Hello, my lovelies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller. Today, we're whisking back to the 16th of April 1668! It’s a date that’s as special to ballet as a well-worn pair of pointe shoes – and today, we'll delve into why, and why it should make you leap for joy, even if you haven't even touched a barre in your life.
But before we waltz into the heart of the story, let me tell you, Magic Meg has been bucking like a stallion! We've been working hard for this trip. I mean, a Parisian premiere, the first ever, in the elegant Palais Royal? I wouldn’t miss it for all the pirouettes in the world!
You know me – I like my pink, and Magic Meg has been adorned in a brand new, sparkly, pink ribbon braid – matching my brand new blush satin tutu, naturally. Even though we’re taking a leap back to the 17th Century, style is still key! I even snagged myself some lovely rose-scented perfume from a local apothecary. They seem quite impressed with my "fairy costume" – a pink tutu! Well, what else could I be? I mean, this blog isn’t about boring beige is it?
Anyways, as I’ve been gallivanting in time again, we’ve gotta remember it’s about more than just fashion, it’s about spreading the pink tutu love, even back in the days of powdered wigs! So, pack your imaginary dancing shoes, my dears!
Now, buckle up and join me, as I tell you all about the premiere of the very first ballet in history! And by that, I mean ballet as we know it, with all the drama, all the romance, all the technical finesse. Not some impromptu peasant dance with a little twirling, you know!
16th April 1668 is marked as the big date in our ballet diary – the date of Le Ballet de la Royne, and that translates as “The Ballet of the Queen" in our tongue. The Queen? Our Queen – Louis XIV! Yes, my dears, even monarchs get swept up in the drama of dancing!
King Louis XIV wasn't just a ruler – he was an artist, an innovator, a true ballet enthusiast – which we can thank for paving the way for a lot of the ballet we know and love today. It wasn't enough to simply enjoy ballet, he wanted to be part of the show. Now, it was considered highly fashionable to perform ballet, as well as just watch. Well, I wouldn’t expect anything less from a King!
So, the stage was set. But what about the dancers?
The Royal Court brought in the biggest stars! Imagine a troupe of ballerinas, clad in silks and ruffles, with feathers, swords and even masks adorning them, their dances infused with graceful steps and sweeping movements. These dancers were renowned across the continent, drawing attention to the burgeoning Parisian court as a cultural centre for dance, and paving the way for all the stunning ballet that would grace its stages throughout the years!
So, why this Parisian debut was truly epochal? Not just because it was the first of its kind – it established the French school of ballet as a force to be reckoned with! All those lovely little grand jetés you see in The Nutcracker? All those elegant pirouettes? Thank the French, and Louis XIV, for all of it!
Imagine the glamour of this event, my darlings. It was held in the beautiful Palace Royale Gardens, with specially built tiered seating and stage lights. The audience was dressed to the nines - ladies in their most opulent gowns and gents in elaborate velvet suits – a perfect backdrop to what must have been an unbelievable night!
Imagine the atmosphere! I bet the crowd went wild with every twirl, every leap! Now, I wonder if the dancers felt the pressure – I bet they had butterflies in their bellies! If they could only have seen what * ballet* would go on to become... They paved the way, those first, daring ballerinas!
We've even found accounts describing the elaborate costumes, with the men and women alike* – oh yes, the ladies did ballet too back then, imagine that – dressed in elegant suits, complete with ruffles, and feathers, just the way I like it!
So, I bet you’re dying to know more about this special performance, aren’t you? And so am I! We can’t time-travel with all the original costumes – although that would be glorious – but my research revealed this Ballet featured a stunning combination of drama and dance which has truly stood the test of time. The show itself?, It told the tale of “the marriage of a French noblewoman and an Indian prince”. Intriguing, no?
We know the performances featured a blend of classical French dance with influences from other styles - It seems everyone has been experimenting since the very beginning of Ballet. They even incorporated *"balloons", like big hoops, and we have to remember these dancers were trained from a young age to become virtuosos of movement. The audience must have been spellbound, as they watched dancers fly, turn, and tell a story through a language only a dancer can fully grasp.
After that first night, Ballet De la Royne played to sold-out crowds and solidified the Palais Royal as a home for dance – oh how they were fortunate to have a beautiful venue just like this. There are just so many similarities to how we watch ballet today, isn't it fascinating how times change so little when it comes to the heart of ballet, the passion and the creativity of dancing? They really were the pioneers, creating an enduring passion for the art of dance that has enchanted generations.
Now, my little cherubs, let's think back to my motto. What would have made those first Ballet fans feel happy, thrilled and proud to watch these shows? *
I’ve already touched upon it - beautiful costumes, dancing by royalty, an inspiring performance, a beautiful stage and opulent settings, and of course – the power of the storytelling in a beautifully woven dance, the spectacle, the drama, it's what drives our love for Ballet to this day, right? What better way to show that love for dance than with a PINK TUTU?! *
And so, imagine this. The crowds watch on, rapt in the ballet, their faces alight with excitement - and then... They’re greeted by me. I mean, who better to spread this pink tutu revolution across time and back, right?
My imagination is already set alight, picturing myself at this spectacular premiere, twirling and leaping alongside these first ballet stars. They could use a touch of my flair, you know. The story could only be told through an unforgettable ballet performance. And after that – we could dance together! The ballet crowd with me!
I can already hear the chatter! “The dancer, dressed in a fabulous pink tutu has made her grand entrance. Oh, what a vision! Look at the sparkles!” Yes, you are hearing me correctly, darling! What do you say to adding a bit of flair to your time travels next month? Come dance with me and I’ll tell you about a rather different balletic style… a much more extravagant one from just a little later down the line.
Join me for more adventures, you gorgeous tutu-loving lot, because we are only just getting started! Until next time, I hope you have as much joy as I do. Let’s keep dancing and sharing our love for ballet across the globe and beyond – all dressed in our favourite shade: pink!
Until then, remember: You can always wear a tutu!
All my love,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
