Hey everyone! Emma here, back with another adventure through the annals of ballet history! It's been a month since my last post and boy, have I been busy! My pink tutu and I have been leaping, twirling, and even a little bit time-travelling – what else is new?!
This month I’m celebrating April 4th, 1666! Can you imagine being a ballet dancer in this time period? Think elegant costumes, dazzling performances, and a world brimming with artistic discovery! This is also a key moment for the story of ballet, and I was bursting with excitement to delve deeper.
As always, my faithful steed, the pink and sparkling shire horse named Magic Meg, galloped me back through time to 1666! Her hooves are still a little sparkly from my last adventure – I just adore her and her glamorous spirit. We arrived at the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a true vision of opulence with cascading fountains and ornate gardens. Talk about a picture-perfect backdrop for a ballet performance, darling!
In 1666, the Académie Royale de Danse was founded in France. This was an incredible moment in ballet history! It formalized ballet training and standardized steps, making the art more structured and allowing ballerinas and dancers to improve their techniques. It's no wonder the era was referred to as a 'golden age' of ballet – we had to experience the wonder for ourselves.
With my trusty leather rucksack packed with goodies (ahem, I'm taking historical relics, I swear!), we snuck into a rehearsal. The elegant dancers, swathed in silks and velvet, moved with such grace and energy, so inspiring! I felt completely mesmerized. In that moment, you felt that special magic that comes with a good performance, you just can’t help but be drawn in.
Now, I’ve got to tell you, the costumes! They were absolutely breathtaking – a masterpiece of fashion and function. Think elaborate, flowing gowns and majestic breeches. These dancers really knew how to wear a showstopper outfit. I wouldn't mind owning one or two, would you?! And the shoes, those stunningly delicate ballet slippers crafted from silk, were beyond incredible! They weren't as "en pointe" as today, but those early dancers moved with an almost supernatural grace.
The choreography was just as exquisite. These talented dancers practiced elegant poses, flowing steps, and the beginning of a 'leaping' style, which we now see on stages all over the world. Their commitment to perfection was utterly contagious, and Magic Meg and I were absolutely smitten.
Speaking of "smitten," there was this stunning French dancer named Pierre Beauchamps. Let me tell you, his elegance, his posture – pure perfection! I can’t share any secrets but rumour has it, Beauchamps might just have been my inspiration for my latest choreography back in the 21st Century – keep an eye out for it, I'll let you know when it premiers!
Magic Meg took us on a quick whirlwind tour through France – there were grand balls and dazzling performances. It's amazing to see the foundations of modern ballet, with dances that blend storytelling, grace, and musicality. A must-see if you ever have the chance to go back in time, just make sure you've packed your pink tutu, of course.
Remember folks, there's always time to take inspiration from the past. Just like the ballet dancers in 1666, embrace your passion, train hard, and always remember to have a twinkle in your eye – and of course, a pink tutu, you just can't go wrong with a little bit of pink in your life, right?!
Until next month! 💖
Emma, xx
PS!
Have you been on any recent adventures to discover ballet history? I'd love to hear all about your findings, or just chat about your favourite things about ballet - what you love about the art, its incredible story and how you make it part of your life. Share with me your pink tutu moments, you can reach me through the comments below or over at www.pink-tutu.com - I can't wait to hear from you! 💖
What's happening in ballet this month!
The Royal Ballet is currently showing a breathtaking production of "Swan Lake" at the Royal Opera House. I'm on my way to catch the final performance, the costumes are spectacular – all glitz and glamour, they just get me excited! I have been lucky enough to have seen many ballet shows over the last couple of years – from London to New York to Milan. This year, I can't wait to go to Rome and the incredible Opera house in Venice, they are just incredible venues to experience ballet. I can't wait!
The American Ballet Theatre has a fabulous "Giselle" lined up next month – this story is one of the ultimate ballets with a stunning love story and incredible choreography. "Giselle" will always hold a special place in my heart. You can feel all the emotion in the performance - you really need to add this to your bucket list, it’s amazing!
Ballet Fashion – I have been researching new additions to my wardrobe this month – I adore ballet costumes and the gorgeous pieces created by big brands and the incredible small design houses that make such fabulous unique ballet inspired clothing. Have you got a new tutu I should check out, please let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for all things ballet, and to read about my other travels through time! 💕
