Hello my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where every month I whisk you away on a whimsical journey through the dazzling world of ballet! Today, my little cherubs, we're hopping on Magic Meg's shimmering back and riding back in time to 3rd March, 1686. Grab your feather boas and a generous dusting of blush, for today we're stepping into the elegance of the French Court, and you know what that means...
(Cue a flourish of sparkly tulle and the gentle tinkle of ballet shoes on cobblestones)
Yes, my dears! The 3rd of March 1686 marks a most momentous day in the ballet world, because on this very day, the sun set upon King Louis XIV, the grand 'Sun King' of France, bestowing a glorious royal commission on Monsieur de Beauchamps.
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, this all sounds rather dull! Isn't history meant to be full of excitement?". Oh darling, just wait! De Beauchamps wasn't just any ordinary chap. He was, dare I say it, the Michelangelo of the ballet world! His incredible dancing talent and choreography revolutionized ballet and left its imprint on all the grand ballets we enjoy today. He even had a lovely moustache! (My weakness, you know! ;)
But let's talk about the royal commission! It was a bold and glittering move by the Sun King himself. Why? Well, he was so utterly smitten by de Beauchamps's ballet talents that he wanted to formally acknowledge it! He ordered the formation of the Royal Academy of Dance! This meant official lessons and training for all aspiring dancers, leading to a structured ballet education that would ripple through the generations and reach all the way to you and your ballet classes, dear ones! Imagine, you're now learning from the legacy of a commission by a king... just like royalty themselves!
Speaking of royalty, now imagine this! 1686 - the very same year, not long before this grand commission, there was another dazzling ballet happening! A little closer to my own heart, you might say - it was called " La Princesse d’Écosse." And who played the leading role? Monsieur Beauchamps himself! He wasn't just the choreographer of this beauty, oh no, he was a superstar, leaping and pirouetting his way into the hearts of Parisian society.
My dear dears, how exciting! This tells us two things about our darling de Beauchamps. First, he was absolutely brimming with talent! This man could choreograph the most exquisite steps and dance them himself! Truly a force of nature in the ballet world. Second, it hints at the fact that ballet was a vital art form, captivating the elite and reaching new heights. You're not imagining it, my darlings, even in the 17th century, ballet was truly a magical force!
*(I sneak a quick peek into my leather rucksack and pull out a tiny hand-written program from that time. Look, de Beauchamps himself signed it! How thrilling!) *
Oh, my dears, to see it all for myself! What must have it been like in the halls of the Palais Royal? To watch Monsieur Beauchamps in person, the dazzling costumes, the thrill of his moves. And then imagine this! After the performance, everyone, from the grand ladies with their plumed fans, to the gentlemen in their silk stockings, all chatting about the performance - about Monsieur Beauchamps himself. I can just picture them gushing!
But of course, with a twinkle of our tutus, we must return to the world of fashion. After all, where would ballet be without the flair of the costumes, right?
Imagine it with me - the vibrant colours of silks, satin and velvet, shimmering against the flickering candlelight. Those grand gowns with layers upon layers of lace and ribbons... Monsieur Beauchamps wouldn't just be dancing, he would be a kaleidoscope of artistry and colour, bringing the whole court to its feet with every pirouette. I can almost imagine the whispered compliments and the gasps of amazement - what a wonderful time it would have been to be alive and breathing in the spirit of Parisian ballet.
(I pull out a piece of antique fabric - a glorious scarlet velvet, so thick and sumptuous it feels like silk itself - it's perfect for my next project...)
As we dance our way back to the present day, darling, let us reflect on the grand spirit of Monsieur Beauchamps, who took ballet from the courts and lifted it onto a global stage. His legacy ripples through all of us, from the studios where we train to the stages we share. His story is a reminder that ballet can change the world. And that, my darlings, is magic worth twirling about!
(A grand finale pose - one hand gracefully on hip, the other extended to the heavens in a tableau of ballet bliss)
Now, my darlings, I must run! The 3rd of March, 1686 has stirred my imagination, and my needle is calling! It's time for me to recreate some of the beautiful historical styles, bringing a touch of Paris back to the heart of Derbyshire.
And as you all know, when the muse calls, I answer!
Remember, my sweet cherubs, wear your pink tutus with pride and always remember that with a touch of magic, anything is possible! Until next month, stay sparkly!
Love,
Emma
