#BalletHistory during 1663 06 June

Hello fellow twirling enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller and ballet fanatic, back with another blast from the past. Buckle up your pointe shoes and grab your best tutus because we’re about to journey back to a time where ballet was born, taking us straight to the heart of Parisian dance: June 1663!

This is post number 30 for my time travel blog, www.pink-tutu.com. I can't believe how many incredible journeys I've been on already. The world of ballet history has opened up like a beautiful arabesque, and my leather rucksack is overflowing with treasures - tutus from centuries past, manuscripts of old, and stories that make my heart soar. It's a dream come true, and I love sharing it all with you.

Remember, my mission? To get everyone in the world wearing a pink tutu! It’s a mission that's fueled by a passion for all things ballet and, well, let's face it, pink tutus are simply magical!

This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, is taking me on a trip to France. We’re going back to 1663, specifically June 16th, a date etched in the annals of dance history. On this day, a truly spectacular event took place in the French capital – the creation of the Académie Royale de Danse. This monumental occasion was the birth of ballet as we know it!

Imagine a beautiful, ornate Parisian ballroom. Candles flicker, illuminating swirling silk gowns and crisp velvet coats. A flurry of activity fills the air as dancers prepare, the clink of their swords, the gentle rustling of their satin shoes.

This is what the atmosphere must have been like when King Louis XIV officially recognised the Académie Royale de Danse, placing ballet at the forefront of the artistic landscape. It was a pivotal moment, defining the role of dance within the court and launching ballet on a path of unprecedented glory.

Just as King Louis was to ballet, the Académie Royale de Danse was the cradle to ballet’s evolution. The Académie developed standardised ballet techniques, introduced the use of precise steps and intricate formations, and nurtured a new generation of brilliant dancers. It was like a magical school for future stars, establishing ballet as a formal art form rather than a whimsical display.

Now, let’s take a look at some other amazing things happening in the ballet world in June 1663…

This date wasn't just about the Académie; it was also the time of dazzling, flamboyant court balls, a true delight to any tutu-wearing enthusiast. Imagine elegant dances performed under glittering chandeliers, ladies twirling in graceful movement, the symphony of the dancers' steps like whispered poetry. The elegance and sophistication of the period is almost palpable!

Just as the King fostered the Academy, his support extended to individual dancers who caught his eye. Charles Louis Beauchamp, one of the greatest ballet masters of his time, held a special place at the court. Beauchamp, known for his daring leaps and graceful poses, introduced new ballet techniques, evolving the form in fascinating ways. In fact, even today, many of his innovative dance moves are still celebrated by contemporary choreographers!

The excitement around the Académie meant ballet wasn't confined to the ballroom walls. This period also saw the introduction of ballet schools in Paris. Imagine yourself entering one of these schools, the walls lined with posters showcasing captivating dance steps and swirling skirts! The students, eyes bright with passion, are learning the techniques that will make them the future of Parisian dance! This spread of knowledge allowed dance to flourish across society.

You might imagine that the ballet wardrobe would have reflected the court’s glamour. Ladies probably twirled in luxurious, flowing gowns with delicate embellishments. The gentleman, just as grand, would have donned silken breeches and rich velvet coats, a touch of refinement amidst the grace.

Just picture ballet performances in those elegant Parisian theaters. The shimmering candles would have cast a golden light, creating an almost dream-like atmosphere. As the curtains rose, revealing the stunning costumes and mesmerizing dance moves, I can almost imagine the murmurs of excitement running through the audience.

Now, don’t you feel that twinkle in your pointe shoes, an irresistible urge to travel back in time and join them for a dance? I sure do! But first, let's look back to what brought me to this fascinating period.

Of course, none of this time travel is possible without my trusty steed, Magic Meg. She is the most magnificent, sparkling shire horse you could ever imagine, with a flowing white mane and tail, a coat that shimmers in shades of pink, and hooves as golden as sunshine.

Magic Meg isn't just a magnificent horse; she's my partner in crime, always eager to take me on the next adventure. As I prepare for my journeys, she waits patiently outside the stables of my charming cottage in Derbyshire, a constant reminder of the wonders that lie beyond the veil of time.

Our journey began as I practiced pirouettes under the moonlit skies of my Derbyshire home, lost in a world of graceful spins and the rhythmic sounds of my own feet. That's when it happened; a shimmer, a flash, and suddenly there she stood – a pink sparkling horse that was simply too beautiful to be real.

Magic Meg, a name that felt as magical as the creature itself, was to be my key to unlocking the history of ballet. A leap of faith later, I was off, my pink tutu catching the moonlight, ready to embark on the ultimate adventure!

We travel with my trusty leather rucksack, filled to the brim with treasures from each era. Each visit to a ballet history location inspires me to bring something back with me, a reminder of the timeless stories waiting to be discovered.

For this journey, I will be returning with my very own little collection of dance lessons! One of the treasures I am aiming for from this era is a hand-written ballet instruction book by a famed teacher. They will be beautifully handwritten on delicate paper with sketches to guide the dances. What a fantastic souvenir to return to the pink-tutu.com blog, don’t you think?

There’s something captivating about a pink tutu. It's the essence of ballet, of graceful movement, of passion and artistry. I’ve already seen how it can make the world a little brighter, a little more enchanting, and a little more full of laughter!

Every journey is about more than just experiencing history; it's about inspiring others to discover the beauty of dance and, of course, the ultimate goal: spreading the pink tutu love. Because when you see someone twirling in a pink tutu, even for just a moment, you see the joy and wonder in their eyes. And in that moment, anything is possible.

This journey to Paris, 1663 is just one tiny thread in the vast tapestry of ballet history. With Magic Meg by my side, I am always ready to set off on my next time travel adventure, exploring more stories, collecting more treasures, and sharing the joy of ballet with you.

See you soon!

Yours in pirouettes and pink tutus, Emma.