Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another adventure through the magical world of ballet. This month, we're waltzing our way back to 1668, a year bursting with royal brilliance and ballet beginnings! It's post number 92 for my blog, so buckle up, darlings, and prepare for some tutu-licious history!
This August, my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg, galloped me right into the heart of Parisian history! Can you believe it, darlings? It's August 8th, 1668, the day King Louis XIV signed a decree that was to change the face of ballet forever! Thatâs right, the day the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse was established! Can you imagine the excitement buzzing through the cobbled streets of Paris? The city must have been awash with frills and fancies, wouldn't you agree?
It all started with this handsome, powerful king, Louis XIV. This grand, dramatic fellow was truly a patron of the arts, particularly passionate about ballet! I can just picture him, perched upon a golden throne, surrounded by dancers in glittering costumes, every move graceful, every step purposeful.
He realised that ballet, that graceful art form of storytelling through movement, deserved a formal, royal stamp of approval. And thus, the Académie Royale de Danse was born, an organisation that not only nurtured the art form but also established rules and standards that shaped the dance world as we know it. Can you imagine? No more unbridled flourishes or haphazard leaps! Suddenly, dancers had a structure, a framework within which to develop their talents and express themselves.
You're probably thinking, âWhat a delightful historical milestone, Emma, but how do we connect this with pink tutus?â Well darlings, the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse led to the rise of ballet companies, and ballet companies need beautiful costumes, don't they? And what's more captivating than a flurry of pink tutus gracefully sweeping across the stage?
Just imagine it, darlings, Paris in 1668, the Palais Royale abuzz with excitement, as the King's ballet troupe take to the stage! Imagine a flurry of bright, swirling tutus, their soft hues catching the candlelight, their shape embodying the romance of ballet. Every step, every jump, every elegant turnâŠit must have been utterly mesmerising, wouldn't you say?
Speaking of the King, letâs not forget about Monsieur de Saint-Germain! He was the most dashing dancer, a real heartthrob in the French Court, known for his effortless elegance and skill. I hear tell he was particularly fond of bright pinks and reds. I bet he would have adored seeing everyone in pink tutus!
Anyway, darlings, as my adventure in 1668 drew to a close, I decided to collect a few ballet-themed treasures for my collection in my leather rucksack! My mission for this trip was to discover balletâs history and influence. And I had a right old time exploring. Imagine a treasure trove of ancient ballet manuscripts, their words fading with age but their stories still so vibrantly alive. I also collected some fascinating accounts of early dance steps and gestures, and I was thrilled to find a few elegant silk ribbons and fabric swatches, just the right shades of pink, you can imagine, darling.
While I was in France, I made sure I caught a couple of ballets too! It's amazing what the history of ballet tells us about modern shows. The Grand Ballet de la Princesse would have been a spectacle in 1668! I was mesmerized watching the performance. They have amazing moves in this ballet, all quite a lot more expressive than I could imagine. It really reminds me how dance styles develop, and yet weâre still telling similar stories through these forms.
Don't forget darlings, we all have our own journeys through time to experience. What will your next ballet time-travel adventure be? Is there a particular period in ballet history that you'd like to explore?
Until next month, darling! Keep those pink tutus twirling!
Remember, to keep up with all my adventures, pop over to www.pink-tutu.com - you can read all my blog posts, watch video highlights of my trips and maybe even take inspiration from me! I'd love to hear all about your ballet plans!
Au revoir, darling, Emma x
Post-Script:A little snippet of the blog, just for my fashion-loving readers! Remember, darlings, the pink tutu doesn't just make an appearance on stage. It can take a bold step out into the world. This summer, we've seen a rise in the fashion world of pink, so this could be your year to add a pink tutu to your own wardrobe, too. I saw some truly delightful tulle fabrics in Paris! It got me thinking about incorporating some pretty pink shades and delicate embellishments into my own everyday attire. How could I not, darlings? The world of ballet has such a lovely, soft feel that itâs naturally part of everything I do, including fashion! Keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com for some fantastic ballet-inspired fashion tips. Letâs get the whole world in pink tutus!
