Welcome back, lovely readers, to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your girl Emma, back with another dazzling blast from the past! It's time to whisk you all away on my trusty time-traveling steed, Magic Meg – the pinkest, sparkliest Shire horse you ever did see, with golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail – for another incredible ballet journey!
This month, we're skipping through time to October 10th, 1690. Paris, France! And I have to say, I'm just so excited about this one! Parisian style and elegance – oh, la la! I could just picture myself twirling down the Champs-Élysées in my pink tutu!
As I mentioned, I always find funding for my ballet-fueled time travel through performances! It's so rewarding to see how my love for ballet inspires others and brings us together! Right now, I'm actually in the midst of a dazzling season at the Derbyshire Ballet Academy! My recent performance as a sparkly sugar plum fairy in The Nutcracker has been an absolute dream come true. I swear, every night, after the last bow, Magic Meg carries me back to my room and gently lays a brand new pair of sparkly pink ballet shoes right beside my pillow! What a life, right?
Now, about our Parisian adventure! This date, October 10th, 1690, may not be the biggest date in the history of ballet. It was, however, just three years before King Louis XIV founded the prestigious Académie Royale de Danse (the Royal Academy of Dance). This, my loves, was a HUGE moment! It marked the very first time that dance was recognised as an official art form! Now, that is some seriously good historical ballet tea!
I spent the day, naturally, twirling in a vintage pink tutu I'd nabbed from the 1600s, exploring the city of lights! I mean, can we talk about the beauty of Paris?! My heart just melts every time! The architecture, the charming cobbled streets, and the sense of artistry that fills the air. It's just magic!
Now, back to the ballet scene in Paris back then! In 1690, dance wasn't quite the spectacle it is today, and tutus were far from pink and sparkling. Instead, dancers of the time wore simple costumes that allowed them to move freely! Fancy tights, beautiful ribbons, and maybe some embellished tops with elegant sleeves! Ballet, in 1690, was much more about the grace of the dancers, the storytelling, and the theatrical spectacle. I imagined myself in a stunning embroidered costume, swaying with a courtly elegance as I glided across the grand halls of Versailles.
I spent the entire afternoon eavesdropping on conversations about the art form of ballet and picking the brains of locals about their favourite performances. Turns out they loved seeing dances with graceful gestures, storytelling, and even, believe it or not, sword fights! It's funny how much has stayed the same and how much has evolved! It's always fascinating to witness how our love for ballet has been nurtured through centuries.
Now, as for what’s new in the world of ballet right now! Let’s have a little look at what’s hot! I just saw Swan Lake last night and let me tell you, the dancers were incredible! So powerful and passionate – the storytelling was captivating!
If you are reading this in London, the Royal Opera House is hosting Giselle this week and, as you know, Giselle is an absolute ballet masterpiece! She is one of the original great heroines of classical ballet, so graceful and elegant. My all time favourite ballet!
In New York City, The Nutcracker is making its seasonal comeback and is an absolute must-see.
I’ve got my eye on a vintage tutu at a little shop in Kensington called The Ballet Attic which is full of treasures. You really should try and make it down there if you can! You never know what hidden gems you will discover in those dusty boxes and hidden corners.
Oh, and did I mention that I’m putting together a ballet costume-making course for everyone in my community, with a special focus on designing pink tutus?! It’s all about spreading the love for dance and fashion – together!
Until next time, remember to twirl, shimmer, and always be true to your pink-tutu dreams!
Stay sparkly, lovelies, and happy dancing!
Love, Emma xx
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