Welcome back, dear readers, to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history and whimsical adventure! I'm Emma, your intrepid ballerina blogger, and today, we're stepping back in time, with the trusty Magic Meg, to 9th September 1686!
This is my 309th post on www.pink-tutu.com – can you believe it? Time really does fly when you're dancing through history! And as usual, my pink tutu is ready to whirl and twirl its way through another exciting chapter in the world of ballet.
This month's ballet bonanza: I’m especially excited for this one, dear readers, as I have an absolutely fabulous historical ballet story to share with you! My magic pink saddle, adorned with shimmering silver thread and little pearl butterflies, just whispered excitedly this morning. Magic Meg snorted and pawed the ground as I checked her sparkling gold hooves, ready to travel back in time!
Our trusty steed whinnied, a high-pitched cry that seemed to reverberate across centuries. A few moments later, we found ourselves in a world of cobblestone streets and charming horse-drawn carriages! This is London, 1686, and the air buzzed with an exciting new era of theatre and the burgeoning world of dance! Oh, the adventures we have to tell!
A Parisian Premiere in 1686! 🇫🇷Fast forward (and travel by Magic Meg!) to the Paris Opera House where a real gem was set to sparkle – a dazzling new work by Jean-Baptiste Lully, called “Le Triomphe de l'Amour,”* a ballet presented by the Parisian Ballet company. Can you imagine? A full-blown ballet in 1686?
I was a bit concerned about this era. Some of my research indicated a less structured form of dance called "ballets de cour," more like elaborate court performances. But “Le Triomphe de l'Amour” – well, let’s just say this is a landmark, dears! A turning point. And the best part? It’s the very first ballet to use music and dance in complete synchronicity! 🎶💃
My backpack is bulging with little stories – all gathered as I weaved through the charming city. Imagine, dear readers, being there in 1686, experiencing the energy, the excitement, the exquisite fashion! You wouldn’t be surprised to find me sketching all of it in my notebook! Oh, how I love fashion! And I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy – wouldn’t it have been incredible to have attended that Parisian Premiere in my Pink Tutu? Imagine all the envy I would generate!
My mind raced! Maybe there was a way to blend a bit of ballet history into this exciting, forward-thinking premiere! A Pink Tutu flash to dazzle the Parisian crowds! I would have loved to show these Parisians the beauty of a pink tutu in 1686! Just imagine the spectacle of a little twirl – and all the questions they would have about me, and the history of ballet. Alas, a pink tutu in 1686 wouldn't be quite so accepted, would it?
But the Show Must Go On! ✨The dance world in the 17th century was quite an exciting place to be. While not every dance was what we know today as a ballet – there was an electrifying newness and excitement! Just to be part of the energy of this time would be a pure joy! The era's dance forms, whether in a royal court or on a humble stage, were just starting to evolve and form into what we love and recognize today. So, you could say 1686 was truly a landmark!
This month's post is a little more historical, so to make up for the lack of twirling tutus I did some extra shopping. I discovered a fascinating shop dedicated to ballet accessories – and of course I just had to indulge myself! Let me introduce you to my newest acquisition – a sparkling pink feathered headdress perfect for a Parisian premiere – it looks just like those delicate pearl-encrusted jewels I have seen in pictures from 17th century England. I simply had to have it! You can catch it at www.pink-tutu.com, featured on our ballet fashion blog this month!
I hope you enjoyed our whirlwind tour through 1686. Remember, darling readers, ballet is for everyone! Keep the pink flowing, keep dancing, keep dreaming, and keep shining your light! See you next month for another fabulous ballet escapade! 💖🩰
P.S. Remember, all of these adventures are funded through my ballet performances – so if you'd like to join me on another exciting journey, be sure to check my website for performance dates! I'm always looking for new ways to share the magic of ballet with everyone! 💖🩰
