Hello my lovely Tutu-Tastic readers! Welcome to another instalment of your favourite pink-tutu-powered time travel blog!
It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you away to a time of grand balls, elaborate costumes, and the birth of a legendary dancer. Today’s journey takes us to 5th May, 1688. Get ready for a royal adventure filled with powdered wigs, elegant dances, and the glamour of the French court.
But first, a little something for your lovely selves! Have you got your pink tutu on, ladies? As always, my motto is: if you feel fabulous in a pink tutu, don't be shy – flaunt it! Let’s get everyone wearing a pink tutu, it’s all about embracing your inner ballerina!
Now, back to our time travelling, let's saddle up Magic Meg! My faithful, pink-sparkling Shire horse with those gorgeous golden hooves, ready for another historical gallop. Today’s destination is none other than Versailles, the breathtaking palace of the French King Louis XIV, – where ballet was taking centre stage, just as it will always take centre stage in our hearts, dear readers.
As Meg transports us back to this grand era, we're met with a captivating swirl of extravagant costumes and the whisper of silk rustling on the elegant, oak floors of the royal court. In the bustling halls of Versailles, amidst the grandeur, a captivating ballet is being performed to entertain the royal court. This is a truly special day, the debut of the young Marie-Anne de Cupis de Camargo! A name that would be etched in ballet history as she paved the way for a new era of athleticism and expression. Imagine! This incredible dancer had the strength and skill to jump almost four times her own height – that’s phenomenal! Imagine her grace as she leaped across the stage. Just like a pink-tuted hummingbird soaring through a sparkling palace, her performance left the court speechless.
You can’t help but feel a thrill at the chance to glimpse this influential dance legend, at the beginning of her brilliant career. And as a ballet historian, you bet I tucked away some precious notes and a little trinket – maybe even a lace ruffle – from that period, in my trusty leather rucksack to share with all of you!
Talking of trinkets – don't forget my online boutique – I’ve just restocked some divine ballet inspired accessories perfect for making that extra touch of grace in your own pink tutu outfits. Check out www.pink-tutu.com and embrace the beauty of dance!
So, what else was going on in the world of dance back in 1688?
Well, my darlings, as a treat for my loyal pink tutu family – a trip to Paris is in order to visit the grand Palais de l’Opéra – the Paris Opera House, to witness some of the very earliest ballet creations and enjoy the opulent artistry of this grand setting! Just as ballet was developing into its modern form, I can see the foundations being laid, with ballet masters weaving magical tales on stage through a blend of classical and innovative movement!
There is such a sense of anticipation and excitement – you can literally feel the future of dance being crafted in this glorious period. A time when French ballet truly began to blossom with all its regal, courtly and captivating spirit.
Oh, and guess who we bump into in this Parisian adventure? One of the greatest minds of the ballet world - Jean-Baptiste Lully – the father of the French opera ballet. Yes, my darlings! This ingenious master blended musical theatre with breathtaking ballet and in this, I saw a new generation of brilliant dancers emerging! Think beautiful costumes, flowing tulle and shimmering gowns as they dance amongst the beautiful sets. What a beautiful dream!
My diary notes remind me – this year Jean-Baptiste’s creation - “Amadis de Gaule" a beautiful work celebrating chivalry and heroic deeds was the highlight. Can you picture this ballet production, it must have been an explosion of colourful costumes and incredible, vibrant energy. And for a pink tutu fan – well it goes without saying that the costumes, with tulle, ribbons and beautiful decorations, were so captivating – an unforgettable sight. A ballet so beautiful – it stayed in my memory for years – in fact my rucksack is crammed with little souvenirs!
However, as the sun begins its descent over Paris – we must remember – that whilst the European courts were basking in the brilliance of ballet – the rest of the world was waiting to experience this dance phenomenon – the beautiful spectacle was spreading across the globe.
There were no internet streams, or social media to bring the glamour and allure of ballet to our homes – so I thought this blog would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the journey of dance across the world.
You might think that we are transported back in time in Magic Meg – I do sometimes get this misconception. To be honest it is all very controlled and quite technical! And it would never be ethical to cause any sort of ripple in the timeline - you’d get all kinds of bizarre paradoxes – not a good look for any ballet blogger.
I can’t be sharing these wonderful insights with you if I mess with the timelines! And so it’s my magical ballet time- travelling abilities, that allow me to share all these stories from history with my dear blog readers, and also that allow me to get all my supplies and little relics from the past to sell in my shop – the little souvenirs, keepsakes and costumes.
But don't worry you will never be far from a ballet event with Magic Meg. The magic is just the ability to jump forward or back in time, I get my ballet education and my supplies – and most importantly my wonderful time travelling adventures!
So let's get back to the story… and see where else ballet took us in this exciting era…
From Paris to London – you guessed it, the dazzling spectacle of ballet spread like wildfire throughout Europe and even found its way into London's theatres!
With so many fascinating events occurring around the world - let's get back on Meg. We’ve got a world of stories to tell. From ballet academies flourishing across the continent to the rising stars of dance performing for audiences of aristocracy and ordinary people - this was a phenomenal time for ballet.
Our travels brought us back to London - yes – back to the heart of Derbyshire where we begin our travels. London, this dynamic city was fast becoming a cultural hub, as French ideas started to influence English ballet and music.
Can you imagine this beautiful city? The elegant dancers, the vibrant sets, all reflecting the latest trends coming across the English Channel? I think every ballerina dreams of dancing in such a lively and stylish place.
And don’t forget that my time traveling ballet diaries will help you imagine all those vibrant events in the dazzling pink hues we are all so very fond of!
As you can see from all these discoveries, it was an incredible time for dance - filled with vibrant performances and artistic breakthroughs. We have the pleasure of enjoying it through my time traveling diaries, every month here on my Pink Tutu Blog.
My time-travelling has really helped my pink tutu ballet career and allowed me to be able to support my family in my little ballet village, my ballet career really started in my little dancing class. I was taught there, by all my lovely friends, and they gave me the confidence to dance with Meg, my favourite shire, across the ages. They know I’m very much into pink tutus too and all of us are really pleased with the way that this time- travelling business has worked out. It definitely has made the Derbyshire ballet classes busier.
There has definitely been an explosion in pink tutus across my family village, all thanks to Pink Tutu Blog. People love wearing pink tutus and dressing in the style of the various periods. I find it rather amazing! I am off to do some more shows tonight – I think the village ballet is doing the ballet from "Amadis de Gaule"! And I can't wait to start writing about it here – on Pink Tutu Blog, next month.
See you soon for more ballet time travels!
Best Wishes
Emma X
P.S It's time to get your own pink tutu, if you haven’t already. You can find them in the online store.
This post is number 329 in Pink Tutu’s time-traveling adventures. Visit www.pink-tutu.com for tutus and ballet merchandise!
And always remember - It's okay to be obsessed with pink! 💖
