Hey darlings! Emma here, back from another exhilarating adventure in time! This month, I’m whisking you all to the year 1663, a truly magical time in ballet history. It's time to grab your pinkest tutu, climb aboard Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, and join me on a journey to 17th-century France!
It’s always such a joy to journey through time and I have a special fondness for 17th century France - where ballet truly began to blossom!
Remember to bookmark our blog www.pink-tutu.com as it is always kept beautifully updated, each month, with our latest time travel ballet adventures!
Today marks a monumental date: the first performance by the Royal Academy of Dancing in Paris. This dazzling performance is a testament to King Louis XIV's absolute devotion to the arts and to the beautiful dance form of ballet.
Remember I fund my ballet time travel through performances – well you see, this month’s journey involved some rather elaborate performances myself - in my own little Pink Tutu ballet performances around Derbyshire, England, and I have been enjoying going to see ballets and attending dance class too! This month it’s all been about ballet and French fashion…
Can you believe, back in 1663, men dominated the world of ballet. And guess what? They even danced in elaborate heels! Just imagine the skill it took to gracefully move across the stage with a towering pair of heeled boots!
The performance this July 7th in Paris was more than just a show, it was a celebration of the very beginnings of ballet in France, showcasing the elegant choreography, majestic costumes, and talented dancers that were defining the artistic direction of the time. Imagine a stage adorned with exquisite tapestries and ornate sets, a truly enchanting scene!
Our lovely Meg transported me back in time to experience the buzz surrounding this royal premiere. Picture this, elegant ladies and gentlemen, all swathed in silks and satins, strolling down the Parisian streets. In this magical atmosphere of pomp and circumstance, there is always an air of elegance and glamour surrounding the ballet in 17th century France. The very notion of this magnificent academy created for ballet made a lasting mark on dance history and it is here, in Paris, in 1663, that ballet really began to blossom as an art form. And, you can bet your bottom dollar that the dancers in 1663 looked fantastic and I love a great costume, as do most ballet fans, wouldn’t you agree?
My pink tutu travelled alongside me on this adventure! You see, this delightful, charming pink tutu of mine goes with me everywhere! But you see I simply adore everything pink! Now, I admit, a pink tutu might not have been appropriate back in the 17th century but it certainly wouldn't be out of place at a modern day ballet!
In fact, today I was having such a girly day of shopping and fashion – buying up some fabulous accessories for my dance performances this weekend! So it seems that although time has passed we still all appreciate an opportunity to glam up for the theater!
I was particularly enthralled by the Académie's dancers in their elaborate and refined costumes. Just imagine, velvet coats, lace sleeves, stockings, shoes with bows… a veritable feast for the eyes.
What truly fascinates me is that although ballet evolved significantly in the following years, these first dancers provided the very foundations for the style of performance that we enjoy today!
You see it is important for me to see how ballet evolved, and I will never pass up an opportunity to delve deeper into the heart of ballet's origins.
Don’t forget to keep up to date with my latest adventures on www.pink-tutu.com , you can be certain I’m going to keep sharing the wonder and magic of ballet and time travel through my monthly ballet time travel blog posts!
I think I need to go and purchase some gorgeous lace and velvet for my new tutu…I've got such an inspirational image for my next tutu – a design with 17th century inspiration! I’ll keep you all updated about my newest tutu in my next blog post. I hope it is the perfect pink to brighten up a dull day – you can guarantee it’s always on the look-out for more shades of pink, just because …it's my absolute favourite colour!!
Keep spreading the love of ballet and join me again next month for more fabulous ballet adventures and inspiring tutus!
Until then, keep twirling and let the pinkest of pink tutus adorn all!
Love,
Emma xx
