Hello my darling ballet-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and I'm positively giddy to share with you my latest adventures! This month, we're soaring back to the 11th of November, 1678, and trust me, there's a real sprinkle of magic in the airā¦
The frost is crisp, and a gentle fog is settling over Derbyshire, my lovely home. Iām just settling into the stable with my beloved Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse, her golden hooves gleaming in the pale moonlight. You see, she's the key to my adventures! Just a touch of the reins and she carries us through time and space, taking us to witness the world of ballet unfold through history!
This month, our pink tutu journey takes us to Paris, the beating heart of ballet in the 17th century. Iām feeling rather French, you know. I even found a delicious pĆ¢tisserie with little ballet-shaped biscuits that taste divine. But enough of me! I want to tell you about whatās happening on this momentous date.
Today is special ā King Louis XIV, he of the illustrious sun-king era, has just reopened his academy. This academy, his very own school of dance, is practically a shrine to ballet. Iām absolutely brimming with excitement just thinking about it! Imagine: tutus made with luxurious silk and elaborate head-dresses, graceful postures and delicate movements, the elegant, refined world of ballet that was just beginning to blossom. It makes my toes tingle just thinking about it.
The King has just invited Monsieur Lully, a truly talented composer, back to create new ballet scores. Imagine, dancing to the rhythm of live music! And the King, what a dancer he is! It seems this ballet craze really began in his royal court, spreading throughout the city and even beyond its walls.
After my morning promenade through the Parisian streets, enjoying the enchanting beauty of the Seine, it was time to head to the Academy. Imagine, all the ladies in their perfectly fitting dresses with their beautiful panniers, all those fluttering silk sleeves, their eyes gleaming with excitementā¦ It's simply exquisite. And the men! Well, they certainly have an elegant style all their own!
The Academy is grand. Marble floors, ornate decorations ā it feels positively regal, and I don't even want to mention how gorgeous the dancers' costumes are! Lully's music is beautiful, a perfect blend of grace and energy. As the dancers begin their graceful movements, Iām mesmerised. Itās like watching magic unfold!
I managed to sneak in after a royal ball, dodging servants and sneaking a peek at the royal guests! What fun! The ballet was an ode to their love of dancing, the delicate postures and intricate steps ā a dance with so much feeling and passion, I can practically feel the excitement emanating from the room.
Now, I must tell you, I'm feeling positively inspired. As you all know, pink is my signature colour. And after my whirlwind day here, I'm even more enamoured with the romance and grace of 17th century fashion! This elegant world is definitely my kind of time travel adventure! I'm thinking a new pink tutu with an intricately-woven pink silk bodice. Maybe a pearl headband and some pink velvet shoes for that royal feel! Oh, what possibilities! I am so utterly thrilled with how todayās dance performance has reignited my creativity! I must start designing!
I must take a quick detour now before Magic Meg and I continue our journey. I spotted a beautiful silk merchant. Pink, of course! The shop was overflowing with the most luxurious satins and velvets you could imagine! Itās amazing what fashion bargains can be found in the past! I'll tell you all about them in my next post. I think I might just create an entire blog post just on the delightful history of tutus.
Now, onto my little satchel, which I always keep on my back! My dear ballet darlings, this is where the real magic of my time-travel blog comes in! As I flit around time, I pick up treasures to share with you! Today I came across a book that has sparked my curiosity, 'La Danse,' a guide to elegant and theatrical ballet, even written by a dancing Master, Pierre Beauchamps. And speaking of magic, I also managed to pick up some real old-world dance music, like beautiful notes from Mozart's opera scores! I might try to find a record player and get some old-world instruments in my time and give those scores a play. What fun that would be!
Right then, it's time for us to leave! Magic Meg, she's a magnificent steed and so patient. But alas, our time travelling adventures beckon. As always, remember, my dearest ballet fans: every step you take on your own journeys should be filled with grace, joy, and the glorious confidence of a true ballerina, wearing her very own pink tutu.
Iāll catch you all next month!
P.S: Have you seen that film āOrlandoā? I thought it was quite the masterpiece and a nice time travel exploration of identity through a 400 year adventure. I like it when my pink tutus get me thinking of new films to see in my time, now thatās real inspiration!
Stay graceful,
Emma x
