Hello darlings! Welcome back to another dazzling journey through time with your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma! This month, we're whisking you away to the charming, cobbled streets of 1686, where the world of dance was just beginning to blossom. Buckle up, grab your teacup (with a sprinkle of sugar, of course!) and get ready for some ballet-ific adventures.
My trusty steed, the radiant Magic Meg (don't be fooled by the name - she's a shire, all muscle and grace!) is gleaming, her pink glitter shimmering under the Derbyshire sunlight. Today's adventure will take us all the way back to 7th July 1686. Can you imagine being in that time period, when fashion was extravagant, wigs were larger than life, and the very concept of ballet was in its infancy?
As we gallop through the countryside, I can't help but feel the excitement building within me. What ballet treasures will we find in this era? What dancers will we meet? What secrets will the archives hold? I love my leather rucksack, a faithful companion filled with lace trims, feather boas, and precious little notes detailing ballet stories from across the centuries. Each trip adds another layer of knowledge and beauty to my collection.
Oh, and the fashion, darlings! You can practically feel the vibrancy of that era – imagine powdered wigs, silk stockings, and lace galore! Even though they didn't have tutus yet, the elegance and the beauty were undeniable. Think of all the chignons we can create with these fabulous wig curls! Maybe that's an idea for a future post - pink tutu style inspired by 17th-century France.
As I prepare to arrive in 1686, a question pops into my mind: What was going on in the world of ballet on this date? It was a period when Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, reigned over France. A renowned patron of the arts, he believed ballet could showcase the glory of his court. He also saw its potential to embody ideals of order and elegance, and he wanted to spread this across France and beyond. In fact, a royal ballet company was established by the King himself, known as the Academie Royale de Danse. I must confess, it fills my heart with a touch of ballet nostalgia to know that even back then, the artistry of dance was celebrated at such a high level!
Imagine My Delight
Upon arriving, my first stop was the Royal Palace, as elegant as you could ever imagine. The opulence took my breath away, just as it must have captivated all who saw it back then. You'd see graceful dances like the gavotte and the bourrée, graceful movements infused with poise and sophistication. It truly was a spectacle fit for royalty.
I also wanted to learn about ballet outside of the royal courts, and for that, I sought out local villages. The villagers welcomed me with smiles, eager to share stories about travelling entertainers. The commedia dell'arte, full of playful characters and witty dialogues, entertained and enthralled. The beauty of those times was that dance was a universal language, bringing people together across social classes.
Of course, I'm always on the hunt for fashion inspiration! In 1686, a gentleman named Pierre Beauchamp documented ballet technique in "The French Art of Dancing." Now, while we're not going to incorporate a port de bras like the one he illustrated into a tutu, we can definitely admire the evolution of dance that his writing reflected. Maybe that will inspire me for a "historical tutu design" blog post! I could do a "Louis XIV Collection", with gold and red colours and flowing fabrics… ahem I may be getting carried away with the possibilities!
As I ambled through the bustling markets of 1686, the scents of fresh produce, the cries of merchants, and the sound of laughter echoed through the cobbled streets. My senses were ablaze with excitement. My imagination soared with the potential for pink tutus to blend beautifully with the exquisite fabrics of the period, with its delicate silks, luxurious satins, and vibrant brocades. Imagine a rosy tulle tutu, a sprinkle of sparkling gold embellishment, a little touch of feathers… ah, pure enchantment!
After a day of exploring and immersing myself in this extraordinary era, Magic Meg and I boarded her pink-and-gold carriage. We bid farewell to 1686 with a wistful sigh, carrying with us a wealth of inspiration and the gentle echo of historical whispers. It seems, no matter how far back in time we travel, the magic of ballet continues to shine brightly.
So, until next month, dear readers! May your days be filled with beautiful music, joyous movement, and the dazzling grace of dance! Remember, the power of the pink tutu is a universal language – one that resonates throughout time.
Don't forget to visit our website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more updates, captivating photos from my time travels, and tutorials on crafting your very own dazzling tutu. Let's spread the joy of ballet together, one pink tutu at a time!
See you soon!
Emma, your time-traveling tutu aficionado.
