Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballet enthusiast, back from another thrilling jaunt through the ages. Today, we're going back to a rather momentous year, 1668! Can you believe it? I felt so incredibly chic, my pink tutu shimmering in the sunshine of January 1st!
I landed in Paris with Magic Meg (she's just the most exquisite pink sparkling shire, you know, with those golden hooves and flowing white mane!), ready to soak up all the cultural magic the French capital had to offer. It was a year that truly revolutionised ballet, one that ushered in a new era! Can you imagine the excitement?
This particular date holds special significance. You see, 1668 saw the birth of the Académie Royale de Danse. It wasn't just any old academy, mind you, it was the very first academy for dance ever established, and that's an extraordinary achievement! It was founded by none other than Jean-Baptiste Lully, a composer of remarkable talent, who wanted to bring structure and artistry to this fabulous art form we love so much!
As you might imagine, this new academy created a stir. Dancers who hadn't received proper training were scrambling to improve their skills, eager to earn a place in this esteemed organisation. Think about it, ladies, what an exciting time it must have been!
To celebrate the occasion, we went to a special performance, oh, it was a real spectacle! Imagine: all the dancers clad in those magnificent silk costumes with a touch of velvet for extravagance, every single detail intricately sewn to capture the eye. And, of course, their choreography was captivating! They performed those gorgeous "ballets de cour," elegant and sophisticated, leaving me completely mesmerised! It truly felt like the beginning of a golden era for ballet!
I also picked up a couple of historical ballet books for my collection - I always love discovering those rare gems, and these offered fascinating insights into the development of dance in this period. One of them, I'm so excited, has some original drawings by the academy's instructors, showcasing those precise ballet movements!
I even discovered that a young girl, Marie Camargo, was one of the first ballerinas to actually skip across the stage. Before this, dancers had taken small steps! Can you imagine? Such elegant skiping - they are practically jumping on those pointy shoes! It was such an invigorating new move - such a change to the ballet landscape, a change that made ballet so much more vivacious!
But let's talk about something that makes me even happier - fashion! Of course, you all know I adore everything pink and fluffy, especially a lovely tutu! 1668 was a remarkable year in that department as well. In the early days of this new era, ballet was largely tied to the court and therefore reflected all the exquisite richness of courtly fashion. I am positively thrilled about this period for its elegant garments and ornate trimmings - those extravagant saddles and bodices! The fabric choices, just dreamy!
Can you imagine having one of those lavish satin bodices on you? Perhaps one with delicate lace and glittering jewels! Oh, it just sets the scene perfectly for those courtly ballrooms. Ballet performances were no longer simply in the ballroom of the palace. Dedicated theatres began appearing across France! The stage, and dance as an art form, was taking a more prominent place in society.
This was such a fascinating moment in time. And, of course, I captured all the historical magic in my rucksack. Now, on to today's world of ballet!
Today's Ballet World:Right now, you could be treating yourselves to a delightful ballet experience in our own modern world. I found some fascinating programmes for you to consider - if you're in Derbyshire, England, why not visit Derby Theatre? It is presenting a contemporary ballet, The Dream, a fusion of classic storytelling and original choreography - something I'd definitely recommend!
Or, if you're closer to London, why not pop over to The Royal Opera House to experience the dazzling ballet Swan Lake, the eternal love story. I have to confess that there is always room for a ballet classic in my repertoire - its breathtaking music and spectacular choreography are timeless, simply divine.
Don't forget, ladies, you can have a little piece of ballet magic wherever you are. Perhaps you are feeling a little inspired to don a beautiful pink tutu, like me? Or even grab your ballet shoes and give your feet a good stretch! A bit of ballet always makes you feel fabulous!
As ever, I love seeing you all dance into your dreams. Until next month!
Yours,
Emma [ www.pink-tutu.com ]
