Hello my lovelies! Welcome to another exciting adventure with Pink Tutu Time Travel. October is my favourite month; the air is crisp, the leaves are changing colour, and the scent of autumn fills the air. And what better way to celebrate than with a trip to a rather special date - 10th October, 1691!
As you all know, I am absolutely bonkers for ballet, and I can't resist a trip to a pivotal point in its history. Today, I'm whisking you off to Paris, the city of love, romance, and of course, ballet!
Before we embark on our time-travel adventure, allow me to introduce my trusty steed - the magnificent Magic Meg, a shimmering pink shire with golden hooves, a flowing white mane and tail. She's the perfect steed for our journey through the ages, and I think she's utterly gorgeous, even if her mane can be a little bit of a tangle sometimes!
Today, my backpack, bursting with excitement and sparkling sequins, is brimming with curiosity, as I'm on a mission to uncover a special milestone - The birth of the French Academy of Dance! Imagine, this historical treasure is a whole 22 years before the debut of my all-time favourite ballerina - Marie Camargo! She wasn’t even born yet. Think of it, this was an era where ballet wasn’t the magnificent art form it is today!
And guess who had a front row seat for this extraordinary event? My fashionable self!
Flashback: The Royal Court, Paris 1691!
We arrived at the Royal Court in Paris, which is not far from where the Opéra Garnier stands today. Magic Meg neighs with pride. (It's the most expensive parking in all of Paris, even by today's standards). We have landed a stone’s throw away from The Place des Vosges. As I’m dismounting Magic Meg and she prances off for a Parisian forage of oats (she’s been known to nibble on the rosebushes at the Palace de Versailles!) , I look at this incredible building with grand arches, elaborate statues, and manicured gardens. This truly is the home of French luxury. I have always admired French elegance, particularly in fashion.
And that’s how it happened. Right here, within this palace of magnificence and grace.
The year was 1691, the air buzzing with anticipation. King Louis XIV was known to be a big patron of the arts, which is why it's no surprise this palace became home to a newly established institution. The esteemed dancing master, Pierre Beauchamp, an exceptional choreographer, was the brains behind the Academy’s conception.
Picture this: a group of talented dancers, like miniature pink ballerinas, adorned with sparkling shoes and shimmering tights. Their elegant movements were perfectly controlled, radiating grace and precision.
Beauchamp established rules and principles that transformed the way ballet was practiced and appreciated. It was the beginning of standardized techniques that would pave the way for all of us to be enthralled with the elegance of ballet! This academy's founding played an important role in formalising the steps and vocabulary that we enjoy so much today. I bet I even did some of the basic movements whilst practicing my barre in the pink ballerina studio this morning!
Fast Forward: From a Fashionable Paris to a Trendy Derbyshire
We returned to Derbyshire on Magic Meg as the sun was beginning to set. The streets of Derby seemed positively quiet. Imagine a quiet back street with a little village inn. My little English home felt particularly inviting with a roaring fire.
So what to wear with a pink tutu in honour of my time travel this October? Well, today, it was all about that beautiful ballerina elegance in soft blush, petal and fuschia pink with accents of lace and chiffon.
My mind, though, was still captivated by the French Academy of Dance and those graceful dancers, the elegant costumes, the stunning music.
Before I went to bed, I looked through my time travel blog posts. You know how I feel when I have a little chat with my own past. As I write each post, my vision is always clear. To encourage all you amazing ballet lovers to explore the world with grace, confidence, and above all that all-important dash of pink!
You know I love my pink ballet tutus - I’m a girl with pink passion - and you love them too, right? And I know you can be a dazzling and graceful ballerina too, even if you’re in Derby! If you haven't already started to wear a pink tutu for the October festivities, then you’ve left it a little too late this month. However, don't fret; start making your plan now for the November Ballet Month!
If you have your own Pink Tutu adventure to tell let me know. I can't wait to hear them. In the meantime, remember what I always say!
‘We may not have the magic of a Parisian Palace but our Pink Tutu journey’s just begun. Let's spread some pink love and passion, dance your hearts out and let the ballet love flow.’
Until next time, my darling ballet bunnies.
Yours always in pink, Emma
If you would like to continue your dance exploration into the realm of 17th Century ballet in the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose to read your favourite pink blog) then pop over to Pink Tutu.com for some delightful articles on this subject including links to all the key ballet characters in your favourite pink blogs and podcasts. Just ask Alexa ‘Play The Best Pink Ballet Podcasts’ for more information.
