Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, everyone! It's your favourite ballet-obsessed time traveller, Emma, here, ready to take you on a magical journey back to the 17th century, 1692 to be exact. Grab your favourite pink tutu and get ready to pirouette back through the centuries!
This is post number 376 on www.pink-tutu.com and believe me, every single month I’m excited to bring you a new trip through time. What’s more magical than learning about ballet history, especially as a ballerina! And I love my job. It might seem like a whimsical idea, but I fund my time travelling with ballet performances – you know, that whole pirouette-and-earn kind of thing! Who’d have thought that fancy footwork could pay the bills?
Let me tell you about my best friend, my trusty steed, the glorious Magic Meg. She’s a Shire horse, sparkling with a coat of pink shimmer and with hooves that look like pure gold! You’ve got to see her white mane and tail – they flow in the wind as if they’re designed to glide through the centuries.
As always, I’m off to gather up some exciting ballet gems to take back to the future in my leather rucksack. But don’t worry, I always bring a fabulous pink tutu, just in case we meet any dashing French Kings or glamorous courtesans – who wouldn’t be swayed by the power of pink?
*So, let’s step back to 1692 – it's the world of powdered wigs and fancy courtly dances. The year that saw the debut of one of the most celebrated ballet productions ever: *"Le Triomphe de l’Amour" by Jean-Baptiste Lully. *This performance, the embodiment of 17th-century ballet, took place in the Parisian court of King Louis XIV, the Sun King. Can you imagine, darling? That’s me, whirling through a Parisian ballet, wearing a pink tutu amidst a throng of courtiers decked out in the finest baroque clothing. *
Speaking of courts, just picture it: dancers gracefully swirling, with majestic, dramatic gestures. And, imagine all the intricate costumes, shimmering and glittering, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman mythology.
While in Paris, we’re heading to the Louvre. This is the museum home to many fascinating ballet illustrations from the period – talk about a trip back through time! I'm also excited to learn about ballet techniques like demi-plié, élévé, and piqué. It’s the perfect way to find out where our contemporary ballet steps came from.
Don't miss out on the fashion: Picture me, of course, wearing a beautiful pink tutu! But don't think for a second that this was your usual girly ballerina dress. These Parisian ballet costumes are works of art, combining luxurious silks and velvets, embellished with jewels, feathers and bows – I imagine pink, of course, is the key! We'll even peek at how ballet has evolved from its earliest forms, from the graceful figures of ancient Greece to the intricate steps and graceful artistry we know today.
It wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu Travels blog without some insider secrets from the dance world. Get ready for some Parisian gossip! 1692 saw a lively debate within the ballet scene. Who reigned supreme: court dances or more theatrical ballet spectacles? Think "Ballet de Cour" vs "Ballet Comique". It’s quite the argument! We’ll dive right in and hear all about the French and Italian styles battling it out in Paris!
And, what would a visit to Paris be without a shopping spree? Let's get ready to pick out some dazzling pink shoes! It’s time for me to shop in the grand Parisian markets, maybe find a couple of handmade tulle ribbons to complete a gorgeous pink tutu. I mean, you can’t get anything more exquisite than Parisian handcrafted couture – it's definitely my weakness!
Let's get back on track! You know I always enjoy visiting a bustling theater – there’s no place I feel more at home than in the grandeur of a historical theatre. After Paris, it's a little adventure off to England. Think of a rustic, dimly lit setting, where stories come alive – we’re headed to see a theatrical dance performance at the London Playhouse! This era's ballets weren't the dainty, ethereal style we know today. There was more grandeur, drama and passion, and a touch of humour too – much like our time travel shenanigans!
So, let’s ride through history, my dears! Saddle up with Magic Meg, because I’m about to step out into 1692, and we’ll take you along with us. Grab your favourite pink tutu, darling, because who knows what kind of dazzling discoveries we’ll make on our historical escapade! I’m certain to pick up a whole lot of ballet history to add to my collection in my rucksack, and a pink-themed ballet surprise awaits… I bet a new style of tutu will appear! Keep an eye on Pink Tutu Travels, for it’s a sure bet you won't want to miss the next blog post!
