Hello, darling ballet-lovers! It's your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, and this month I'm absolutely thrilled to share my latest adventure with you all. Prepare to be whisked away to the heart of France, the opulent court of the Sun King himself, Louis XIV, and a most delightful journey into the world of ballet in 1698!
Oh, darling, imagine it - my sweet, pink, sparkling shire, Magic Meg, is galloping across time. The wind is whipping through my tulle, the air is thick with the smell of jasmine and lavender, and we’re arriving right in the heart of a vibrant era for dance - 17th Century France! My leather rucksack, laden with a few carefully curated ballet treasures, feels a little heavier as the scent of old books and paper invades my nostrils. This trip’s already feeling very special.
For my lovely pink-tutu clad readers, who perhaps are new to this fabulous journey, a quick tut-tut on what we do here: I am the founder and writer of pink-tutu.com. This little website (with tons of lovely visitors and commenters, thank you, darlings) is where I chronicle my incredible monthly travels across time! Yes, with the magic of Meg and my love for ballet, I have the amazing opportunity to see dance history unfold before my eyes. My little pink tutu is my badge of honour - it signifies love, beauty and joy for dance in its purest form. If you’re reading this, please, join me! You'll be getting your pink tutu out in no time at all.
But, back to our story. It’s June, the month of romance, and a day in the sun for the world of ballet. We’re on the steps of the grand Chateau de Versailles. It's a symphony of elegant architecture and, yes, absolutely overflowing with pink! Imagine my delight! Imagine it, darlings, the gardens filled with flowers that have a light, shimmering effect, their petals mimicking the swish of tulle. The sun shines like a spotlight on the shimmering pink facade, almost blending with my very own pink tutu! What’s a pink-tutu girl to do?
Why, we hop on our magnificent steed and gallop off towards the centre of this joyous spectacle! It’s simply breathtaking – it’s a glimpse into the birth of a nation's love affair with dance.
We're on the very cusp of a remarkable period – where court dance becomes a much more polished, theatrical performance, a transition into the ballet as we know it. This was a glorious time of great change – one where beautiful stories and spectacular costumes took the stage. The French Court was absolutely captivated by ballet, making the theatre its home! And I, a pink tutu wearing balletomane? Well, my dear readers, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.
Firstly, let's meet the star of our show. Louis XIV, our darling “Sun King” in his majestic court of Versailles, absolutely loved his ballet! In fact, it wasn’t just about performance – it was literally how his royal authority and power were manifested. So every dancer became an integral part of the court’s splendour! How amazing is that?
The first stop on our tour? I have to, simply have to, see The Ballet of the Night. Now, I know what you're thinking – the name may be a little...uninspiring... But I’ll promise it’s full of charm.
It was in this grand setting of Versailles that The Ballet of the Night was given its royal premiere, in 1653, during a huge festival that had a real theatrical flourish, even involving fire-works! But this night ballet was special. It wasn't just one ballet, darling – oh no. It was an ensemble of ballet scenes set in this most captivating forest setting. Now, this sounds more my cup of tea, doesn't it?
Imagine - the stage lit with torchlight by 180 dancers wearing intricate costumes in this spectacular, illuminated forest setting. It was breathtaking and it all came to life with a dramatic narrative of heroes and mythological characters – everything that makes theatre so thrilling.
What’s most amazing is that these spectacular dancers weren't professional ballerinas as we know them. They were the nobles, the ladies and gentlemen of the court, the very heart and soul of Versailles society! Just imagine - they'd learn these complicated choreography patterns for weeks.
And here, at the court of Louis XIV, dancing was not something to be dismissed as just an artform – it was a vital skill of life! I think the royal dancing classes should come back to fashion! tut tut. How fabulous it would be to have those perfect ballroom manners and social graces!
This month’s trip, darling, was pure inspiration! It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows (as much as my pink tutu might imply) – but the evolution of dance at Versailles made me thrilled to see the art form become a cultural explosion before my eyes! We can still feel the effect of those early steps taken in the French court today, you know – when a ballet class in London or Paris becomes something grand – a magnificent and exquisite spectacle. So, here’s to celebrating dance. I’m sure Louis XIV himself would be proud of how it's evolved – even if we’re all a little bit more flamboyant in our pink tutus!
For all the ballet lovers, be sure to stay tuned, because, next month, darling readers, we'll take another dip into the magical realm of dance, on my pink tutu travels. tut-tut
P.S. Don't forget - visit my website at www.pink-tutu.com, subscribe to my latest ballet adventures and follow my dance journey across time and the globe – I’m always eager for your comments.
