Hey everyone! Emma here, your resident pink tutu wearing, time travelling ballerina, and it’s time for another adventure. This month I’m whisking you back to the glorious, flamboyant, and surprisingly vibrant world of ballet in August 1679. Get your pink tutus ready, darlings, we’re heading to the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King!
Before we hop on Magic Meg and whizz back through time, let’s recap. My name is Emma, I hail from the heart of Derbyshire, England, and my greatest passion in life is sharing the magic of ballet with the world. That’s why I started this blog – to document my time travel journeys through history, uncovering the amazing evolution of ballet. I fund my adventures through my own ballet performances and I’ve got to say, sharing the magic of dance has opened up a whole new world for me. And of course, no ballerina is complete without their favourite fashion piece: my dazzling pink tutu. Every month, I’ll be posting a new blog here on www.pink-tutu.com, detailing the breathtaking history of ballet and hopefully inspiring a few of you to try on a pink tutu, too.
This time, though, things are a little different! Forget the cobblestone streets and bustling marketplaces. This month, Magic Meg, my beautiful pink shimmering Shire with the golden hooves, is taking us on a journey of glamour and regal elegance. Why? Well, because today, 8th August 1679, we’re waltzing into the glorious Parisian court of Louis XIV!
Now, let's get some historical context. We all know the French were leaders in dance back in the 1600s, thanks to their academies and ballets in lavish courts. By this time, a full-fledged balletic structure had taken shape. Louis XIV himself, the Sun King, was a passionate fan of the art and he saw ballet as an expression of power and refinement. So, it's hardly a surprise that ballet flourished under his reign. In fact, this is precisely where "ballets de cour" (court ballets) really hit their stride. Think elaborately choreographed spectacles performed for royalty, with complex dances and elaborate costumes.
Now, just picture this. You arrive at the French Court. Magnificent fountains adorn the grand courtyards, intricate floral arrangements adorn the gardens, and everyone is adorned in extravagant clothing fit for a King! It's absolutely stunning! It's here, at Versailles, where our ballerina hearts are going to be set alight, because this very month saw a landmark event: The debut of Louis XIV’s ‘Ballet of the Three Kingdoms’.
Can you imagine? Imagine being part of this opulent world of grand choreography, shimmering costumes, and swirling music! It was a ballet in which the King himself appeared in a star turn, dancing his way through three elaborate, costumed episodes – representing Spain, England and the East – to celebrate Louis' glorious victory over his European adversaries.
Oh my, what a sight that must have been. Can you imagine the grand hall filled with royalty, watching as the King gracefully dances across the stage in his velvet attire? Talk about a historical moment for the ages! And I have to admit, that makes me just a tiny bit jealous – I wish I had been there to see it myself!
My trusty leather rucksack is overflowing with snippets of this ballet’s history. In this time period, the steps were more stately and graceful, with elegant poses, grand gestures, and rhythmic walks rather than the athletic leaps we associate with ballet today. The music, though? Oh darling, just think, the enchanting melodies of Jean-Baptiste Lully, his work for these ballets was incredibly groundbreaking, even to this day. He played such a vital role in making the ballet such an awe-inspiring spectacle!
And how do you think I would look if I joined these magnificent court dancers, you ask? I bet my pink tutu, complete with delicate floral embellishments, would look perfect amongst those extravagant, velvet robes and silk costumes, especially paired with my favourite vintage ballet slippers, worn with soft satin bows!
You know what, that gives me an idea! As we journey back from 1679, maybe I should consider hosting a "Ballet of the Three Kingdoms" themed event! I can get my fellow ballet friends dressed up in period costumes, and we could recreate the dances and atmosphere! Now wouldn't that be a magical, historical party?
But, remember, darling, you don't need to be a time traveller to experience the enchantment of ballet. Whether it's in a grand theatre or on a local stage, ballet is a powerful and emotional experience, just like a time travel adventure! If you've never seen a live ballet performance, I encourage you to go and experience the magic for yourself. There are so many stories to discover!
Until next month, when Magic Meg and I will whisk you to yet another magical place in time! Remember, every one of you has the potential to dance and move with elegance, whether you’re sporting a grand velvet gown or your very own pink tutu. So, go ahead and try a twirl!
Your Time Travelling Tutu Blogger,
Emma
x
P.S: Stay tuned for more updates on www.pink-tutu.com - you won’t want to miss my latest dance routines and exclusive fashion picks!
