Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your Pink Tutu Time Traveller, back with another adventure from the annals of ballet history. Grab your tea, a scone, and maybe even a pink cupcake (I can't help myself!) and let's dive into the vibrant world of ballet on August 8th, 1678.
This month, Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse, galloped us all the way to Paris, a city renowned for its exquisite fashion and flourishing arts scene. And what better day to arrive than the very day Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, opened the doors of his grand AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse! This magnificent institution marked a monumental turning point in the evolution of ballet, and it just so happened to coincide perfectly with my visit! đ
Imagine, lovelies, a world without the iconic steps, elegant postures, and captivating storylines that define ballet today! Prior to 1678, the world knew only a mishmash of dance forms: folk dances, courtly gestures, and the occasional theatrical interlude.
But enter Louis XIV, a king known for his elegance, who decided to elevate dance to a high art form, worthy of his royal court. This is where the Académie Royale de Danse comes in. It was the first school dedicated to the systematic training of dancers, developing choreography, and standardizing techniques that we recognise and admire today. Imagine, a place dedicated solely to the beauty and grace of movement! It's like heaven for any ballet aficionado.
I had the pleasure of attending an exquisite premiere at the AcadĂ©mie. While the steps might have been a tad different from what we know now, there was something breathtakingly graceful and refined in their movements. They even had a male lead wearing a beautiful blue velvet doublet and tights â I couldnât resist purchasing a bit of the fabric to add to my ballet history collection. Talk about a collectorâs item!
Imagine the excitement in Paris that day, a buzz in the air that vibrated with the anticipation of a new age of dance. The very first ballet, "Le Triomphe de lâAmour" by Pierre Beauchamp, one of the greatest dancers of the time, was staged right there on August 8th, 1678, marking the official birth of classical ballet! Talk about a monumental moment for dance history, and Iâm delighted I got to be there.
Speaking of premieres, whatâs new in the world of ballet in 2023? Iâm eagerly awaiting the return of the Royal Balletâs âThe Nutcrackerâ â a perennial favourite, perfect for this time of year. In fact, I even got a special pair of âSugar Plum Fairyâ shoes from Harrods (can you tell I love a good shoe?!) for the occasion. I can't wait to witness the magic of that enchanting ballet! âš
My current ballet obsession, however, is âGiselleâ. The emotional rollercoaster of the story combined with the sublime beauty of the choreography takes my breath away every single time! You know I always try to keep up with the latest trends. Ballet's definitely evolving!
And now, for the all-important question⊠Are you ready to join the Pink Tutu movement? I want to see a world where everyone embraces the confidence and joy of twirling! A world where tutus reign supreme, and dance sparks our souls. So, get out there, dance your heart out, and don't be afraid to twirl your worries away!
Remember to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com for more time-travel adventures and pink tutu inspiration.
Until next time, lovelies,
Emma x
