Hello darlings, welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travel! Today I'm thrilled to be whisk-whirl-whizzing you back to 2nd February, 1676! 💫 You can tell just by the date that it’s a bit of a different era, so buckle up your pink tutus, because this is a whirlwind tour through history!
Remember last month’s adventure in Victorian London? My backpack’s now overflowing with Victorian pointe shoes and ballet memorabilia – it was utterly enchanting! This time, I’m channeling my inner time-travelling ballerina to 17th Century France. It’s such a fascinating era! Imagine: powdered wigs, silks, and an explosion of elaborate dance forms, like ballet, with all its drama and beauty!
Now, onto today's date in history – February 2nd, 1676 – and an event that holds a rather significant place in the story of ballet. It was the birth of Louis XIV’s Academy of Dance! The Academy became known for shaping ballet into the art form we know and love today, all those centuries ago. The Academy even had a role in forming The Royal Academy of Music – quite impressive for its time, wouldn’t you agree? 👑
My magical steed, Magic Meg – yes, she’s a pink sparkly Shire with a golden mane and hooves – whisked me across time to Paris. Today’s outfit? A delightfully frilly, peach-hued tulle tutu, accented by a powder-blue sash, and pearl-encrusted ballet flats – simply exquisite! (You can see pictures on my Insta – I think they are pretty much divine!) 💕
Of course, we wouldn’t be in the 17th century without a visit to the Royal Court – all swirling silks and elegant curtsies! I have to admit, the ladies had some seriously impressive hairstyles – they would definitely put our modern-day hair stylists to the test!
Did you know that the King himself was an avid ballet fan? Louis XIV’s dedication to dance and artistry propelled ballet to the very centre of Parisian social life. His support helped it blossom from a courtly pastime into an admired, well-respected art form. It’s clear why his love for the art, his court, and the dancers he loved watching, contributed so heavily to the rich tapestry of ballet's history.
One thing I always have in mind – it's a real treat to get into the details of what ballet meant during each period I visit. 🩰 In 1676, the costumes, the settings, the intricate steps, even the themes themselves – they all painted a very specific picture of the era’s values and culture! It’s fascinating to learn how ballet transformed alongside society!
One of my absolute favourite aspects of these time-travelling ballet adventures is the chance to experience ballet’s different forms throughout history! The Baroque period brought a change to choreography, embracing bold and elaborate gestures. Ballet performances even saw the introduction of male ballet dancers, which paved the way for the rise of the “étoile” - a captivating concept for ballet and an enchanting star of the stage, both figuratively and literally. ✨
Today’s journey in France isn’t just about historical facts; it’s about connecting to the soul of dance across the centuries! Just imagining the grandeur of these performances, the intricate steps and elegant costumes – it truly brings ballet’s evolution to life!
Of course, my time-travelling adventures don't end there! It's been a month since my last post and, I must admit, so much has happened! I had a fantastic time on my Derbyshire, England journey back in November, visiting the renowned Nottingham Playhouse, which has staged ballet productions since 1947, and had the chance to admire the ballet treasures from their archives. It was a beautiful and immersive experience – you’ll see my latest posts with lots of pictures from that visit too!
Of course, back here in my present-day, 21st Century life, I am just as busy as a ballerina on pointe! From dancing with my classmates at the Derbyshire Dance Academy to performing in local theatre productions, my passion for ballet stays alive and buzzing. Oh, and I recently scored a pair of incredible blush-coloured satin pointe shoes! They have beautiful little bows on the front, with a little diamanté in each. You can just imagine the excitement – I may need a special pink shoe box to store these ones! 🥰
Of course, none of my travels or activities would be possible without my favourite way of funding my ballet time travel – the joy of sharing the beauty of ballet with you all! If you haven't already, please visit my website - www.pink-tutu.com – for a glimpse into all my past time travel posts, along with photos and updates on my latest dance adventures. There's always something new to share and discover in the world of ballet! 💖
And my dear readers, my final piece of wisdom today - spread the joy of dance! Encourage a love of pink tutus, the beauty of ballet, and always keep a twinkle in your eye. 💫 See you in a month for the next instalment of Pink Tutu Time Travel! ✨
With love and tutus, Emma
