Dearest Tutu-lovers!
Welcome back to my humble little blog! Today, we're stepping back in time - right back to the 17th Century! As you know, my little shire horse, Magic Meg, loves nothing more than a good gallop through the annals of time. We’re always looking for fascinating ballet moments to add to our collection of ballet history at the Pink Tutu Emporium!
This month, we landed on a rather momentous date: September 9th, 1679. The air was filled with the gentle hum of conversation as I dismounted Meg (her golden hooves sparkle beautifully even in the dappled light of the ancient oak trees we chose for our landing spot!). It seemed this particular date was a true celebration of ballet and all things dance!
Let's journey back with me…
The Parisian Scene:
As I strolled through the bustling streets of Paris, my pink tulle skirt catching the sunlight, I stumbled upon a bustling theatrical space - the Salle des Spectacles du Palais-Royal. It was buzzing with excitement, anticipation bubbling in the air. I couldn't help but be drawn into the joyous hum of chatter and music. It seems Paris was enthralled with Comédie-Ballet. This is, you see, a brilliant blend of ballet and opera - an irresistible spectacle!
And what were they watching?
None other than Molière's masterpiece: Psyché, featuring choreography by Jean-Baptiste Lully! Imagine the sheer grandeur - graceful movements combined with melodic storytelling - a feast for both the eyes and the ears. It wasn't just about the dancing though; the sets and costumes were incredible - opulently vibrant and adorned with elegant silks, velvets, and feathers. Talk about inspiring future ballerina fashions!
London’s Lively Steps:
I couldn’t resist a trip to London too! A little hop through the air and Meg was patiently waiting for me. I simply adored the energy and flair of the London ballet scene, even in this period. And let’s not forget that a little something known as the Royal Ballet had just sprung into existence.
Can you imagine a more delightful start than this: Queen Anne herself commissioned the founding of the Royal Ballet! Now that’s a story fit for the pages of my ballet history journal! You can feel the exciting buzz of the times! The Royal Ballet was still in its infancy, but they had one special mission: to bring elegant, graceful dancing to the public, to ignite imaginations, and, above all, to bring beauty to the world.
A Ballet Blast from the Past:
1679 truly was a magnificent year for ballet. There were incredible innovations and even new inventions in the ballet world. It seems some genius named Louis XIV – the Sun King – had a fondness for dance. It is said he created what we now call ballet in its grander form, where dancers told stories, often in fantastical settings! The Royal Ballet began their own dance craze, incorporating these regal flourishes into their performances. It’s safe to say everyone was feeling the dance fever in 1679!
My Tutu Journey in 1679:
As I stepped back into the present day (with Meg’s help of course) I could not stop gushing to Meg about this enchanting trip. My rucksack overflows with new inspiration for ballet shows!
For the Pink Tutu Emporium, I gathered beautiful antique drawings and fabric swatches of the dazzling costumes, to capture the vibrant spirit of the times. I can almost imagine how the audience gasped at each flourish and leapt for joy at every grand turn. They must have been swept away by the grandeur, the story, and the pure elegance of it all!
You know how I love to create and, my dear friends, I have a feeling I’ll be busy this month conjuring up a few Psyché inspired pieces. My inspiration is overflowing!
A Pink Tutu in 1679?
My, how I wished I could have transported my pink tutu to that magical Parisian theatre and shared my passion for pink ballet! My friends, wouldn’t it be a delightful spectacle for 1679 eyes to behold? And to think - we might have even sparked the ballet fashion revolution! Perhaps a bold pink tutu would have swept the stage back then! Who knows what other ballet marvels might have been sparked? I dream about it every time I twirl in my favourite pink tutu!
Don’t forget to share your stories about your adventures in the world of ballet on my Pink Tutu website!
I can't wait for next month's time travel journey! Until then, keep twirling and may all your days be filled with graceful steps and enchanting ballet dreams!
Yours eternally,
Emma and Magic Meg
P.S. Let me know what colour tutu YOU think would have wowed a Parisian audience in 1679! Share your thoughts and your twirling tips on the Pink Tutu forums!
