Blog Post #456
Hello, lovelies! Emma here, back from another whirl through time! Buckle your pink tutus for a trip to December 12th, 1698 â a date brimming with intrigue, and oh my, such a fashion inspiration!
This month, I rode Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves, right back to the era of Louis XIV! Can you imagine, lovelies? We were galloping across the fields, me in my twirling tutu, with the French countryside stretching out like a painted backdrop! It was pure magic, almost as enchanting as a ballet performance!
You see, on this particular day in history, French ballet took a bold new step!
Imagine a ballet performance, a swirl of delicate costumes and precise steps, but with an extra sparkle of beauty! In 1698, the royal court decided to elevate their ballets beyond just an entertaining spectacle, incorporating dazzling costumes for their noble dancers! They saw the need to elevate dance into art, and they certainly knew how to do it in style!
I snuck into the French royal court (oh, youâd be surprised at the charm of a pink tutu even then) to catch a performance. Oh, what exquisite costumes they were sporting â like spun sugar, glittering jewels, feathers that quivered in the candlelight, silks like flowing streams, and shoes, my dear! The most stunningly crafted slippers imaginable, with dainty bows and buckles! It truly made the dancers seem like ethereal creatures floating across the stage, bringing to life every tale woven into their dance.
Remember, my loves, back in this era, there were no readymade stores selling ballet apparel! Every costume was hand-stitched, a beautiful piece of artistry. Each dancerâs tutu was an exquisite creation, painstakingly made, a miniature masterpiece! This just confirms that ballet costume isnât just about the clothes, itâs about how they weave themselves into a beautiful artform, echoing the delicate beauty of dance itself.
And my goodness, letâs talk about the womenâs hairstyles! It was all about high-standing buns with glittering ribbons, their curls cascading down their backs â such an elegant, fairytale-like spectacle. And as a little tidbit from my rucksack full of historical discoveries, I learned that the dancers used copious amounts of scented beeswax and sugar for their hair â imagine the delicate fragrance wafting across the stage!
From this journey, lovelies, I brought back some gems of inspiration. The beauty of early ballet costumes is their intricacy and the artistry woven into every detail. The sheer beauty of hand-stitched silks and gleaming fabrics, itâs a testament to a time when ballet was not just about dance, but also about a celebration of pure elegance!
Now, on that note, let me indulge you with some of my ballet adventures:
I danced a pirouette in front of King Louis XIV himself! Don't worry, I didnât accidentally bump into his crown. He seemed amused, and I felt quite the dashing ballerina with him watching, even if it was a brief encounter!
The court performance was based on the tale of âLoveâs Triumphâ and oh, the dramatic choreography! Even now, I can see it in my mind's eye. The music, so beautiful and uplifting, the expressive dancers...I had goosebumps!
I got to visit the ateliers where those costumes were made. I got to see the silk weavers, embroiderers, and tailors work their magic. And imagine this - they even had a specialist feather supplier for all the beautifully adorned headpieces!
- Oh, I discovered something amazing in my travels this time â an absolutely beautiful antique tutu, in a rich royal blue silk, from this period! A truly treasured piece, and a must-have for my collection. You can be sure itâs finding pride of place in my pink-themed ballerinaâs lair!
Now, darling ballet enthusiasts, let me tantalize your inner fashionista with a little shopping indulgence of my own! I found myself, amidst the hustle and bustle of London, browsing at a delightfully charming antique shop, overflowing with Victorian era frills! My eyes lit up like a thousand fireflies at a shimmering satin dress, with a gorgeous velvet bodice, just perfect for a whimsical performance. Itâs certainly finding a place in my collection of "tutus for the agesâ!
But wait, lovelies! My story isnât over! Because my dear friends at www.pink-tutu.com have a real treat for you! Theyâre having a huge giveaway, so make sure you hop over to their website and enter for a chance to win a truly exquisite pink tulle skirt â ideal for your own ballerina adventures! And if you havenât signed up to their newsletter yet, nowâs the perfect time â theyâve got a new ballet fashion blog with lots of amazing insights and stylish tips for every budding ballerina!
Until next time, remember lovelies, never let anyone tell you that pink isnât a powerful colour! Itâs bold, feminine, and enchanting! And as I always say â twirl your worries away and go out there with a pink tutu on!
Yours in pink tutus, Emma.
