#BalletHistory during 1681 11 November

Hey there, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It’s your girl, Emma, here, and guess what?! It's time for another fabulous adventure through the annals of ballet history! I’m absolutely positively thrilled to be with you all again, and this time we're stepping back in time to 11th November 1681. This month, I'm feeling extra pink, which is a hard feat to beat considering I always am, but the historical finds I unearthed in this time period are especially delightful, especially one concerning ballet shoes!

This month’s journey brought me right to the heart of Europe - can you imagine how exciting?! You know, my dear tutu-wearing darlings, there were no ballet classes then in the way we know them, there were only aristocratic dance gatherings and royal balls - so utterly charming! Think of all the fabulous fabrics and ornate dance movements in those courtly settings!

Now, my darling steed, Magic Meg, is a real head-turner, she’s a magnificent pink and sparkling Shire, so we never fail to be the centre of attention wherever we go. Magic Meg really knows how to work her pink shimmer, even in the historical crowds, I think it rather unnerves some folk who have never seen such an exquisite steed! We arrived on the shores of France, our destination the beautiful city of Paris, a place brimming with creativity, passion, and of course, dancing. As always, I brought my beloved, pink sparkly leather rucksack full of treats for Magic Meg - my very own version of the magic potion! And she is a bit of a greedy thing, you know. A few sparkly biscuits later and she transported us through time! Now, remember how I said I found an extra-special pink gem? Well, this time I found something about ballet shoes - in fact, the inspiration for today’s post is from 11th November 1681! That's right, this month we’re exploring the humble beginning of the ballerina's pointe shoe! How wonderful, isn’t it?

In my research, I learned that back then, French ballerinas would dance in something called "pumps" or "chaussons." These were elegant leather shoes, oh-so-chic! You can imagine them with a dainty ribbon tied around the ankle! And imagine my excitement when I discovered a ballerina was known for having a peculiar habit of putting extra padding or extra material into these leather slippers - this was actually considered quite fashionable! A ballerina's "pumps" or "chaussons" would become very puffy over time, because she’d continuously add material to the toe box - a forerunner to the pointe shoe as we know it!

Now, don't you love a story that's just a tiny bit odd but totally beautiful? These puffy “pumps” are just the cutest thing. It almost makes me wish I could time travel with a little pair in my backpack and have some fun experimenting! Imagine how delighted my followers would be with a post all about the French “puffy” ballet slipper craze!

It’s an enchanting fact, isn’t it? And it's fascinating to think about the evolution of the ballet shoe and how a ballerina's playful touch could pave the way for today's beautiful pointe shoes! It reminds me that even small details can sometimes spark huge changes in fashion and design - so exciting!

You know, my dears, it was absolutely brilliant. You know, I feel so blessed to have discovered the tiny secret of the early “pumps.” It's the very essence of ballet's graceful artistry and historical elegance that really gives it such a wonderful glow. That's the great thing about ballet - we really do go back to a time that makes the most perfect “en pointe” moment in fashion and history.

Now I’ll just need to start designing my version of these puffy, beautiful little slippers… or even better! Just think of them - pink fluffy, puffy “pumps” - an extra touch of softness and elegance - oh how my dear little ballerinas would adore a pink puffy shoe. I mean, who wouldn’t want a pink puffy toe, just like in history. You can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be showcasing a fabulously “pufy” ballerina design as soon as my dear seamstresses get on board. We may be on opposite sides of the Atlantic, but a girly-girl never misses an opportunity!

To cap it off, my love of fashion means a stop for some ballet-inspired shopping is a MUST. The markets and stalls in Paris were just so vibrant - think lace, satin, silk - so beautifully detailed. They say fashion speaks a language without words. And I am happy to say, this month my favourite Parisian purchases are some delicate, exquisitely handcrafted silk and velvet ribbons in every shade of pink you can imagine!

Speaking of fashion, did you know a 17th century ballet performance in Paris could have been viewed as more than just dancing, a performance actually included theatrical elements - talk about a fantastic and immersive show! It’s just the best way to add excitement and a sense of adventure into our world - the way they combined it all together – dancing and acting together - really elevates it all, don’t you think? The artistry of performance can really bring everything to life. A bit like the “puffy” “pumps.”! I'll be taking my fashion inspo from that and maybe even create a pink tulle “puffy” design - how chic, right?! Maybe we could bring that back into modern-day ballet, wouldn’t that be magical!

Of course, no ballet time travel escapade is complete without a glimpse of what’s happening in the ballet world back in good ol' Derbyshire. Now, I am really loving a new dance studio opening near the city! I’m thinking this needs a visit, just as soon as I design those “pumps.”! And wouldn’t it be wonderful if my next big performance could help raise funds for the dance studio and those “puffy” shoes! Now, how magical would that be, wouldn't it be delightful, darling! And wouldn’t that make our community very “en pointe” in pink too.

Well, that's all from this month’s magical tutu time travel, my lovelies! Don't forget, be sure to head over to Pink-Tutu.com for some extra fabulous content including all about my fabulous new ballet performance and I'm really looking forward to seeing all your darling faces in my ballet classes in Derbyshire next month. Remember to tag me with #PinkTutuTimeTravel on all your photos - maybe you’ve had a little tutu journey of your own.

Until next month, my precious ballet babes, and always remember, every day is a reason to twirl, especially in pink!

Big ballet love and giant, pink, sparkly kisses!

Emma xx.

[ Emma's Website: www.pink-tutu.com]