Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, and I'm back with another thrilling time travel escapade! Today we're taking a leap back to December 12th, 1671. It's cold out here, but the twinkle in my eye is brighter than ever as I whisk you off to a truly historic date in the world of ballet.
As you all know, I'm on a mission: To spread the pink tutu revolution around the world! But even more important than spreading the pink love is sharing the magic of ballet with you, my dear readers, from any time period, from any place!
This time, I’m astride Magic Meg, my trusty pink, shimmering Shire horse. Her golden hooves clip-clop rhythmically across the cobbled streets, her mane and tail billowing like a cloud of silk, taking us on a grand adventure to 17th-century Europe! Just imagine: cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the air alive with the chatter of those who walk its pathways. We’re going to uncover some hidden gems of ballet history!
My leather rucksack is packed with my trusty note-taking quill, my sketchpad, and my favourite pair of dancing shoes (which are of course, pink!). These will all help me chronicle the wondrous ballet tales I discover on each journey. And don’t forget: the pink tutu is a timeless, travel-worthy garment that goes perfectly with any era!
Paris, 1671:
The Royal Academy of Dance! This year is full of firsts: Louis XIV officially approves this ballet school, marking the official beginning of organized ballet in Paris, and yes, the pink tutu wasn't quite around, but they definitely had graceful ladies in gorgeous attire. This is a date etched into ballet history books! Can you imagine? Having your school endorsed by the King?
While the world wasn’t yet swirling with the whimsical wonder of a pink tutu, I know my Parisian friends of 1671 would absolutely fall in love with the elegant sweep of my tutu as I perform a petit allegro, spinning and twirling. This period was all about elaborate costumes, with intricate embroidery and jewel tones, which makes it easy for me to envision the vibrant hues of pink weaving their magic among the French court.
Theatres Alight with Ballet:
I’ve heard whispers from fellow time-traveling ballerinas about the glorious productions taking place in Parisian theaters this year! Can you imagine, my dears? Seeing dancers pirouette and plié under the soft glow of candlelight! The audience was enthralled by each grand ballet production, with scenes from classical myths, historical battles, and intricate love stories. These performances were the epitome of theatrical spectacle and artistic elegance, even without a single pink tutu!
The Ballet's Evolution:
In 1671, ballet started to evolve. Gone were the days of exclusively court performances. Theatrical spaces were blooming across Europe, and the art of ballet began spreading like a joyous dance, captivating audiences and attracting artists from various walks of life. Can you imagine the delight of discovering the wonders of ballet in a new, exciting world?
As we move on to December 12th, it's a day to celebrate the growth of ballet – from a court spectacle to a growing form of artistic expression. It's also a time to reflect on how far ballet has come – the costumes, the artistry, the diversity. All thanks to pioneers of this magnificent art!
And remember my lovely bunnies, the true magic of ballet, lies within the movement, the emotions, and the way it connects with our souls. This feeling is as strong today as it was in 1671. So, let's all embrace this timeless beauty, dance our hearts out, and always, always, remember to wear a touch of pink.
Love and pirouettes, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
