Hello, darling dears! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel, where history comes alive in a flurry of pink tulle and glittering tiaras. I'm Emma, your intrepid ballerina blogger, and this month I'm whisking us away to a day that forever changed the Parisian ballet scene – 6th June, 1691. Hold on tight, lovelies, as we gallop through time on Magic Meg's back, the pinkest, most sparkly Shire you've ever seen (those golden hooves! Divine!).
This trip, we're going all-out Parisian chic, and that means fancy dress (as in, 17th century courtly fancy, not the sparkly, fluffy kind you'd wear to a masquerade). It's not quite the tutu-appropriate time period (alas!), so my usual flamboyant pink confection is sadly tucked away. But never fear, fashionistas, I’m still working my own touch of pink! A blush-toned satin sash around my waist, and a silk fan in the palest of pink tones will certainly add a touch of Emma's flair.
Our destination? The majestic Opéra Garnier in Paris (no, not that one! This is the 17th-century original). You wouldn't believe how utterly opulent it was! Can you imagine, my lovelies, glittering chandeliers, silk-draped balconies, and the finest performers France could offer? Imagine a night at the theatre like this, before it became, well, a rather predictable affair...
And it's all thanks to this date! On the 6th June 1691, a new era in French dance dawned. The Académie Royale de Danse opened its doors. This grand establishment, envisioned by the sun king himself, Louis XIV, would shape the future of ballet for generations to come.
Let's talk about the show, shall we? I found out it was the grand opening of the Royal Ballet Academy, and this time, I wasn't just watching. Oh no! My fellow travellers and I were on stage, showing off some rather serious dance skills. Think of it as ballet before barre, a time when improvisation and a graceful understanding of rhythm were paramount.
My leather rucksack bulged with tales of dancing in 17th-century France! From the ‘entrées’ (entrances and exits) that showcased individuality to the intricate steps, known as 'gestes', that gave way to complex footwork, the Academy changed everything! It established a formal dance syllabus that formed the core of dance education and performance – yes, ballet proper.
The entire event was, frankly, dreadfully formal. Imagine rows of exquisitely dressed ladies (all in shades of blue and grey - boooring!) and gentlemanly figures (in powdered wigs, no less!), perched like delicate porcelain figurines in a gilded cage, waiting for the performance to start. No audience chatter here! The audience held their breaths as if they'd inhaled the most expensive perfumed potion known to mankind. The excitement was almost unbearable.
But it wasn’t all stiff-upper-lipped propriety. I caught the whispers as a talented troupe of male dancers (who I can assure you, darling dears, weren’t all that gentlemanly on stage) performed stunning athletic routines with effortless skill. These were the 'mignons' – charming young dancers who played out theatrical narratives on stage. I bet you can just imagine the swoons and sighs, just as though they were stars of the West End in the modern day!
Their skills, which took years of training, became legendary! It wasn't just fancy footwork, darling dears; these moves were about elegance and powerful expression, setting the standard for a whole new breed of ballerina. Think elegant, controlled, and dramatic. You're practically feeling those early tutus through my words!
So you see, darling dears, just like the dazzling tutus that have graced stages since the early days of the art, the evolution of ballet has always been about pushing boundaries and showcasing new levels of artistic grace.
After our show, we snuck into a backstage room (never tell!), and what a delightful surprise! There were the finest gowns for dancers to perform in: brocades, satins, and an astonishing variety of fabrics. Even the finest gowns had a hint of blush pink, and the male performers’ costumes were absolutely regal – imagine lace cuffs, knee breeches, and elegant coats adorned with intricate embroideries. This, dear dears, was pure fashion at its most spectacular, with the delicate and exquisite details I love so much.
Speaking of exquisite details, imagine the shoes. We aren’t talking pointe shoes, not yet, but dancers had to create beautiful movement in shoes like heels – these weren’t for fancy heels, darling dears, but for those elegant 17th century slippers!
For a ballet dancer in the 21st century, our trip back to 17th-century France is a must. It reminds us of the power of tradition and the artistry that birthed this incredible art form, even with the less-than-fashionable attire of the day! The dedication to technique and expression of dancers like those who performed for the King on this very date is a real inspiration. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll find pink ballet shoes in the cobblestones of 17th century Paris!
This visit reminds us to embrace every stage of dance history, with all its splendour, challenges, and of course, pink tutus when possible. So get those time travel plans together, my lovely loves, and remember to pack those sparkly pink heels, as the world of ballet awaits, just waiting to be danced through with grace, glamour and, of course, a hint of pink. Until next time, happy dancing!
Yours in tulle and time travel, Emma xx
P.S. Want to see more incredible moments in ballet history? Be sure to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com, where you’ll find exclusive photographs, personal accounts of my adventures and tons of fashion tips for your own tutu adventures!
P.P.S. Don't forget, lovelies, a new pink tutu every month helps to fund my time-travelling escapades, so get those sewing needles buzzing and be sure to tag me in your pink tutu adventures on social media! And just a heads-up - we’re doing a very special Pink Tutu Pop-Up Shop in London this summer! Stay tuned for more details soon…
Now, go on, go forth and be a ballerina!
