Hello my darlings! Emma here, back from another thrilling trip through the annals of ballet history. This month, Iâve whisked us all back to May 5th, 1687, and I must say, this trip has truly left me spellbound. The year marks the very beginning of something truly groundbreaking, something we ballet fanatics should all celebrate, the year that the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse was established in France!
You might be thinking, âBut Emma, the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse wasn't even established until 1661?,â and youâd be absolutely right, but there's a wonderful twist to this tale!
My darling Meg (who, by the way, looks absolutely dashing in her pink braided mane, shimmering under the French sun!) whisked us to Paris, a city buzzing with creativity, excitement, and an undeniable hunger for something new. Itâs here that Iâm reminded that 1687 was, in fact, the year the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse was revived following the War of the League of Augsburg.
Imagine! An institution dedicated to the advancement of ballet, re-igniting its passion after years of being under a cloud! What a time for the world of dance! The energy was palpable as I waltzed my way around the Parisian streets, pink tutu billowing around me in a perfect Parisian pirouette.
The Académie under Louis XIV had always been a hub for excellence. Under his patronage, the very definition of the "five positions" was created, a core element of classical ballet that we continue to dance with today!
There were incredible masters of dance back then too. You had Pierre Beauchamp, one of the first master ballet masters to publish works of dance theory, a ballet theorist and the original master of ballet writing and history - wowzers! His contributions shaped the ballet world and are so valuable!
The Academy didn't just host performances; it offered ballet instruction, choreographic experimentation and a fantastic forum for creativity, helping to establish the French style that so many people today associate with ballet, a style that emphasized elegance, precision and meticulous execution.
I found myself completely entranced by the historical dance manuscripts I unearthed at the BibliothĂšque nationale de France. These carefully penned notes spoke volumes about the evolving art form â graceful movements, elegant jumps, and the passionate expressions of emotions through choreography â all just as captivating then as they are today!
To say the atmosphere was inspiring is an understatement! The Parisians were bursting with artistic ambition, the air buzzed with passion, and my senses were ignited by this period of extraordinary innovation in dance. It was almost as though I could see the next chapter in ballet unfolding in front of my very eyes â and I can tell you, my darlings, it was exciting beyond measure!
You might be wondering how you can live the time travel yourself? Why not consider travelling to Paris yourself! I can't recommend it enough, for inspiration for your dancing and an exciting city break to enjoy! Or, why not take inspiration from Pierre Beauchampâs books, the The Treatise on Dance, and create your own ballet routines? I must admit, after the ballet shoes were discarded, I took a much needed dip in the fountain of the Palais Royal â a stunning example of baroque architecture, it was an absolutely delightful ballet interlude â just perfect for adding some je ne sais quoi to your personal creative style!
Donât forget to explore the gorgeous ballets on show at the OpĂ©ra Garnier! It's the ultimate spectacle of dancing and art combined. Let me know if you need some recommendations. Oh! And do not leave the Parisian scene without checking out some of the superbly elegant dance classes available.
Paris was a vibrant and exciting backdrop for the rebirth of ballet in this era. Itâs certainly a city I can highly recommend!
Pink Tutu Inspiration for the month: Now Iâve gone back and done a little extra digging on this exciting time in history. The fashion at this time, well, it was pure flamboyance! Itâs something to be said that 1687 marks the beginning of a truly transformative fashion scene and in an era when fashion and dancing intertwined, it's a true artistic masterpiece!
Take it back to 1687 with your ballet look
- Imagine lavish, elaborate courtly costumes. Imagine an array of bold and luxurious colors that perfectly mirrored the extravagant fashion trends. We're talking crimson red, sapphire blue, golden yellow, and rich shades of emerald green. I can't imagine more vibrant hues on your perfectly toned dancerâs bodies!
- To complete the regal touch, envision glittering accessories like elaborate jeweled headbands, stunning silver brooches, or maybe some sparkling pearls to add that je ne sais quoi. If you're brave enough, think of delicate lace embellishments â you know I just love a touch of romance!
- The fabric? Now youâre talking â for true opulence think luxurious velvets or silk and satin! Or a silky tulle layered to create some lovely flow, the more volume the better.
And for a final flourish? Imagine elegant wigs, styled high with intricate curls and adorned with ribbons.
Now, for my sweet darlings who just have to embrace some pink into their 17th-century inspired attire⊠itâs a simple choice â think delicate rose pink, almost blush pink, it is effortlessly elegant, and that, my darlings, is something worth dancing to!
Until next month!
*Emma XOXO *
(Donât forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for more exciting posts! )
