Hello my lovelies! Welcome to another monthly instalment of Pink Tutu Travels! This time, we're whisking back to 9th September, 1697!
It was such a delight to hop onto Magic Meg, my sparkly pink Shire horse, and set off. I mean, imagine: her golden hooves drumming down a cobbled lane, her white mane and tail billowing behind us. Magic Meg certainly lives up to her name!
This month's journey took us to ...drumroll... the French Royal Court! It's hardly a surprise, I suppose. After all, this is the year 1697, and Paris has been the centre of all things ballet since the early 17th century. But you know me - always up for a spot of royal intrigue and a glimpse at the history of our favourite art form.
Donning my prettiest pink tutu (of course!), I headed straight for the Académie Royale de Danse, the grand centre of ballet training in Paris. The Académie was all about perfecting every graceful turn and leaping pose, creating a polished, classical dance that would come to be adored around the world.
As I slipped inside, my eyes were wide with wonder! Just picture it, my dears: long, gilded halls lined with paintings of exquisite dancers, the floor polished to a shine, and in the centre... the dancers themselves. Imagine them whirling and pirouetting with effortless elegance. Truly captivating!
You might be thinking, âEmma, 1697, and ballet in France? Wouldnât they have been in long gowns, not tutus?!â Well, youâre absolutely right, darling! Back then, dance costumes were closer to elaborate, decorative court gowns - think elegant silk, satin, and lots of gorgeous embroidery. It wasnât until much later that the tutu as we know it became the signature dance wear!
Even without tutus, however, the dance style of the period was fascinating to observe. Think 'aristocratic grace' with elements of courtly dancing and elegant movements. The steps, they say, were graceful and refined, a world away from the athletic dynamism of ballet today. Iâm so glad the choreography we have in the 21st Century is still grounded in the elegance and beauty of those earlier steps!
Oh, and did I mention I spotted the legendary Louis XIV? The âSun Kingâ, himself! Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to 17th century Paris without a spot of royal drama. It was in 1661, that this most fabulous of monarchs founded the AcadĂ©mie Royale de Danse - it truly cemented ballet as a high art form and something truly exquisite!
Thereâs just something enchanting about stepping back into a world where the King was the star dancer. You know, imagine dancing in front of the ultimate royal judge, the man himself! The very idea would make even the bravest ballet student shiver.
Whilst exploring the historical world, I always find a few items for my backpack. This time, I snagged a beautifully embroidered fan, an old pamphlet about the Académie Royale de Danse, and a little sketch by an aspiring artist.
Speaking of sketching, I, of course, documented this entire trip for you in my own Pink Tutu sketches, of course!
If youâre ready to join me, dear reader, take out your ballet slippers, put on your pinkest tutu, and let's delve into the world of this glorious art form. Thereâs more to explore, so be sure to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and delve into the enchanting world of Pink Tutu Travels. Until next time, darling! xx
P.S. Iâm always delighted to read your comments, my loves! Do share your ballet journey or tell me which era you'd love to see me travel to next! Donât forget to tell your friends and family about my blog and let's spread the love of tutus and time travel around the world!
