

Just imagine, the ballet of this time – an intriguing mixture of courtly etiquette and theatrical display! It was all about showcasing elegance, grace, and a bit of storytelling, albeit a tad more structured than the dynamic modern ballets we know today. Think less Bolshoi Theatre, and more, shall we say, elegant promenade?

Now, for the ballet aficionados amongst you, don’t fret! While it may be a far cry from our favourite pointe work and leaps, the ballet techniques in 1663 were nothing short of pioneering. Remember these names – Pierre Beauchamp and Charles Louis Beauchamp, the two master dancers who helped shaped the technical groundwork of the ballets we know and love today. And wouldn’t you know it? The Académie is teeming with aspiring ballerinas - it’s a vibrant hub where the most promising talents are learning from the best. You can sense the passion radiating from every corner of the dance floor!

I even found an antique leather-bound volume on a dancer’s journey, filled with illustrations depicting those iconic ballet steps, with descriptions in a graceful French hand - it’s going straight into my rucksack! It seems this time travel life isn’t all about glitz and glamour, but there’s nothing like holding a bit of history in your hands, wouldn’t you agree?

Ah, fashion in 1663, oh how I do love this era for style! Think frilled sleeves, elaborate panniers, and, of course, those exquisitely detailed ribbons and laces.

But have no fear, my dearest Tutu-ettes! The pink tutu hasn’t been abandoned. Imagine – my vibrant pink tutu standing out against the lush tapestry of courtly costumes. It’s quite a vision!

The Parisians stare with wide-eyed fascination, even the gentlemen who must be accustomed to extravagant attire! I guess a bold shade like this really makes an impact, even when time-traveling centuries in the past.

Imagine – a dazzling ballet performed under a glittering chandelier with all of Parisian society gazing with awe at the elegant steps of the dancers. You know I couldn’t leave without seeing a performance. The dancers are wearing elegant silks in a vibrant array of colours, all woven into sumptuous gowns – just look at that exquisite, sapphire-hued brocade, oh! – and their elegant moves perfectly complement their grand costumes.

You can just imagine all the gossiping that must take place after a grand soirée! But don't be fooled by this aura of aristocratic elegance! The fashion is filled with bold colour and dramatic embellishment – the true essence of extravagance. I'd bet anything there's been a grand social scene after the show, all those beautiful silks and embroidered lace dresses - and, of course, whispers and murmurs of gossip about the dancers and their latest routines.

This Parisian trip has sparked my love for 17th century fashion – how grand! I can see myself swirling in silks and feathers, all adorned with magnificent pearls and ribbons, dancing in the Parisian salons.

The desire for elegance, drama, and grace, oh my! What could be more fitting than a pink tutu? My passion is a tutu of course, and with a heart set on expanding the boundaries of fashion – well, this historical trip really opened my eyes. Maybe I’m getting a bit carried away, but just picture it: everyone – from the shop girls in Derby to the grand dames in Paris - swirling around in glorious tutus! A world painted in beautiful, bold shades of pink.

If only I could persuade Queen Marie Therese to join my "pink tutu crusade!" I could picture her leading the way in the French Court! Imagine the fashion impact – every lady in the realm wearing tutus. Now, there’s a fashion movement!

Alas, she may not be taking fashion tips from me quite yet - but it's worth a try. I must remember my time-travel mantra! “Live, dance, and believe in the magic of a pink tutu!"

Now off to find the finest fabric for my new creations! Paris is full of luxurious stores that are overflowing with lace, ribbon and silk and of course, the perfect shades of pink!

Until next time, darling tutu lovers! Remember - a little sparkle, a little pink, and a lot of dance - makes the world a better place!

Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for your regular dose of time-traveling ballet fun. And be sure to share your own ballet dreams with me !

Au revoir for now!