Hello lovelies! Emma here, your time-travelling, tutu-wearing friend, ready to take you on another exhilarating journey through ballet history! Today, we’re jetting back to January 1st, 1683. Get ready for some historical intrigue, a dash of royal scandal, and a whole lotta pink!
You know how I love pink, right? It's my favourite colour, it’s the colour of my tutu, it’s the colour of my magical time-traveling steed, Meg. You’d be surprised how often pink plays a part in history! Especially in the world of ballet. Today's adventure definitely proves that.
Magic Meg to the Rescue
So, after a whirlwind Christmas season packed with ballet performances and festive tutus, I decided to head back in time to 1683 to discover a new ballet era, all thanks to my magnificent pink horse, Magic Meg.
Her sparkling coat and flowing white mane, her gleaming golden hooves are a true sight to behold! I hopped onto Meg's back, my trusty leather rucksack full of blank notebooks, pens, and, of course, a pink sparkly feather boa to add a touch of sparkle to any time period! (Gotta love accessorising!). Then, with a magical pink puff of dust, we were whisked away through time and space, ready for adventure.
A Royal Ballet in Paris
We landed smack-bang in the middle of Paris. I couldn’t wait to find the most amazing French ballet spectacle. Luckily, the French King, Louis XIV, known as the ‘Sun King’ and renowned for his love of ballet, had something truly dazzling up his sleeve. The King himself was a dancer and a big fan of court ballets, and, with his penchant for grand gestures, it's no surprise his reign marked a golden age for French ballet. It was almost as exciting as the time I travelled back to the French Revolution and saw Marie Antoinette watching a show - the grandeur was unparalleled!
It turned out that 1st January 1683 was a special day because it was the day the world's first ballet academy opened - the Académie Royale de Danse. Talk about momentous occasions! That year, French ballet had blossomed into something more intricate than the earlier versions. The steps were more detailed, with greater emphasis on fluidity and elegance.
I spent the day watching talented dancers at the Académie, their leaps and pirouettes as mesmerizing as any contemporary show I've seen. But the costumes! My oh my! No pink tutus, darling, but extravagant lace gowns, silks, and elaborate wigs adorned with feathers and jewels! Imagine it: feathers AND jewels! I was immediately inspired! Maybe a feather boa on top of a tutu next time, perhaps?
Rucksack of History
Of course, with my trusty rucksack slung over my shoulder, I meticulously noted every detail in my journal. Ballet shoes, dancers' techniques, even a drawing of a fascinating new ballet step I’d never seen before! It was like taking a masterclass from the greatest dancers of their era!
The energy in the air was truly magical. I even met some incredible young dancers. There was a shy boy with bright blue eyes and a talent for dancing like I've never seen! He told me about his dream of travelling the world with his dance - so sweet! Of course, I did my best to encourage his dreams! And he reminded me how truly powerful dance can be in bringing joy to others.
Back to Derbyshire and Sharing the Pink Love
The day flew by in a flurry of dazzling dance, opulent costumes and Parisian charm. It was a true blast from the past. Now back in my quaint Derbyshire village, I’m bubbling over with inspiration, with new moves to practice and costume ideas to play around with. The past really does have so much to offer the present!
Maybe I'll design a new feather boa tutu to honour the French dance legacy I just witnessed! What do you think?
Until next time, lovely ones, don’t forget to twirl, dance, and spread that pink tutu love!
With sparkling wishes,
Emma x
Pink-Tutu.com: Your Destination for All Things Tutu
www.pink-tutu.com is where I share all my adventures, ballet history, fashion, tips, and more! Join the conversation, explore the website, and don’t forget to leave a comment below with your thoughts on 1683, the pink tutu fashion possibilities and whether you’re ready to embrace the ballet magic of the past! I’d love to hear from you! And don’t forget to keep spreading that pink tutu love all around the world. It's a great reminder of the beauty and joy of dance.
