Post #209: www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, back with another thrilling trip into the past! This month, we're waltzing our way back to 5th May, 1678 – a truly exciting day in the world of ballet! Get your feather boas and powdered wigs ready, because we're stepping into a world of royal delight and fabulous dance!
I'm writing to you from a cosy little corner in the Palace of Versailles, a veritable feast for the senses with its grand gardens and glittering fountains. But even more dazzling is the magnificent performance I've just witnessed – a royal ballet spectacular!
A Night of Courtly Glamour
King Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, was a fervent patron of the arts, especially ballet. He wasn't just a fan – he even graced the stage himself! So, you can imagine the sheer brilliance of this royal production!
The performance took place in the vast Salon de la Guerre – a room practically bursting with exquisite decoration and royal regality. Imagine this: glittering chandeliers casting shadows that danced along the opulent walls adorned with paintings by renowned masters, the air alive with the whisper of silks and satins as the aristocracy mingled amongst each other.
A Dance of History
This night's ballet was a "tragedy ballet," a type of performance very popular in the 17th century. This meant there was a lot of drama, emotion, and an abundance of expressive gestures – just imagine all the opportunities for stunning artistry! The subject matter? You guessed it – Greek mythology!
Now, you'd be surprised to learn that ballerinas of this era didn't even wear tutus. Imagine! Instead, the performers were adorned in extravagant, layered gowns, more reminiscent of fashion shows than ballet costumes as we know them. And no pointe shoes – they danced in shoes with high heels, truly daring and graceful!
Dancing through the centuries
The music, my dears, was equally stunning – lively melodies played by harpsichords and lutes, their intricate sounds filling the salon. It's hard to imagine that such an enchanting spectacle would only have been available for a select few, and it made me feel incredibly lucky to be here witnessing this historical treasure.
Speaking of treasures, Magic Meg (my beautiful pink shire horse) has brought me back a few incredible pieces from this night. For my vintage ballet collection, I now have a tiny embroidered shoe and a hand-written note, a list of all the costumes for this royal ballet performance. I think my pink-tutu-themed ballet history blog needs some major updates!
Inspired to dance
What a fabulous reminder that dance, in all its forms, has always held a captivating power! Even back in the 17th century, people were captivated by the graceful art of dance and the drama unfolding on stage. This reminds me: have you checked out the amazing ballet performances happening this month? Don't forget, we are fortunate to enjoy such incredible dance even today! It truly shows that the allure of ballet transcends time.
So, I’ll be signing off now but don't forget to subscribe to my pink-tutu.com blog. Until next time, keep on dancing, my dears! And may your tutus always be as pink and fabulous as you are!
Emma
*PS: Don't forget to check out the 'pink-tutu.com' online shop to find the most fabulous ballet fashion. This month, it's all about vintage looks with a modern twist! 💖 *
