Hello lovely dancers!
It's Emma here, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! This month we're taking a trip back in time to 1st January 1664, to the birthplace of the very first ballet school - the Royal Academy of Dance. I simply couldn't resist venturing back to witness such a momentous occasion, and Meg (my fabulous pink shire horse with a shimmery white mane and tail - a real head turner, she is!) was happy to transport me, her hooves shimmering with gold. I, of course, had on my most dazzling pink tutu, feeling positively magical as we galloped through time!
The Dawn of Dance: A Royal Affair
Landing in London, the first thing I noticed was a complete lack of ballet classes! Well, the idea hadn’t quite sprung into existence yet. This was a time when dance was mostly a part of social gatherings and courtly performances, and the French had just started to bring ballet to the rest of the world. You can imagine how much I craved to teach everyone the latest steps and pirouettes, but thankfully, a certain king had a brilliant idea.
King Louis XIV of France, the Sun King as he was known, was passionate about dance. He saw its potential as an art form and a way to cultivate the court's refinement and grace. He decided to found the Royal Academy of Dance, a prestigious institution that would teach the art of ballet to young dancers, making ballet more accessible for all.
The French Influence: Ballet's Rise to Prominence
France became the leading center for dance innovation and inspiration at this time. The French dance was refined and intricate, featuring graceful movements, expressive gestures, and exquisite costuming. They used intricate formations and dynamic movements that are still a part of ballet today. Imagine my delight, even though we were before the grand ballet tutus!
Parisian Perfection: Ballet's Birthplace
Now, a peek at Paris around this time was nothing short of fascinating. Think lavish costumes and ornate decorations. The city buzzed with elegance, where the aristocracy attended glittering dance performances.
Sadly, for a fashionista like myself, pink hadn't really found its footing yet as a trendy color in ballet costumes, but rest assured I introduced my own bright pink hue into this historical moment!
I spent the day observing dance classes, mingling with some of the esteemed dancers and choreographers of the era. I even had the honour of watching the king himself dance, in his grand, formal courtly way, his moves reflecting the regal presence that earned him the nickname “Sun King”!
Ballet History in my Rucksack
As you know, I keep a collection of fascinating objects and stories from my travels in my leather rucksack. Today, I have a lovely handwritten dance manuscript, penned in delicate cursive by the famed choreographer, Pierre Beauchamps, one of the pioneers of ballet. I even found an exquisitely detailed design for a stage costume from the 1600s, adorned with silver and intricate embroidery – oh, the sheer drama!
Embracing the Pink Tutu Movement!
Remember, lovely dancers, the pink tutu is about much more than a piece of clothing. It’s about embracing individuality, celebrating the beauty of dance, and spreading a message of joy and kindness. Whether you're a professional dancer or just beginning, let the pink tutu remind you to shine, to believe in your dreams, and to never stop twirling!
So, what will the future hold for ballet in 1664? Well, the Royal Academy of Dance will continue to flourish, shaping the direction of ballet in the centuries to come. We can all be thankful for the legacy of the Sun King's love for dance, a legacy that inspires us all, whether we wear a tutu or not!
Until next month, my dears, keep twirling and keep the pink flowing!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
