Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! Today's post is extra special because, my darlings, we're going to Paris! And guess what? It's November 11th, 1667, a date forever etched in ballet history!
My sweet, beautiful Magic Meg and I galloped all the way from my little Derbyshire home straight to the heart of France. She loves a long trip and even put her pretty head down for a bit to nap during our long journey, and then we woke up to a vibrant and exciting Paris, bursting with Parisian glamour. Oh, my dears, I am smitten!
The air buzzes with excitement as the world is preparing to witness something absolutely phenomenal – the grand premiere of Le Ballet de la Royale, a spectacular performance that will be a true watershed moment. Can you imagine, my dears? The King himself, Louis XIV, a bon vivant if ever there was one, will be in the audience! His presence alone is sure to make this a legendary event, and, honestly, how could it not, with such an awe-inspiring cast of talent and dancers performing a stunning story choreographed by none other than the brilliant Pierre Beauchamps himself! He truly is a maestro!
A Pink Tutu at the Palace of Versailles
Magic Meg, my love, waits patiently for me while I rush inside the resplendent Palace of Versailles. This is, you know, a very grand affair! I can practically hear the music, so captivating and the applause...and, oh! Those beautiful costumes – feather headdresses and elegant silk garments, they’re truly amazing. I can’t help but think my Pink Tutu would look very well here. I must be in the very place where the royal ballet truly emerged. Oh my darlings, I’ve got to say it, this truly is ballet history in the making, an absolute moment of joy and pride!
But wait! It gets even better, my dears! As I peer inside this hallowed hall, you wouldn't believe what I find... another pink tutu,! Now I must confess this one isn’t as sparkly as mine and not as perfectly poofy and is, well, more of a frilled undergarment rather than the majestic ensemble I adore, but still – pink is pink!
But, honestly, I simply adore finding little nods to my colour – such a joyous colour - as I travel the world, you just can't tell a true ballet lover not to get excited.
This is what the future of ballet will be – an elegant ballet featuring spectacular femmes in enchanting outfits! This show is pure magic! I have to sneak a peak… ooh there’s that beautiful pink tutu! I quickly stash a feather from its elegant headdress in my satchel before anyone notices.
Sharing a love of Ballet
Once the curtain falls and the audience rises in rapturous applause, I join a group of enthusiastic people, their faces filled with exhilaration. I see dancers chatting, young and old alike, who are living their dream - to be on the stage, twirling and dancing to stories. It fills me with such joy, a shared passion for ballet that binds us together across time! It's truly a wonder! To see a performance that brings everyone together. I think my pink tutu would get so many people talking. And my goodness, they just love ballet!
I'm told that from this day forward Le Ballet de la Royale will develop into the Académie Royale de Danse! Now that’s going to be a spectacle and a joy for me to experience.
My Journey Through the Ballet World
This adventure in Paris makes me very excited for the future of ballet. I can't wait to go forward in time and witness the birth of ballet, its rise to incredible prominence. It truly has my heart. * I have to, of course, get back to Derbyshire – Magic Meg is always waiting and she knows it *must be time for tea! I'll tell her all about it. We both love tea.
My darling tutus, you are all absolutely breathtaking. Remember, embrace the pink, be your own dancing queen. You never know what awaits around the next corner, be bold and enjoy each glorious step!
Until next month! Don’t forget to subscribe to Pink-Tutu.com and see you in next month’s Time Travel!
Love, Emma
PS. Did you know, in just two more centuries, on this very same November 11th, our very own Margot Fonteyn would make her theatrical début at the Covent Garden, with a leading role in "Giselle" - talk about history making in one location!
Don’t forget my darlings, to embrace the magic of ballet. Love it, live it, twirl it and don’t forget pink – my beloved colour !
