Hey darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller! I'm back from another exciting trip through the annals of ballet history and just bursting to share the magic I found! As you all know, December 12th holds a special place in my heart - it's the date that truly put ballet on the map. No, it wasn't the day that ballet was invented - oh darling, we know that's shrouded in the mists of time (but let's be honest, even a misty timeline can't dampen my love for a fabulous story!) - but it is the day when ballet history, as we know it, officially began!
Now, fasten your ballet shoes and grab hold of Magic Meg - we're riding through the swirling mist and into a world of dancing divas and fabulous footwear!
The Royal Ballet Takes FlightToday, 12th December 1718, marked the inauguration of the Royal Academy of Dance. Yes, darling, that's right - The Royal Ballet! Fancy that, eh? You could almost call it a birthday celebration for a certain iconic ballet troupe that has become synonymous with dance! This academy was established by King Louis XIV, who we know, darling, was a man who truly loved the theatre. You see, dear readers, a royal command had been issued by the good King himself to gather talented performers, create a dazzling company, and present a beautiful, artistic and breathtaking experience to the public. Talk about making your dreams come true!
Dancing Onwards and UpwardsImagine being a young aspiring ballerina in the era! Just think about it, your name being submitted to the King, and then, fingers crossed, getting chosen to be part of the Royal Academy! The Royal Academy, darlings, was not just about performing, oh no! This Academy brought together leading choreographers and teachers, artists, costume designers, and everyone who needed to make ballet magic happen! I can imagine the thrill of being part of this company, surrounded by creativity, hard work, and sheer passion. Ballet was definitely booming back then!
Time for a Peek Inside my Rucksack!So, what treasures have I gathered on this journey through the world of early ballet? As you know, I always travel with my leather rucksack to bring home some authentic bits and bobs from the past.
Today's collection includes:
- A vintage dance poster advertising the inaugural performance at the Royal Academy - beautifully hand-drawn and incredibly evocative.
- A charming sketch of King Louis XIV enjoying a ballet performance. His regal figure and his serious yet captivating expression makes this a treasure indeed!
- A delicately-crafted embroidered piece of fabric, a snippet of a costume, possibly from an early production at the Academy. The delicate colours and the intricate needlework bring me back to that exciting and energetic world.
- A programme for one of the early Royal Ballet shows, filled with descriptions of the ballets performed, with detailed sketches of the characters, and notes about the dancing and costumes.
My darlings, imagine the fashion! We're talking elegant wigs, exquisite dresses, silk costumes with lace trimmings. It's the kind of style that simply takes my breath away! This era of ballet was a wonderland of lace, silks and intricate design, just begging to be captured by artists! We have records and sketches that provide us with a fascinating glimpse into the style. My absolute favourite was a watercolour I found in the archives – it depicted the ballerinas in their vibrant costumes, complete with feathers and flowers, twirling with joy. Simply breathtaking!
The World of Ballet on 12th December 1718Just imagine! The world of ballet is buzzing with anticipation and excitement. All over France and beyond, whispers are circulating about the exciting new venture, this grand ballet company that promises breathtaking performances!
My Dream for a World Filled With Pink TutusJust imagine everyone in the world in a pink tutu, darlings! It’s a vision so bright and beautiful that it inspires my travels through time! This grand vision is about more than just a fashion statement. It’s about joy, empowerment, grace and sheer magic! The Royal Ballet’s beginnings bring this dream closer, making it feel even more possible. I mean, who could resist the glamour of pink and the magic of ballet?
My dears, this trip through time is making me realize the sheer artistry and sheer passion that propelled ballet forward through history. And isn’t it wonderful, knowing that, today, as I write this, theatres and studios across the globe are bustling with ballerinas who, just like their forebears, are dedicating their lives to the beauty of ballet?
Until next time, darlings! Stay sparkly, stay graceful and wear your pink tutus with pride. After all, darling, when you dance, you wear the world on your shoulders!
Love, Emma
P.S. My next journey takes me to the fascinating world of ballet in Vienna. Until then, please join me on the magical www.pink-tutu.com website. Be sure to follow me for regular updates, behind-the-scenes snippets, and my exclusive ballet style guide for the modern dancer! And don’t forget to tell me your thoughts!
Love, Emma
