#BalletHistory during 1663 10 October

Hello my lovely pink tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite ballet-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling adventure. This month, I’m whisking you back to October 10th, 1663, a truly monumental date in ballet history. Oh, the stories this magical pink tutu has heard! And as always, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink sparkling Shire horse, was right by my side with her golden hooves and snow-white mane, ready to trot us back through the ages.

As always, I am ever so excited to be sharing with you, lovely readers, all my findings, gleaned from my vintage ballet rucksack and the tales whispered by the time itself!

Buckle your seatbelts, my dears, for we’re heading straight to the birthplace of ballet as we know it - France. Imagine my joy to arrive in the glittering halls of the Académie Royale de Danse, just days after its grand opening. This momentous occasion on the 10th of October, 1663, marked the dawn of a new era for dance! It was a dazzling time filled with such elegance, beauty and grace, the very essence of ballet!

And wouldn’t you know it? My timing couldn’t be more perfect because this academy, set up by King Louis XIV (a bit of a ballet buff himself, apparently), established strict rules for dance, set a formal curriculum for aspiring ballerinas and brought a fresh wave of organised professionalism to ballet - a true turning point for our beloved art.

Imagine the thrill of attending the grand performances, filled with vibrant costumes and intricate choreography! And oh, the fashion! All those shimmering gowns and elaborate hairpieces, quite a contrast to our modern-day tights and leotards! While I can't divulge what I found in my vintage ballet rucksack this time - gotta keep some things secret for you dear readers! - I will tell you that my finds provided fascinating insight into the costuming techniques and the styles of ballet in that era.

My inner fashionista was utterly in love! I spied beautiful silks and brocades, intricate patterns and flowing skirts. Each garment, an expression of exquisite detail. These early ballerinas must have been an absolute vision!

But what I most cherished were the whispers from the time, recounting the captivating dance sequences and dramatic storytelling, so central to early ballet. I just loved how they expressed human emotions and even told whole tales through intricate movement.

As always, I couldn't resist dropping in on a few classes. Imagine my delight to witness some of the best ballet teachers of the day at work - Louis XIV's beloved mistress, Madame de Sévigné, was just the most graceful creature, while Pierre Beauchamps, considered the father of classical ballet, taught such elegance. All those fancy footwork and perfectly executed jumps, truly inspired! It’s easy to see why this period is seen as a golden age for French ballet.

What is more, these master ballet masters (the old-timey term for ballet teachers) took pride in notating and preserving their art for future generations - oh, how they’d adore the YouTube tutorials and ballet books we have now! These historical figures laid the foundation for ballet to be enjoyed today, inspiring future generations and leaving an enduring legacy of passion and beauty.

So there you have it! 10th October 1663, a date forever etched in my ballet heart. Now you see why it was my pick for the pink tutu travels this month, lovely readers!

I hope you have enjoyed my travels.

Next time I'll whisk you away to another date in history - oh, where will my ballet journeys lead us?

Until then, keep twirling, keep shining, and, above all, wear pink!

Yours in pirouettes, Emma

P.S. Want to find out more about the fascinating world of ballet? Head on over to www.pink-tutu.com - my very own website brimming with articles, news, and everything ballet! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for my next time travel post, coming out in just a month’s time. And be sure to tell your friends about this journey - spreading the love of ballet is something I will always strive for! Remember, everyone looks fab in pink tutu, my darlings.