Hey, gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, and welcome back to my pink-tutu-tastic blog. June is here, the sun is shining (mostly) and my pink tutus are out in force. 🩰✨ But this month, we're ditching the Derbyshire countryside and embarking on a trip to the heart of history. Hold onto your tiaras, ladies, we're off to 1664, and this time, I'm packing my sequins, my sparkling heels and my best, fluffy pink tutu. Let's do this!
1664: A Date With Destiny... and the French Royal Ballet!
So, you're probably wondering why I chose this particular date. Well, it's not just a random pick – this was a truly momentous occasion in ballet history! We're taking a trip to France, landing right in the midst of the early development of the Royal Academy of Dance, which, by the way, has been keeping our dance shoes tapping for centuries! Can you imagine being a ballerinas in the heart of all this? Pinch me!
Travel Time: Meet Magic Meg!
As you know, my trusty pink sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg, and I love nothing more than trotting off into history. Meg, with her golden hooves, and her mane and tail like spun white silk, is quite the sight. She doesn't mind a bit of dust, or the odd time-travelling hiccup – she's as graceful as a dancer, even when navigating a time portal. 🐴✨
My Outfit: The Ballet Ballerina
I couldn't let the opportunity to dance with some French ballerinas slip by. Imagine, me in a stunningly vibrant pink tutu, swirling through a palace. So I’ve packed a new, feather-light pink tulle masterpiece that shines in the sunlight like a cloud of joy. My ruffled top and diamanté-studded slippers are also getting a starring role, of course. I never travel without the perfect accessories, and this time, I'm sporting a pearl-encrusted hairband, the epitome of graceful, yet stylish, royal elegance. It wouldn’t do to look out of place amongst these Parisian beauties! 👑💖
Exploring the Court of Louis XIV: Fashion & The First Ballet Master
We're here, my dears, at the French Royal Court, the heart of the dance world in 1664. King Louis XIV himself, the 'Sun King', was a ballet fan, which is truly a wonderful thing for us ballet-obsessed souls.
This court is all about luxury, style and beauty, and where there is beauty, there’s ballet, right?! It was all a little different back then though, let’s be honest – imagine dancers dressed more like courtly nobles in high-heeled shoes rather than those iconic point shoes we love so much. It's just not quite the same! 😉
In this extraordinary world of elaborate costuming, glittering decor, and artistic brilliance, there was a ballet master by the name of Pierre Beauchamp, who we have to thank for codifying ballet movement as we know it. So, this journey is extra special as I’m diving into the very beginnings of our beautiful ballet traditions.
Catching a Performance: Ballet Masterpieces in the Making
I found a fabulous, exclusive court ballet that is a blend of artistry, poetry, and spectacular storytelling. Imagine ballerinas, actors and musicians all joining forces in one dazzling show. It's unlike anything we have today - with mythological characters and epic tales, it truly is the essence of art in movement.
Shopping in 1664: The Perfect Tutu Accessory
What’s a trip to the French Royal Court without a touch of fashion flair, right? 👒💖 I simply had to have a browse through the exclusive Parisian shops. I mean, every ballerina needs a luxurious addition to her ensemble! The shopkeepers are absolutely brimming with ideas - shimmering fabrics, sparkling jewellery and, of course, that quintessential, beautiful accessory for every pink-loving ballerina - a feather fan! These delicate fans with intricate patterns are the perfect complement to any tulle masterpiece, I think. I mean, just picture it! Imagine swaying those feathery fans, the epitome of feminine charm, and dancing the night away under the glittering chandeliers of a royal palace. A true vision, isn't it? My leather rucksack now holds not just my trusty feather fan but also several scraps of 17th century French ballet fashion notes and even an early ballet book that has me buzzing! I hope to learn a few dance steps from them!
Back To the Future…With a Twist of Ballet Magic!
Our whirlwind tour of 1664 is already coming to a close. Time travel with Magic Meg isn't just about sightseeing; it's about immersing ourselves in the dance of the past, bringing those captivating stories back with us. Next time you step onto that stage, remember the brave ballerinas of centuries ago. Think of the beauty they shared through their steps, the grace they carried with every leap, and the joy they brought to those who watched.
Remember to keep the magic of ballet alive in your hearts, my dears! Keep dancing, keep sparkling and never ever stop dreaming!
Until next time!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
