Hello my fellow twirling enthusiasts! Emma here, ready to take you on another time-bending journey through the wonderful world of ballet!
This month, my trusty steed, the magical pink Shire horse with golden hooves, Meg, and I have been transported back to 1668. Can you imagine a time without pointe shoes?! (Shudder!) Anyway, it was May the 5th, 1668, a gloriously sunny morning, perfect for prancing around the fields in my favourite hot pink tutu – you know, the one with the sequined daisies!
As usual, my leather rucksack was packed and ready for some vintage ballet plunder! And I'll be honest, this time, the treasures were less about ballet shoes and more about the stories – the real foundation for all our twirling fun!
The year 1668 was, to put it simply, a whirlwind of ballet development! Just four years previously, the esteemed Monsieur Pierre Beauchamp, ballet master of King Louis XIV of France, had set out to redefine what a dance truly was! This was the start of codifying ballet movements, creating what we now know as the ‘five basic ballet positions’. (Did I mention that the book was even translated into English, the ‘English' being so popular in those days?!)
Of course, ballet as we know it today was still evolving. Imagine, my lovely dancers, performances weren't confined to theaters, but happened anywhere from courtyards to courtrooms, even churches! Imagine, my dear dancers, trying to land a ‘piqué’ on uneven stone floors - it's certainly not an exercise for the faint of heart!
I spent some time learning the courtly steps favoured by the nobility, so delicate and precise. I imagined myself amongst the powdered wigs and silken gowns, a blushing ballet newcomer in a sea of swirling silks and flashing swords!
And yes, even in those days, ballet fashion was just as extravagant and captivating. Let's just say I even found some inspiration for my own designs from the silk and lace ruffles and the vibrant brocades of the period - those intricate motifs just beg for a shimmering ballet twist!
After a day filled with pirouettes in a charming cobbled square, a secret peek into a "Ballet Comique de la Reine", and even some whispered gossip from the servants of the time about the 'noblemen dancing like they've never learned anything in their lives! ', it was time for Meg and I to take a swift trot back to our time.
You know, while our current world of ballet is full of stunning outfits and even more stunning ballet performances, I’m left with an incredible sense of appreciation for the ballet journey. It’s a reminder that our love of this art form spans centuries, and we, the pink tutu wearers, are just continuing the dance.
Now, before you go, let's not forget about my favourite bit, ballet-related news of 1668! Imagine this - The King's Company of Dancing Masters was being formed! Yes, I'm just as excited as you! This truly heralded a new age in ballet training, professionalizing and promoting a standard of excellence.
Remember, my dears, to get yourself out to a ballet show or class this month - you never know when a pink tutu and some sparkly golden hooves may take you on a whimsical journey into ballet's rich past!
See you next time for another time-bending ballet adventure!
With love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don't forget to check out our fabulous shop for a brand new range of pink tutu-inspired outfits – designed especially for ballet-loving time-travellers!
