#BalletHistory during 1664 05 May

Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another thrilling chapter from my Pink Tutu Travels! As you all know, I’m a bit obsessed with ballet history - everything from the elegant moves to the fabulous costumes, especially the tutus. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pink one?

This month, my magical steed, Meg - a pink shimmering Shire horse with golden hooves, a flowing white mane, and a tail that would rival a fluffy cloud - has taken me to the 5th of May in 1664. Buckle up, my loves, because this trip is going to be truly dazzling!

Imagine, my dears, Paris in 1664! The city of love, the city of lights, and yes, even the city of ballet! King Louis XIV, always a fan of the arts and, let's be honest, fabulous fashion, was creating something revolutionary.

I’m talking about the Royal Academy of Dance, or "L’Académie Royale de Danse", as it was known then. You know, the same one that started our beloved ballet as we know it today? It was truly groundbreaking! I just had to get there!

Imagine Meg prancing through the bustling cobblestone streets of Paris. People stopped and stared - she’s definitely the pinkest horse in town! But I wasn’t here to show off Meg's incredible shade of pink; I wanted to experience the excitement of ballet’s early days!

So, imagine my excitement when I heard a whisper about a grand premiere - the first ballet performance in Paris by the new Academy. It was taking place in the stunning setting of the Louvre Museum, and believe me, my darlings, my heart was practically doing a pirouette in my chest!

I slipped into a beautiful blush pink tutu and beaded bodice that matched Meg perfectly, grabbing my trusty leather rucksack and making my way to the Louvre. As we arrived at the magnificent building, I could feel the anticipation buzzing through the air like the thrum of a well-tuned violin.

Stepping through the Louvre doors, I was stunned by the opulence. Golds, reds, and vibrant silks adorned the walls, and the air hung thick with the scent of perfumed powder and a touch of that divine Parisian spirit. It was like walking into a storybook!

And then, the dance! I watched in wonder as the dancers, men and women alike, gracefully glided across the polished floors. They weren’t exactly performing in tutus yet, but their elaborate costumes, so full of drama and romance, inspired me so much! There were feathers, ribbons, velvet, and jewels! I immediately pulled out my trusty journal and sketched them, the designs practically begging to be incorporated into my future creations.

I filled my rucksack with snippets of the performances, scribbling down the steps, the stories, and the characters, trying to absorb every single detail of this glorious new dance form.

The dancers were telling a story - they danced through mythical battles, playful flirtations, and heart-wrenching betrayals, all to the tune of a lively orchestra. It was truly captivating, and the emotions I felt as I watched them brought tears to my eyes.

This performance, this whole experience, really made me think! It proved that ballet is a true art form, not just an entertaining spectacle. It’s a way of telling stories, a way of expressing emotions, a way of connecting to a past filled with beauty, passion, and strength.

Imagine, my darlings, if everyone experienced ballet’s beauty firsthand, from these early days in the Louvre to all the extraordinary performances of today! This journey just proves to me that pink tutus and magic horses can help spread the love of dance around the globe.

Oh, and that's not even mentioning all the amazing outfits! We can all learn so much about style from these historical outfits! Don't worry, I will be sure to do a blog post dedicated to this very special outfit design inspiration!

I have already taken lots of sketches to inspire future pink tutu designs, so keep your eyes peeled on my Pink Tutu Travel blog, www.pink-tutu.com, for upcoming exciting new pink tutu fashions!

This trip, dear readers, has inspired me to learn more about this amazing new dance form, and how it has become so globally popular! It makes me excited to see how the world of dance continues to evolve.

And don't worry, my next post is already planned! I'm heading off to see what is happening on the ballet scene in England this month. Maybe there is a show to see!

Stay tuned for my next adventure, my loves, and remember: even the most famous ballet starts with a single pirouette, so grab your tutus and let’s get dancing!

With love and twirls,

Emma