Hello lovelies! 🎀
It's Emma here, back from another thrilling trip through time! This month, Magic Meg and I have galloped back to the 17th century, landing smack-dab in the midst of the glamorous world of Louis XIV and the dawn of ballet as we know it!
As a dedicated ballet enthusiast, you know how much I love a good historical journey, especially one involving the iconic ballet greats. 🩰 And today, I'm overflowing with excitement to share this adventure with you, my darling readers!
Now, you might be wondering how we time-traveled all the way back to May 5th, 1673, right? Well, as you know, my dear readers, it's all thanks to the magic of Meg! She's a real gem, my shire horse with a sparkling pink coat, golden hooves, and a mane and tail like a billowing cloud of white. 💖
Speaking of pink, this trip called for my newest pink tutu. I mean, how could I visit the era of opulent court balls and elaborate fashion without wearing my most fabulous pink tulle creation? My dazzling pink skirt with shimmering diamante sparkles made heads turn everywhere we went. The shimmering colour is perfectly in tune with this vibrant, creative and elegant historical moment.
Just imagine, the Court of Versailles! ✨ Imagine me, wearing a pink tutu and floating through those grand halls, amongst courtiers adorned in elegant fabrics and adorned in plumes of feathers! I swear I heard whispered compliments on my outfit... even though they were probably more stunned by my existence in a pink tutu! 😆
On this date in 1673, the world of ballet was experiencing a blossoming transformation, leaving its early origins as courtly entertainment to a more established form of artistic expression. King Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, had a strong love for the dance, playing a major role in the growth of ballet. It was on this date, I imagine a flurry of activity with rehearsals and workshops taking place, preparing for the performances in the coming months.
Think about it - these early ballerinas weren't just dancers, they were pioneers! They weren't just putting on performances but shaping the very fabric of ballet as we know it. I can only imagine the energy, passion, and dedication radiating from the rehearsal studios, and the exciting prospect of performances under the watchful eyes of the King!
And where did we land in Versailles? Right near the grand Salle des Spectacles, of course! It was the ultimate ballet destination! Just envision this magnificent hall - sparkling chandeliers illuminating a shimmering court. Can't you hear the whisper of silks, the delicate melodies, and the graceful steps of ballerinas? It was pure magic!
We spent the day soaking up the atmosphere of the royal court, my leather backpack, a delightful pink adorned with lace, filling up with ballet ephemera: vintage sheet music, snippets of performance schedules, even a tiny ballet slipper, oh-so-sweet, that I tucked away as a reminder of the journey! Imagine, I might be able to recreate these exquisite steps once we're back in my Derbyshire studio. It's the joy of time travel - to find inspiration in the past, and to use it to inform the ballet of today!
And wouldn't you know it, my dear readers? This trip had a rather special ballet discovery for me. We happened to stumble upon a grand performance at the Salle des Spectacles. And guess who the star performer was? Mademoiselle de La Fontaine! Oh, she was an absolute wonder. Her grace was phenomenal!
Mademoiselle de La Fontaine was one of the first iconic ballet stars, a master of leaps, spins and captivating footwork, bringing a breath of dramatic beauty and technique to the performances. Imagine that! These early ballet greats had to perform in towering heels, with limited shoes and restrictive dress - what an act of dedication! I learned so much about her performance style that day!
Of course, no ballet trip would be complete without some fashion fun! 👠 🛍️ Versailles was brimming with a kaleidoscope of fabrics - velvets, satins, silks, and embroidery... everything bursting with vibrant colours.
I took my time wandering the bustling markets of the town, absorbing the atmosphere and searching for treasures. Imagine, imagine - silks the colour of a pink flamingo, dazzling jewel-tone satins, and even a charming feather boa, perfectly matching the feathered hats and gowns worn by the ladies! All beautifully hand-stitched and adorned with exquisite embroidery.
And it was during this delightful fashion foray that I stumbled upon the perfect pink garment! A satin dress, a shade of pink that I'd never seen before, was nestled amongst the silk bolts. Oh, my! The fabric was delicate, with tiny details of pink embroidery. The merchant had discovered this unique piece in a forgotten chest of a Parisian nobleman’s estate. It is a piece from a bygone era - one I felt destined to find.
The fabric is already earmarked to make my next masterpiece: A pink ballet dress! You wait and see, my darlings. When you hear it's been completed, be prepared to swoon! I'm picturing elegant layers of the satin with embellishments of the finest embroidery! The fabric truly reflects this elegant era.
I can’t wait to get home to my Derbyshire studio, to recreate my own interpretation of the Parisian elegance from this era!
What have you been creating lately, darlings? Share your passion for ballet in the comments below! 💕
Until next month, stay tuned for my next ballet time travel escapade. Don't forget, www.pink-tutu.com is my digital home. I’ll be waiting to see your amazing stories. Keep shining bright, my loves! ✨
Emma 💖
P.S. I know you're all dying to see the photos! Stay tuned for a new post on the blog soon! I’ll post a beautiful gallery of photos of my latest ballet creation, inspired by this amazing trip. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com to see what I'm up to, join my community and spread the love of ballet.
