Hello darlings! Emma here, and as ever I'm delighted to welcome you back to my little corner of the internet. This month, we're venturing back to the vibrant, bustling, exciting year of 1669, a time when ballet was just starting to truly blossom into the glorious art form we know and love today. Let me tell you, darling, it was a rather grand affair back then!
The sun was shining (well, not literally - it was Derbyshire weather, so probably just a drizzle) and Magic Meg, my lovely pink, shimmering, Shire horse with hooves like spun gold, was champing at the bit to set off on our time-traveling adventure. My beautiful pink tulle tutu, swirling and soft, was a perfect match for the crisp morning air. As usual, my rucksack, laden with exciting ballet treasures and scribbled notes, was slung over my shoulder, ready to record this month's grand story!
I love exploring the past. It's always a joy to slip through the veil of time and find out how much the world has changed! I never quite know what to expect on each trip, and there's a magic thrill to every time travel I take. This month's journey took us straight to Paris, the glittering heart of fashion and culture. It felt like a completely different world to our peaceful Derbyshire fields.
As I stepped off Magic Meg, right outside the luxurious Royal Palace of Versailles, the bustling city buzzed with energy. I could smell fresh bread from nearby bakeries, and the sound of lively street musicians added to the air of celebration. Even back then, Parisians knew how to live!
As for our historical highlights - hold onto your tutus, darlings, because today's topic is going to rock your world. In 1669, a big, royal, ballet-loving moment happened! The ballet âL' Amour Victoireâ (âLove Victoriousâ) was performed for King Louis XIV. It was quite a significant affair, showcasing a whole heap of brilliant dancing. The performance was choreographed by the great Pierre Beauchamp, a true giant of early ballet, whose impact on ballet is felt to this very day! He actually was one of the very first ballet masters and was a huge inspiration to future dancers. Pierre and his team created the very first ballet book âNouvelles dĂ©couvertes sur lâart de la danse,â (New Discoveries in the Art of Dance). This groundbreaking work laid the foundations for ballet as we know it - I always pack a copy of it in my bag!
You might not have thought that dancers, even in that time, could be bold enough to wear beautiful pink tutus, but they most certainly could! Think long skirts and lots of layers and embellishments. In my time traveling days, I try to show that the early dancers understood the magic of the tutu as much as I do. I like to bring a bit of colour and drama to these trips, and pink really shines in these historically dramatic settings! After all, there are no rules when it comes to style!
Now, back in our Derbyshire home, I love spending time reflecting on the things I saw and the treasures I collected. My latest acquisition from the Versailles trip? A charming, vintage book on choreography techniques. Itâs been meticulously preserved all these years - a true work of art. I feel so grateful to be able to share my love for dance and history with you all. If you want to know more about ballet history - itâs time to pack your pink tulle tutus and follow me on the Pink Tutu Blog! Itâs all about spreading a little magic around the world one tutu at a time.
Until next month, darling readers, do have a dance, or at the very least, put on a song you love! Don't forget, every time you wear a pink tutu, a little bit of magic comes into your life. You can buy one at the fabulous Pink Tutu online shop â we are truly obsessed with beautiful tutus! It's an experience you won't forget!
Now if you will excuse me, my ballet class starts soon - until then, I wish you all pink tutus and sparkling magic.
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
