Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through the enchanting world of ballet history. As you know, August 8th holds a special place in my heart – the birthday of the French King, Louis XIV! It’s like a ballet dream come true.
Today's blog post marks my 44th trip through time. I can't believe it's been that many already. It feels like I just started, but then I think about all the extraordinary tutus, performances, and stories I've collected in my little pink rucksack, and I realize – we’ve been on a wonderful journey together.
Speaking of my rucksack, today's haul is especially exciting! You wouldn't believe the fashion treasures I've stumbled upon in 17th century France! Imagine: swirling silk skirts, luxurious velvets, and the most exquisite lace trimmings. All in glorious shades of ivory, azure blue, and yes, you guessed it, a lovely shade of rose.
Let me paint a picture: My faithful steed, the magnificent Meg (a shire with golden hooves, a shimmering pink coat, and a mane and tail of purest white) galloped me straight to the French royal court. The opulence was breathtaking!
The French Royal Ballet, under the directorship of Pierre Beauchamp (a name you’ll be seeing a lot in your ballet history books, my lovelies), was in full swing, preparing for an extravagant performance for His Majesty the King. Can you imagine having the honour of entertaining a king with your ballet skills? The thought fills me with sheer excitement!
This wasn't just any performance, mind you! This was a celebration, a masterpiece choreographed for the king's own birthday! And boy, was the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation. Everyone from the king’s family, the noblemen, and ladies of the court to the servants, was absolutely enraptured by the art of ballet. You see, it was the early days of court ballet, a time of beauty, elegance, and absolute dedication to the art.
Imagine this – Louis XIV, the sun king, dressed in extravagant, bejewelled attire, captivated by the grace of the ballet dancers, who performed in luxurious costumes with swirling ribbons and impressive leaps, all under the bright, twinkling light of candle lanterns. It truly was a sight to behold!
My heart was pounding as I took in the vibrant spectacle. I have a weakness for vibrant, joyful colour and let me tell you, the gorgeous, flowing lines and opulent garments of the dancers made my eyes pop! Their costumes were made with fabrics we can only dream about, flowing satins, taffeta, and velvet - nothing short of luxurious. They were a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and reflected the elegance and sophistication of the court.
I had to stop myself from dashing on stage to twirl alongside them! My little tutu must have felt a bit out of place – but who wouldn’t feel a twinge of jealousy with a spectacle so spectacular?
Now, while I couldn’t take the stage with them, I did a bit of backstage peeking. In my trusty pink tutu, of course! It definitely raised a few eyebrows. Thankfully, my manners are excellent, and Meg’s sparkling mane kept the court captivated. And the people in the time period were surprisingly welcoming – a true testament to the power of the dance.
The stage was set with extravagant decorations and lighting – and remember, we’re talking candlelight here, with dramatic effects of shadow and light. I can imagine, with the opulent set, it made the performances truly stunning and memorable.
Speaking of memorable – I took it upon myself to speak to the director himself, Pierre Beauchamp! He was charming, with a mischievous glint in his eye, just like one of the dancing figures I saw onstage! I couldn’t help but compliment him on the brilliance of the choreography. He, of course, seemed quite amused by my time travel escapades and was extremely gracious, even indulging me in a chat about ballet!
I learned a lot about his process, his dedication to perfecting technique and his belief in making dance not just a form of entertainment but a true art form. The passion he had was truly infectious.
My darling tutu enthusiasts, you have to understand, this era of ballet is where it all began. This is where the foundation for the ballet that we know and love today was laid, with rigorous training and intricate choreography. It's truly inspiring!
This trip was such an enriching experience. I discovered so much, not just about the dance, but also about life during Louis XIV's reign! My pink tutu made quite the statement amongst the French court. My, my! We are truly trendsetters! I can’t wait to share the amazing story about the life and reign of King Louis XIV, a ballet fan and an incredibly influential figure who helped make ballet the revered art form that it is today, in next month’s blog!
So, until next time, remember, the power of ballet is more than just graceful steps and pirouettes - it's the stories woven into the steps and the history that inspired each move. Keep your ballet slippers comfy, my darlings, and be sure to twirl on,
Your beloved tutu travel blogger,
Emma!
