#BalletHistory during 1676 10 October

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina from Derbyshire! This month, we're going on a journey back to 1676, a very important year in ballet history - it's the birthday of Louis XIV, the "Sun King," who, funnily enough, is known as one of the most enthusiastic ballet lovers in history! So grab your pinkest tutu, hop onto Magic Meg, and let's take a magical leap into the past!

Louis XIV wasn't just any king. He was a king who adored ballet! And his passion shaped the world of dance for centuries. This dashing, glamorous king made dancing a major part of the French court, showering it with attention, support, and lavish funding. Ballet went from being a fancy little entertainment to becoming an art form revered and enjoyed by the French aristocracy. Talk about a ballerinas' dream!

We know, from stories told throughout the ages, that Louis XIV loved ballet from the moment he could walk. I mean, who wouldn't love those extravagant costumes, the soaring jumps, and the graceful steps! But imagine him actually dancing! A king on the stage! His favourite was 'Ballet de la Nuit', a piece he even participated in at the young age of 14. The stories say he danced beautifully. Who could resist a King so devoted to dance?

Think Versailles, my dears! This was the place to be in the world of dance in 1676. With the King as their biggest fan, dancers were celebrated, given the best costumes, the finest shoes, and even the grandest stages! I wonder if they had any special sparkly tutus in their royal repertoire? Imagine how the French court buzzed with excitement for each ballet performance - a spectacle of dancing elegance!

Louis XIV even helped found the Royal Academy of Dance in 1661, a school dedicated to creating a "corps de ballet" for all those dazzling ballets he wanted to see! He was passionate about supporting dance and talented dancers, so he made sure everyone had access to the best dance training. That is pure love for ballet, my dears!

Remember my trusty pink leather rucksack? It's brimming with the stories I discover on each of my time-travel adventures. As I explore Versailles, I'm collecting more amazing tidbits about the dancing king and his influence on ballet's grand beginnings. The courtly ballets in 1676 weren't exactly like our modern ballets with their delicate and graceful movements. But it was a crucial step - a beautiful seed planted in the fertile soil of the French court. Without Louis XIV, maybe our ballet world wouldn't be what it is today!

Speaking of the present day... my, my, what exciting ballet shows are there this month? Don't worry, darlings, you'll see them all in my blog posts! Remember, I'm a true ballet enthusiast and always on the lookout for amazing shows, stunning costumes, and everything fabulous! You can find out more about my exciting ballet adventures on my blog www.pink-tutu.com! Remember, ballet is always fashionable, darling, so never forget your tutu - it's your passport to a world of magic and grace! See you soon for more pink-tutu adventures, my darlings!