Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! I’m your pink tutu-clad, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, and this is post number 26! My diary's bursting with excitement as February's finally here! I’ve just had a magical time whisking myself back in time, all thanks to the incredible Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse with golden hooves and a mane like spun moonlight. You wouldn’t believe what I stumbled upon!
This month, we're stepping back to February 2nd, 1663. That's right, ladies, 1663! And where else would a pink tutu-loving ballerina go than to the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King, for a special ballet performance?
You see, the Sun King absolutely adored ballet. He believed it was a form of art that showed the power of the monarchy, just like himself, right? But he was also the first to introduce a special ballet that we now call “Ballet de Cour”. Now, picture a room, dazzling with the glitter of gold and sparkling diamonds. Then imagine this: a majestic court performance showcasing the elegance of dancing, with each move perfectly synchronised and echoing the French court's opulent grace!
And what could be more fabulous than a brand-new premiere, right? The ballet was called La Princesse d’Élide, and I must tell you, it was like a shimmering dream!
But let me tell you about my costume! A simple pink tutu, it's true, but embellished with delicate pearl-like beads. I must say, the courtiers seemed rather bewildered, especially by my sparkly shoes and my rucksack! Back then, shoes were simple, made with delicate lace and silken threads. I bet they'd love the comfy ballet slippers we wear nowadays, so soft and perfect for dancing!
The performance was a feast for the eyes! The dancers wore ornate, heavy silk costumes – truly a work of art. And they moved with such grace and elegance! Think waltzes, graceful pas de deuxs, and stories of love, intrigue, and noble spirits all coming together.
It's said that La Princesse d'Élide was performed on a large stage in front of King Louis XIV and his beautiful Queen, Maria Theresa, the Infanta of Spain. Now imagine the grandeur! I'm sure it was like being part of a magical, breathtaking dream! I’ve got it all recorded in my trusty leather rucksack, you know. This one's going straight to the museum when I'm done!
And talking about dreamlike - did you know the story of the ballet itself was filled with a magic of its own? A sorceress who casts a spell on a princess – what's not to love about that? And let’s not forget the dance itself, full of stories of true love and bravery. It was all such an inspiration to me, darling! I’m sure every ballet we see today, even street ballet performances, is inspired by the ballet de cour traditions.
One thing I love most is exploring the fashions of past eras! The courtiers were truly captivating - gentlemen in finely embroidered vests, with breeches, buckled shoes, and lace collars. They might have thought my rucksack and my pink tutu were slightly…eccentric! They wouldn’t have dreamt of wearing pink.
Now, ladies, while you are all at your classes this February, consider this: how much has ballet fashion changed, really? Sure, our leotards and ballet shoes are comfortable and lightweight. And sometimes, we can even rock a fab pair of leg warmers with it! But can we really say that ballet fashion is so vastly different?
I say, fashion, much like time itself, is all a cycle, a beautiful waltz through centuries! Each era gives us a new step, a new spin, and with each one, ballet finds new inspiration.
Now, to end this delightful post, my darlings, remember – life, like a ballet performance, is a dance. A graceful spin, a grand jeté, and, oh, yes! It's all about embracing a splash of pink!
Keep your eyes glued to pink-tutu.com for next month’s adventure – because believe me, it’s a good one!
Until then, remember to dance your heart out and, of course, to spread the love of pink tutus. Because every girl deserves to dance, every girl deserves to sparkle! And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find that time travelling pink horse – with a heart as bright as a golden hoof, just like Magic Meg!
Your pink-tutu ballerina, Emma
