Hey my lovely tutu-loving peeps! It's Emma here, your favourite time-travelling ballerina, back with another dazzling dive into the glorious world of ballet! This month, we're going back in time to the very beginnings of ballet, back to the 1675, 8th August. Remember those fabulous pointe shoes that made a splash last month? Well, hold onto your tiaras because today's trip is a doozy - we're heading to Paris for the premiere of... wait for it... The Royal Academy of Dance, aka the Royal Ballet! Squeals with delight Isn't it incredible? Just imagine the sheer excitement buzzing in the air that night!
This time around, my faithful steed, Magic Meg, a shire horse with a sparkling pink coat, golden hooves and a glorious mane of flowing white, and I are sporting a very fancy ensemble. I'm rocking a pale pink, perfectly full tutu with an enormous bow that wouldn't look out of place at Ascot. On my back, of course, is my trusty leather rucksack, filled with all the goodies I've collected from our previous time travels. (Remember, if you find any antique treasures, give 'em a good sniff - the smell of history is intoxicating!)
Now, let's rewind back to 1675, to the opulent Palais-Royal, the grand stage for this extraordinary debut. Imagine! The whole of Paris was aglow with anticipation - we're talking shimmering chandeliers, the finest silks, and the whisper of hushed expectations. A whole society eagerly waiting for this moment to behold the birth of ballet as we know it.
What's even more fascinating, and quite unique, is that the Royal Academy of Dance was, get this, actually called l'Académie Royale de Danse. Yep, fancy that! It was founded by the flamboyant and eccentric Louis XIV, that dancing, dramatic King who, fun fact, actually once dressed as the sun god Apollo for a dance performance - what a guy!
It was during his reign that ballet, you know, the graceful leaps and intricate steps we see today, really blossomed, from a courtly entertainment to a true, bonafide art form! He even had his own choreographer, Monsieur de Beauchamp, who brought ballet leaps and the first 'jumps' onto the stage.
I think it's truly mind-blowing to realise that we are experiencing this form of dance because of the efforts of these pioneering dancers and choreographers! To stand here, with Meg pawing at the cobblestones, and watch history unfold is… well, heart-swelling is an understatement!
Oh, and you know I love a good ballet outfit! Let's be honest, 17th century fashion is, shall we say, not for the faint of heart. Lots of petticoats, hoops, and a bit too much powdered wig, don’t you think? giggles However, you know me, always looking for the fun in everything, and the ballet costume? Oh my, so much fun! Think dramatic flowing sleeves, rich silks in every colour imaginable, and oh yes, plenty of shimmering embellishments. Imagine swirling dresses and delicate, flourishing footwork - it's almost too gorgeous, you could faint from excitement!
Anyway, let’s chat about what’s on in the world of ballet tonight, my lovelies. It's a spectacular occasion, with some truly groundbreaking dance works! I’m talking the likes of “Le Ballet des Saisons”, which tells a story with graceful movements. Can you believe the innovative leaps these dancers are making?! They really had the right stuff back then.
Another highlight was “Le Triomphe de l’Amour,” a theatrical piece brimming with passionate performances, and not to mention a whole host of stunning sets! All about romantic love - the most perfect theme for an evening at the ballet, don’t you agree?
My dears, I just have to share how much the costumes just blew my mind! All in shades of cream, pale blue and gold – it was so wonderfully refined and majestic. And the headpieces? Absolutely stunning. Delicate feather headdresses and jewelled headbands made with pearl beads and glittering gems… Honestly, these pieces are still works of art, and I’m already planning a time-travel trip to track them down, for a little ‘pink-tutu’ fashion inspiration, of course!
Okay, my loves, it's time for me to bid adieu for now. I hope you're all feeling inspired by this glimpse into the dawn of ballet. It’s so easy to forget how far ballet has come. It makes me truly appreciate all those brave artists who made the beautiful and intricate art form we adore today!
Don’t forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for the latest on my adventures! I promise, it’s a non-stop pink, fabulous journey through time! Until next time, my dears, and keep twirling those tutus!
