Hey there, tutu lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! It's your girl Emma here, back with another adventure through the glorious world of ballet history!
This month, I've travelled back to August 8th, 1667, a date buzzing with intrigue and artistic excitement. Let me tell you, even in the 17th century, ballet was already a force to be reckoned with!
I arrived in London, fresh off my magnificent pink-hued, shimmering stallion, Magic Meg (did I mention she’s a Shire horse with a heart of gold and a tail as white as fresh snow?). Magic Meg loves London - she’s rather fond of hay and carrots, so we always make time to explore the bustling city markets. I find that a trip to the fruit and flower stall is a necessity.
As I adjusted my dazzling, cherry-pink tulle tutu (gotta love that vintage 17th century feel) I pulled out my leather rucksack. Today I'm hunting down all things ballet: pamphlets, fashion sketches, anecdotes, the works! I’ve got to have enough to write an incredible post for you, my wonderful pink-tutu enthusiasts!
This time, we’re celebrating a huge landmark: the opening of the very first theatre dedicated to ballet! That’s right, folks! 1667 saw the birth of the Theatre Royal, marking the first time that ballet was getting a proper home of its own. Isn't that exciting? Think of all the dazzling sets, costumes, and performances this incredible new theatre will be able to house! I bet it was bursting with colourful tutus – perhaps even some lovely shade of pink? My heart beats faster just thinking about it!
Now, while London was brimming with ballet excitement, there’s so much more to explore this month. I decided to take Magic Meg on a jaunt over to Paris, a city renowned for its elegance, charm and, of course, its artistry!
In the Parisian court of King Louis XIV, ballet was at its most glorious. The King himself, with his impeccable sense of style (and a keen interest in all things dance!), was deeply enamoured with this elegant art form.
King Louis XIV wasn't just any royal, he was the 'Sun King'! Can you believe that he was a star performer himself, participating in royal ballets alongside renowned dancers? Can you picture him gracefully dancing in his fancy court dress? I can already picture him leaping in a magnificent pink-trimmed suit, wouldn't that be amazing!
And let's talk fashion! Can we say, oh my, can we say divine? I was swept off my feet by the ornate, decadent outfits that were the height of fashion. Picture: corsets laced tight, billowing silk, rich jewel tones, and yes, my fellow fashionistas, copious amounts of lace! Oh, I have just the place to pick up some fabric and get sewing my own 17th-century-inspired tutu!
Here's a snippet from my notes from the royal court - can you believe I even managed to score an invitation to a private ballet performance?! My rucksack is getting heavier with the stories, sketches and bits of silk I picked up - it's almost impossible to pick just one to share with you all...
Quote of the day:
"As you look around at the opulence and artistry, you might forget it's the 17th century, for it feels as if you are transported to a grand ball hosted by the very fairies themselves!"
...Isn't that just the most magical way to describe ballet?
I know it's a busy month with shows, classes and rehearsals happening everywhere - that's the great thing about ballet! You can enjoy it at every corner of the globe - it truly is a universal language, and everyone speaks tutu! Don't forget to take a peek at my new tutorial video on the Pink Tutu website on how to make your own gorgeous pink ballet dress - you won't regret it!
And before I jet off to my next ballet adventure, let me leave you with a little piece of pink-tutu magic: always remember, darling, your life can be as elegant and graceful as a ballet, full of grace, poise and even a touch of sparkle.
And who knows what kind of ballet adventure is just around the corner? Perhaps I will find a grand palace bursting with tutus for my collection... Or maybe I'll come across the original inspiration for the iconic Swan Lake. Only time will tell.
Until next month, my lovely tutu lovers, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and remember: life’s a dance – live it with your head held high and your pink tutu shimmering!
Love and twirls,
Emma x
P.S. Head over to www.pink-tutu.com for the latest ballet fashion news, videos, exclusive tutu designs, and maybe a few sneaky time travel hints… 😉
