Hello my darling tutu-loving friends!
Emma here, and welcome to my little corner of the internet, where history and pink tutus collide! Today, we're hopping on Magic Meg, our beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse (who wouldn't be tempted to travel through time on her? Golden hooves and a flowing white mane, simply magical!), and embarking on a journey back to 10th October, 1687! I just can't resist the lure of history - especially when it's wrapped up in the elegant beauty of ballet!
You know how much I adore a fabulous tutu, right? Well, this time travel journey was sparked by my discovery of a beautiful hand-painted silk fan that belonged to a noblewoman in France during the late 17th century. The intricate design depicted a ballet scene - with dancers adorned in flowing, silk skirts! Imagine the elegance! It ignited my curiosity about ballet during the era of Louis XIV, and who am I to resist the siren call of a time travelling tutu-tastic adventure?
Now, I've been reading up on the historical ballet scene, and 1687 wasn't all that long after Louis XIV officially created his Académie Royale de Danse! It was a period of change and excitement in the world of ballet, so my heart just had to get us back there! And the best part? It meant my pink tulle tutu felt oh-so-perfectly at home amongst the luxurious fabrics and dazzling colours of the French court.
Our arrival was... well, magical, just like Magic Meg herself! We popped up right in front of the Palace of Versailles - can you imagine?! I quickly threw my trusty leather rucksack over my shoulder, packed with my ballerina necessities, of course. This time, instead of my usual Ballet Class essentials, it's filled with pencils, paper, a little notebook for sketching, and my trusty vintage camera! I mean, who wouldn't want to capture the essence of this incredible era on film?
The gardens were filled with the most vibrant flowers and buzzing with courtly life! And imagine my delight - the music floating through the air was from the esteemed composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, one of Louis XIV's favourite composers. I simply had to discover more! You see, it was Lully who first incorporated ballet into operas, creating a grand fusion of music and movement. It was groundbreaking at the time, paving the way for what we see on stage today.
Speaking of the stage, it was time to head to the royal theatre. The performance was unlike anything I'd witnessed before. Imagine... elaborate costumes, a blend of French nobility and dancers (all dressed in their finest), a delicate storyline woven with poetry and musical interludes, all perfectly coordinated under the watchful eye of a choreographer! The stagecraft, the spectacle - it was like stepping into a living, breathing dream!
Of course, it wasn't all about the grandeur! The performers - mostly men back in these days, remember - were athletic and incredibly expressive. They commanded the stage with a sense of energy and elegance that made my toes tap just watching. It was captivating! But the beauty was in the detail - the flourishes of their movements, the subtle gestures, and their ability to express so much through just a few steps. That's what drew me to the ballet world from the beginning, and to witness it during this period in time - truly captivating.
In fact, I found out that one of the most celebrated choreographers, Pierre Beauchamp, was actually present at the performance! My inner ballet fanatic was truly on cloud nine. His focus on codified movements, on specific poses and techniques - this is how ballet gained a proper structure and identity! Without Beauchamp, ballet wouldn't be what it is today!
This journey wasn't just about ballet, though. It was about experiencing the sheer vibrancy and opulence of 17th century French culture. Just walking through Versailles felt like stepping into a painting, full of life and light!
Before I knew it, the time for our return to present-day Derbyshire had arrived. Sad, yes, but also inspiring! My rucksack is brimming with sketches, notes, and pictures. And in a way, it's not just my memories that I've carried back. I've also collected some pieces of this era's story - the inspiration, the passion, the energy that fuels ballet, even now!
Now, if you are reading this blog, dear reader, and find yourself inspired to start a pink tutu revolution of your own - let me know in the comments! Maybe it can start with pink tutu parties, perhaps an all-pink tutu ballet class. If it makes people happy, then we can definitely create something beautiful together.
Until next month's time travelling adventures, my dears!
Lots of love and a swirl of pink tutu twirls,
Emma xxx
