Hello my darling dance devotees! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back from another thrilling adventure! This month, we're whisking you away to a date that truly changed the world of dance: 3rd March 1669. Grab your feather boas, my darlings, we're heading to Paris!
As you all know, here at www.pink-tutu.com, I believe in making history more accessible, more glamorous, and of course, more pink! What better way to achieve this than by time travelling on the back of my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a magnificent pink shire horse with shimmering gold hooves, and a snowy white mane and tail - oh, she’s a vision!
3rd March 1669: the date of a grand Parisian premiere that brought us the exquisite ballet we know and love today. On this very day, The Royal Academy of Music in Paris held the debut of a spectacular performance - "L'Amour malade" (The Sickly Love).
Think dazzling costumes, a captivating story of unrequited love, and intricate choreography! We're talking swirling waltzes, daring leaps, and expressive movements - a spectacle fit for a King! This was the very first opera-ballet, where dance intertwined with music, singing, and theatre. A true masterpiece, my dears!
Now, my dear reader, imagine you were transported to Paris on this glorious day. Could you just imagine yourself amongst the elegant crowds, dressed in your finest silken gown and feathered fan, captivated by the artistry on the stage?
This day was pivotal, as it marks the start of a new era of ballet. King Louis XIV, a renowned ballet enthusiast, played a major role in shaping its destiny. Under his patronage, ballet flourished and became an integral part of the French aristocracy, leading to the development of new and more challenging forms of ballet technique.
But here’s a little fun fact: Before “L'Amour malade,” ballet was just a pastime for the elite. Imagine, dear reader, having to wear pointed shoes to go dancing, for fun? Such an intriguing, romantic thought!
As you all know, I’m passionate about spreading the pink-tutu joy! This is why, after a captivating ballet performance at the theatre, I indulge in some serious shopping. Paris, of course, is a paradise for all things exquisite! A plethora of stunning silk and satin gowns await, along with bewitching shoes and shimmering jewellery. And who could resist those perfectly-sized feather boas and intricately-designed masks to add a touch of glamour to any outfit?
As a ballet-obsessed fashion enthusiast, I couldn’t leave without adding to my extensive collection of dance-inspired clothing. The bustling Parisian markets, brimming with exquisite silks and laces, simply beckoned. Imagine my joy when I found a magnificent pair of white satin slippers adorned with delicate pink rosettes! Of course, they had to join my ever-expanding pink-tutu wardrobe.
Speaking of my wardrobe, imagine my absolute delight when I stumbled upon an antique book on ballet history in a charming Parisian bookstore. Inside its timeworn pages, I discovered the history of the ‘tutu.’
This delicate and graceful garment has gone through quite an evolution, evolving from the elegant floor-length gowns to the lighter, shorter tutus of today. In the late 17th century, these tutus were actually more akin to knee-length skirts, a style I would adore!
Now, I understand, my darling reader, that time travel is an incredibly expensive pastime! That’s why, like any well-known ballerina, I fund my trips through captivating performances. I’ve taken my pink-tutu passion across the ages, gracing audiences from the courts of Versailles to the shimmering stages of Victorian London.
Of course, my rucksack wouldn’t be complete without these little souvenirs from the 17th century. I found a beautiful feather boa and a tiny painted fan in a vintage shop tucked away in a back street in Paris. Both, of course, immaculately pink! Imagine the excitement I felt as I filled my rucksack!
Each time I travel back in time, my mission is to spread the pink-tutu love. And my dearest reader, I urge you to embrace this unique ballet-fashion legacy and don a pink tutu! Even a simple pink scarf or a single rose will add that touch of ballet magic to your everyday life!
For now, it’s time to say adieu. Until next month, stay chic, stay beautiful, and of course, stay pink! I’ll be waiting with bated breath for our next time-travelling adventure.
Love,
Emma
(PS, don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive pink tutu tips, fashion finds and time-travel shenanigans!)
