Hey darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, fashion, and time travel, of course! I'm your ever-so-pink, tutu-wearing blogger, Emma, and this month, I'm whisking you all back to the glorious era of powdered wigs and courtly dances - October 10th, 1677!
This month's time travel adventures began in my little Derbyshire cottage, with the sweet melody of the Adagio from Tchaikovskyâs Swan Lake playing in the background, inspiring me to get ready for another magical journey. I had a hunch this particular date would be packed with ballet history, and oh boy, was I right!
You know I simply can't travel without Magic Meg, my trusty steed. A shimmering, pink shire horse, with hooves as golden as my dreams and a mane and tail the purest white youâve ever seen, Meg was practically vibrating with excitement as I helped her into her sparkly pink harness. My pink tutu was swirling around me, just waiting to spin through history! Of course, my trusty leather rucksack, bulging with vintage ballet treasures, was on my back, ready to capture every detail of this exciting journey.
The first stop was a trip to Paris! Imagine the scene - grand carriages rattling over cobblestone streets, ladies in beautiful silks, and an air of pure opulence! Right in the heart of this fashionable city, was a dazzling spectacle - the grand AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse, a forerunner of the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet, with its opulent setting and glittering chandeliers. It was here that I saw a breathtaking performance, the heart of the show being the iconic dance âLe Ballet du Royâ, a glorious masterpiece of courtly grandeur. I gasped as a dancer in a dazzling silver costume leapt with incredible grace and strength, showcasing the beginnings of French court ballet. You can imagine how much ballet fashion inspired me, I felt like I had just landed on the pages of an elegant, historical romance novel.
Of course, a Parisian adventure isnât complete without indulging in the finest fashions! I popped into a charming boutique, its shelves stacked with velvet, silk, and lace - enough to satisfy even my most extravagant dreams! They even had panniers, you know, the wide hoops used to create those fabulous skirts in courtly gowns! While I couldn't resist trying on a few (they looked so beautiful!), I kept reminding myself that it's all about the ballet, so I didnât let myself be distracted from my goal.
But this adventure wasn't just about Paris. A little research beforehand told me that October 10th, 1677, marked the day a talented young boy named Jean-Baptiste Lully took on the esteemed title of Surintendant de la Musique du Roi - King Louis XIVâs personal composer, director, and all-around musical wizard. This man was literally responsible for making French ballet as we know it!
The whole court of King Louis was fascinated by dancing! Even Louis himself was known for his skill! Can you imagine the King himself participating in lavish ballet spectacles? Iâve always felt a kinship with dancers and those who love dance, but knowing about Louis XIVâs ballet enthusiasm gave me goosebumps! To know this eraâs greatest ruler considered ballet an important art form really resonated with my own passion. It feels like a part of my soul knows this man, just because of our shared love for the graceful art form!
While my trip to 1677 gave me a sneak peek into the evolution of dance, I have to remind you all to follow my lead and spread the love for ballet. Itâs all about grace, beauty, and expressing yourself through movement. And the best part? It's accessible to everyone! Remember darlings, you donât need a powdered wig or a King's invitation to be part of the ballet world.
So get your tutus ready, channel your inner Louis XIV, and take a class, attend a performance, or even just twirl in your living room. Embrace the world of dance, and let your heart soar with the magic of ballet!
Love,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
Remember to check out my online store for a limited time offer: Pink tutus 20% off until the end of October.
Stay tuned for my next post, a dive into the glamorous era of Diaghilevâs Ballets Russes!
