Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your time-traveling ballerina, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu! This month I'm whisking us back to 3rd March, 1685, to the heart of the French court - oh, the glamour! Get ready for a peek into the dazzling world of ballet with none other than King Louis XIV himself! 👑
This journey, like many others, started with the familiar clink of Magic Meg's golden hooves. Today, she shimmered even brighter, almost as if she sensed the history we were about to walk into. We were galloping through a snowy countryside, Derbyshire's frosty hills a distant memory. And wouldn't you know it, our pink tutus (mine a shimmering satin, Magic Meg's a cloud of tulle, naturally!) stood out against the dull, wintery colours like a glorious beacon of joy.
Before I could even gasp at the grand palace we were approaching, the imposing gates of Versailles swung open with a magnificent groan. Magic Meg, a true royal steed, nudged her way through, her golden hooves catching the sunlight as she entered the grand courtyard.
There was a murmur of "oh la la" as we arrived, a collective gasp that swept through the gathered crowds. My blush pink tutu with its intricate ruffles and glittering embellishments was the talk of the court! The French nobility, decked out in lavish velvet and lace, were clearly smitten with the sight of a pink-tutu-clad English ballerina appearing out of thin air! It was simply a "très magnifique" moment! 💖
We made our way to the magnificent Palace Theatre, my rucksack bursting with tulle and stories from the period. There I met with Monsieur Pierre Beauchamp, the famous choreographer who helped shape the modern ballet form we all know and love today. Oh, to have been able to sit in on one of his classes! He explained how he was introducing the five basic ballet positions. 🩰 Such an exciting discovery for the dance world!
Now, Louis XIV was no ordinary monarch, you see! A dedicated ballet enthusiast himself, he was renowned for his impeccable performances. Imagine: The Sun King, in all his grandeur, performing for his court! You wouldn't believe how enthusiastically he participated in his performances, particularly in Le Ballet de la Nuit, which debuted just the previous year! Talk about a passionate performer! ✨
Seeing him in his costume, decked out in opulent velvet and glittering embroidery, was just breath-taking. Oh, I wish we could've had a selfie with the king himself! I do believe even he couldn't resist the magic of the pink tutu.
Back then, ballet wasn't just about graceful pirouettes, though. They weren't shy about a bit of drama. "The Tragicomic Ballet," they called it - all sorts of grand emotions swirling in the dance! It sounds rather chaotic, but also absolutely delightful! 🤩
Of course, no visit to the French court is complete without exploring the fashion! Think frills, feathers, and silk in all the colours of the rainbow. Such luxurious costumes, with intricate embroidery and ornate embellishments. And what about those high heels? Truly a testament to the elegance of the time!
The world of ballet is ever evolving, my darlings. It's truly captivating to see how ballet has taken shape over time! This visit to Versailles in 1685 has reminded me that, though fashions change and dance styles evolve, the love of movement and expression has always been central to ballet. Even with our dramatic tutus, the essence of grace and passion for dance resonates throughout history. ✨
Until next month, when we'll be taking a little trip across the globe for another extraordinary adventure, remember, wear pink! 💖
Stay fabulous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
