Hello my lovely Tutu-loving readers! Emma here, back from another dazzling adventure in time. This month, I'm whisking you all the way back to 1669, a year brimming with vibrant courtly life and a glimmering hint of ballet's rise. I couldn't resist saddling up with Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling shire steed, and stepping back in time, all while sporting my most magnificent pink tutu, of course.
As I adjusted my bejeweled headband, I couldn't help but giggle – can you imagine how wild a tutu would have been in 1669?! Imagine, all the gossipy chatter at the Royal Court, whispers of “That’s not a proper skirt!” and “Isn't she just a bit … dramatic?" Well, you see, dear readers, it's my mission to make sure everyone everywhere wears a pink tutu – a truly wonderful and sparkly statement piece, if you ask me.
This trip was all about exploring the origins of ballet. It wasn't yet the sophisticated art form we know and adore today, but there were whispers of it bubbling away beneath the surface of royal entertainment. It was a time for lavish court dances and elaborate masquerade balls, where dancers expressed themselves in theatrical ways. It wasn't about pirouettes and grand jetés just yet, but you could definitely see the seeds of what was to come!
Now, back to 1669, specifically, January the 1st! We know that ballet in England, was a mere glimmer at that point. But what a fascinating time for art and theatre it was! We were only a handful of years away from the official founding of the Royal Academy of Music in Paris, a vital landmark in ballet's journey to becoming a recognised art form. I just had to experience a touch of the vibrant Parisian scene for myself! So, off I galloped with Meg. (Don't worry, dear readers, my trusty leather rucksack, always packed with essential items from past eras - some antique pointe shoes anyone? - made sure my pink tutu wouldn’t stand out too much in this more demure time!)
Imagine the streets of Paris! Imagine a bustling marketplace where vendors sold exquisite fabrics, silks and ribbons for elegant costumes. My pink tutu, as always, got a few admiring glances! Maybe it was just the sheer shock factor of seeing such a vibrant piece in 17th-century France! But I didn't care. I had come here to spread the good word of the tutu – it is a true symbol of grace, strength, and just a tiny touch of pink-sparkly mischief!
What was happening in the world of ballet itself? While a formalised ballet scene hadn't fully emerged, people were enjoying lavish performances at the Court of Louis XIV, with dancers adorning extravagant costumes. Imagine silks, embroidery, and the gleam of golden trimmings. These dances were less focused on technical skill and more about entertainment and showing off the opulence of the court. Still, the seeds of artistry were being sown.
Of course, as a tutu-wearing aficionado, I had to immerse myself in the ballet world of 1669 – as much as it was possible! I spent some of the day watching street performers: jugglers, dancers, and storytellers, their talent, energy and passion absolutely enthralling. Imagine these street entertainers in a ballet-themed show in Derbyshire – my hometown! It would be such a treat!
Later, at a grand manor house, I even had the pleasure of observing a few young noblewomen learning to dance. They didn't yet know the language of a plié or a jeté, but their moves held such grace, refinement and beauty. I swear, I saw a glimmer of potential future ballerinas amongst them.
As I traveled, my mind was filled with dreams of the tutus that could be! I longed to be able to whip up a bejeweled confection for the dancing noblemen and women in these extravagant settings. Can you imagine the scene - a vibrant pink tutu shimmering in the candlelight of a courtly dance! But sadly, I'm not allowed to influence history (no matter how much I'd love to), and instead, I just made note of my visions in my trusty rucksack.
It's always humbling to realise how far ballet has come, from those early days of court dances and masked balls. Remember, dear readers, every dance, every costume, every step is a steppingstone, a precious moment in the history of our beloved ballet!
And remember, wear a pink tutu whenever possible. It's your way to show the world that beauty, strength and even a dash of pink are always in style!
Until next time, my dear Tutu-loving readers, I hope your next ballet experience will fill your hearts with wonder!
Always swirling with love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
