Post Number: 188
Hello, darlings! Emma here, your time-traveling, tutu-loving guide to the wonderful world of ballet history. This month, weâre waltzing back to August 1676, a year overflowing with fashion, fancy, and, of course, dance! Itâs like a Parisian tea party⊠with a touch of theatrical magic sprinkled on top.
Meg and I, clad in our finest pink tulle, have just galloped out of my little Derbyshire cottage, a shimmering blur of pink amidst the rolling green hills. I swear, the sheep look at Meg with a certain awestruck envy; who wouldnât be charmed by a horse who sparkles like a fairy-tale dream? Itâs just a dash of magical glitter on her otherwise perfectly sleek coat, but I promise, it adds a touch of whimsical glamour. And we definitely need it when our destination is France, specifically Paris!
Let's rewind back to 1676: It's a whirlwind of lace, velvet, and extravagance. The royal court is where itâs at, and Louis XIV â âThe Sun Kingâ himself - is the king of all things grand. Think glittering ballrooms, shimmering fabrics, and an air of exquisite artistry. The world of ballet, oh my darlings, is about to change forever. And it all begins right here, right now.
What's the Big Fuss?
Hold on to your tiaras, lovelies! On August 8th, 1676, the Académie Royale de Danse (The Royal Academy of Dance) was established. Talk about history-making!
Imagine â the official stamp of approval, an actual ACADEMY dedicated to all things ballet! Now, that's what I call a reason to break out the Champagne and tutus, wouldn't you say? This moment signifies a major shift for dance. No longer simply a courtly diversion, ballet is becoming a respected art form â with official rules and regulations, all dedicated to making our beloved ballet a spectacular sight for all to admire.
Fancy Footwear:
Letâs take a moment to swoon over those 17th-century ballet shoes! We're talking exquisite craftsmanship, little slipper-like creations, so chic and elegant! Imagine the artistry â delicate leather, fine silk ribbons, and a splash of colour that adds a touch of sparkle to every movement. And of course, everything was custom-made for each dancer! Can you imagine, darling? Itâs like having your very own pair of dancing shoes straight from a fairy tale! My fingers are already itching to design a modern tributeâŠ
Beyond The Court
Now, this is the most wonderful thing: Ballet wasnât just for the privileged, no no no! There were dance schools all over Paris, with teachers passionate about spreading the love of ballet. And wouldnât you know it, the most popular genre in Paris was ComĂ©die-Ballet!
Imagine the magic! A mix of dance, music, and drama â oh, what an amazing time! And let me tell you, the costumes were dazzling! Think colourful silks, extravagant hats, and flowing ribbons. Itâs like walking through a page of history⊠with the perfect backdrop for ballet! Weâre talking grand stage sets, elaborate storytelling â it truly was the era for a dramatic ballet, my darlings.
Time For Tea:
Speaking of stories, I must share this little anecdote⊠Apparently, Louis XIV, (now there's a name that makes you swoon) was obsessed with ballet! This man truly was a devotee of dance. In fact, he even participated in ballets himself. There were even a couple of very special moments where he actually starred! Talk about the ultimate dancer's inspiration! He definitely was quite the charismatic dancer⊠if we can believe the accounts of the era, he would sometimes even do a graceful âgrande jetĂ©" across the stage. Oh my, what an inspiring image, don't you think? Perhaps a grand "grande jetĂ©" across the history books!
But Back to the Tutu!
Now, hold your horses, ladies, for a moment of fashion confession. There's a little-known secret, even the historians donât seem to realise⊠Tutus haven't been around forever. Oh darling, this makes my heart ache just a little. This little wonder of frills and elegance had yet to grace the stage during this era. Can you even imagine such a time! What would I be without my tutu? Itâs like sunshine for my soul, like magic wrapped in tulle!
But hold on! I might have an idea about how to solve this, darling... My tutu time-travelling mission: To get a pink tutu in every time period! Thatâs right. We need to spread the tulle, my loves! This is the most fantastic fashion project EVER.
So, my mission is simple, darling â make the world of dance history fall in love with the beauty and brilliance of the tutu! It's a bit of a pink revolution, if you will. A touch of elegance and feminine grace â it can transform any era! And if anyone could pull it off, surely it's a pink-tutu-loving, time-traveling, horse-riding ballerina blogger like myself, right?
Donât forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com for updates on my adventures. Iâll see you all next month for the next incredible ballet adventure! Remember, my loves, stay radiant, stay bold, and most importantly â always wear your pink tutus with confidence.
See you next month!
With twirling affection,
Emma
