Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another pink-tutu-tastic time travel tale! This month, we're waltzing our way back to 1666, September 9th to be exact! And guess what? The world of ballet wasn't quite as tutu-licious as we know it today! But that doesn't mean we couldn't have a wonderful time exploring the exciting origins of our beloved art form!
Magic Meg (my trusty, pink-sparkling Shire horse with the golden hooves) and I decided on a leisurely ride to the French capital, Paris, for a spot of cultural sightseeing. After all, the year 1666 saw the establishment of the esteemed Académie Royale de Danse (that's French for "Royal Academy of Dance," for my non-francophone darlings).
Imagine the thrill of being amongst the first ever "professional" dancers, taking those very first tentative steps into the world of organized dance training. How exciting, right? Of course, with my penchant for all things pink, I couldn't resist imagining the dazzling tutus they'd have sported if only they'd had the modern-day fabrics to play with!
We spent a lovely morning in Paris watching dancers perfecting their moves at the newly founded academy. I couldn't help but be drawn to the elegant choreography. Their graceful movements had a sense of refined beauty that felt strikingly different from what I was accustomed to back in the present. And, honestly, I wouldn't say they were exactly "ballet" as we know it today - it was a mix of dance styles - a true "avant-garde" blend!
Now, the French definitely know how to host a great party. Later that day, we found ourselves attending an event hosted by Louis XIV himself, the "Sun King" of France. It wasn't exactly your traditional ballet performance, but the court dance, le ballets de cour, were mesmerizing nonetheless! The king, himself a skilled dancer, would participate in the extravagant, theatrical performances. It was a spectacle of beauty and elegance, an embodiment of the grandiosity of the French court!
Fun fact: You wouldn't catch any ladies wearing tutus at these events. Back in the 1600s, the dancers were mostly men, who favoured more decorative pannier gowns, sometimes decorated with bows and ribbons.
Don't worry, I wasn't left wanting! Even in my vibrant pink tutu, I fit right in at the palace, chatting with court dancers about their favoured movements, and offering my expertise in twirls and arabesques, just to spice things up a bit! Who knew the history of ballet could be so much fun?
Speaking of fun, we headed back to Derbyshire, feeling a tad exhausted but completely fulfilled by the day's whirlwind of ballet history! But before we went to sleep, we caught up on the world of ballet in the present day. You won't believe this - I saw an advert for a brand-new ballet shoe designed to be comfy and lightweight, like little ballet slippers for modern dancers. You know me, gotta love all things pink and sparkly, so of course, the new design features some glittery pink embellishments!
And of course, I couldn't resist picking up a pair. They're already on their way to Derbyshire and I'm SO excited to test them out at my next ballet class!
So, lovelies, don't be afraid to travel back in time with your own tutu. It's a journey worth taking! Until next time, keep it pink and twirling!
Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to visit our website at www.pink-tutu.com to see my collection of time travel souvenirs. This month, I’m adding a handmade, antique court dancer's miniature ribboned pannier and some 17th century dance instructions, as well as a selection of French court costume fabrics to my online shop! You wouldn't believe how the prices fluctuate in different eras. I snagged them for a steal!
P.P.S Don't forget to check out the Ballet Calendar at the bottom of our website to see the amazing ballets, workshops and shows happening this month! And, most importantly, don't forget to wear your tutu. Every day is a chance to twirl!
