Hello, darling readers! Emma here, your time-travelling tutu-obsessed blogger, back from another whimsical adventure! This month, we're whisking back to the glorious year of 1666, 5th May, to the dazzling court of King Louis XIV, the Sun King himself! As always, my trusty pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg, took me on this incredible journey. Now, imagine this – a majestic pink shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane like spun moonlight! Doesn't that just make your heart sing?
So, why this date? Because my darling readers, this is a landmark date in the history of ballet! Just a few years prior, Louis XIV established the Royal Academy of Dance in 1661. This became the foundation for what we know as ballet today! This era saw the emergence of ballerinas like Mademoiselle Lafontaine, who paved the way for future stars, with their graceful leaps and refined movements. The dance world was truly blossoming, just like my heart when I think of pink tutus. 💖
Oh! My heart's still aflutter with the dazzling colours, the swirling silk and shimmering satin I witnessed at the court of Louis XIV! The ladies were adorned with elaborate hairstyles, powdered wigs and, yes you guessed it! Some wore elaborate gowns that vaguely resembled what we call tutus today! Not the billowing pink tutus I love so dearly, but there was definitely an element of flowing fabrics and movement in those early fashions. Just imagine the graceful steps, the controlled movements, and the artistry! It was a real spectacle, my dears! I wouldn't trade this experience for the world, especially not for one of my lovely pink tutus, although they did look heavenly!
It's not just the fashion that made this time period so magical! The dancers of the time performed elegant ballets set to classical music. While these were not the grand productions we see today, they laid the foundations for our beloved ballet tradition. And believe me, darling, even though I love all my tutus equally, nothing beats a perfectly crafted performance of Swan Lake or Giselle. 😍
Naturally, I've brought back some treasures from my journey - delicate lace, tiny hand-painted fans, and even a sketch of a costume from a court ballet! I'll add it all to my collection, nestled amongst my other ballet memorabilia in my leather rucksack. My collection is bursting with treasures like faded silk ribbons from early ballets, a tiny ballerina shoe from the early 1800s, and an adorable vintage pointe shoe from my great-grandmother! Each piece tells a story and reminds me why I love ballet so much. It is truly a magical world, just as enchanting as my sparkling pink tutu!
Speaking of my collection, my dearest readers, this whole trip wouldn't have been possible without the support of my performances! The grace of every pirouette and the beauty of every arabesque helps fund my travels. I'm so grateful to share the joy of ballet with audiences, whether they be mesmerized by a ballet show, entranced by a street performance, or captivated by a whimsical theatrical dance. My biggest dream is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu, maybe someday they'll be inspired by my travels. And darling, I truly believe that pink tutus are a symbol of joy, imagination, and endless possibilities - just like the ballet itself! Don't you agree?
You know I wouldn't leave you without some insights into the exciting ballet world of this month! I found out that in London, 1666, the Theatre Royal was bustling with life, featuring ballets set to music by the renowned composer Henry Purcell! Such artistry, my dears! Can you imagine such an elegant and musical spectacle? Just like my beloved pink tutu, such moments simply radiate pure, joyful grace.
So, darling readers, remember that you don't have to be a ballerina to embrace the magic of dance! Put on your most sparkly outfit, imagine you're swirling across a stage, and let your imagination take flight. Let's all spread the love of ballet and maybe, just maybe, everyone will wear a pink tutu someday. 🩰✨💖
Keep on dancing, my dears, and don't forget to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, to see my latest pink tutu picks, dance-inspired recipes, and more exciting travel tales! I'm off to a new ballet adventure! And remember - always embrace your inner pink tutu! 💖
Love and sparkles,
Emma xx
