Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink, pretty, and pirouette-tastic. This month, I'm taking you back in time to the 3rd of March, 1693. This was the year that, as the old books would say, the very foundations of ballet as we know it were laid!
Oh my gosh, just imagine stepping into a time machine (my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a pink sparkling shire with golden hooves, wouldn't be a bad option, wouldn't it?), and landing in 1693! I'm picturing a scene right out of a romantic novel: cobblestone streets, elegant ladies in silk gowns, and men in their powdered wigs! I’d absolutely love to dance a little pas de deux down a quaint cobbled street, wouldn't you? I'd be in my most beautiful pink tutu, naturally, it wouldn't be complete without a delicate silk flower peeking out at the side. Imagine the looks I'd get!
But why is this date so special, you ask? Well, let me tell you all about it!
It all began in France, and that was my destination this time around. King Louis XIV, the Sun King, and his wife, Marie Thérèse had something truly splendid in mind: a grand Royal Ballet - think shimmering costumes, intricate dances, and everyone's eyes glued to the stage! Now, ballet in 1693 wasn't like the ballets we know and adore today, no leaps and grand jetés for these dancers, darling! They mostly walked, posed, and presented elegant courtly gestures, but that didn't stop it being the biggest deal in the city!
Imagine the thrill of the moment! As I stood amongst the cheering crowds in my sparkling pink tutu (let’s be honest, pink wasn’t just for little girls even in those days, it was the colour of joy and fun and I’d bring a splash of modern fun wherever I went) I felt like a part of something truly historic. Ballet wasn’t just for the nobility or the wealthy anymore, it was an art form for the people to enjoy, to get lost in its stories, and let their hearts dance. That, my dear ballet bunnies, is the true power of ballet – to connect us all!
I could go on and on about the beautiful costumes, the rich colours, and the sheer elegance of the ballet, but you really have to experience it for yourself. In fact, the memory of that day has given me an amazing idea! We are having a ‘royal ballet' party right here in my Derbyshire studio. Let's recreate some of the movements from the 1600s! I'll bring my sparkly tutu (no sequins back then darling, but I think they would have adored it). We'll try some beautiful poses and stately promenades! If you can get your hands on a corset and some elegant shoes - perfect! And of course, if you can't, you'll look fabulous in your favourite ballerina outfit! Let's have a real royal ballet blast and show the world that pink tutus and classic style can definitely go hand-in-hand.
Oh, but speaking of ballet history! As you may know, I have my trusty, little, old-fashioned, brown leather backpack strapped to my back, it looks as if it belongs in a Victorian museum, and I like to collect snippets of ballet history during my travels! I picked up a small notebook detailing a masquerade ball at the Royal Court. In those days, everyone was obsessed with costumes, they used the opportunity to dress up as gods and goddesses!
It’s all starting to come together isn't it? Imagine my excitement when I saw, on display in a museum in Vienna, a miniature portrait of a ballerina dressed in pink with an emerald tiara, an exquisite little miniature for a pocket or necklace, made just to remember the ballet that was being showcased for all the royal families across Europe! Can you imagine if we could be ballet dancers in those days? My tutu would have certainly been pink and covered in more sequins and embellishments than most dancers. Imagine those performances being recorded on video to share with the world. It would be fantastic. Maybe one day, my lovelies!
Speaking of dances… let’s delve into the world of ballet performance. I was so lucky to have been in London for the Royal Opera House’s spectacular showing of ‘Swan Lake’. Oh darling, if you can, you absolutely must see this iconic masterpiece, even though I prefer to dance on stage in pink tutus, 'Swan Lake' is such a timeless tale. I nearly cried during the swan dance, it's so elegant and dramatic. You know me, I get all emotional for a well-choreographed ballet, the tutus are incredible!
My blog may be a haven of pink tutus, and girly girl style, but let me assure you my love for ballet goes much deeper than just the aesthetic. There's magic in its movements, its power to express emotions, and its enduring connection to our history. So next time you see a ballerina in a pink tutu, just remember she’s carrying a whole world of stories and history!
But darling, what’s a ballet blog without a fashion fix? I must say, the current ballet wear has been rather drab, and I can’t have that, my dear lovelies. It’s time for pink, oh yes, pink and loads of sparkle! A ballerina in pink tutu isn't just a performer, it’s an icon. They wear pink for a reason: it radiates confidence, positivity, and just a touch of rebellion. A statement of bold elegance, if you will. Imagine the sheer impact! Imagine strutting through the streets of a grand Parisian Opera House in my favourite pink sequined tulle tutu paired with an embroidered black satin bodice, maybe some beautiful pink heels and an extravagant jewelled hair comb - just fabulous! I might even throw in a vintage bolero or jacket - maybe in black velvet or silk, the possibilities are endless!
If we can't wear pink tutus everyday, then maybe we can create our own ‘pink tutu fashion’ to wear with pride in everyday life. Pink trousers or a pink sweater, you are all about fashion darling and you know how to style any colour, remember those bright pinks look absolutely stunning against my complexion and with my pink and grey ballet outfit, that's why you will see a pink twist everywhere you go with my ballet. Let’s start a ‘Pink Tutu Revolution’, shall we?
So there you have it, another magical adventure into the world of ballet! And remember, every pink tutu you wear, every step you take, every turn you execute, you are part of the grand ballet of life, where stories are told, emotions are expressed, and memories are made!
Don't forget to subscribe to my website www.pink-tutu.com and join me next month for another incredible adventure into the past! In the meantime, I'll be practicing my pirouettes, and maybe even getting ready to showcase a beautiful pink ballet. Maybe even a Pink Tutu Extravaganza – it could be amazing.
Until then, happy twirling!
Lots of love, Emma 💖🩰👑
