Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the magical world of ballet and all its glittering, twirling glory! This is Emma, your resident Pink Tutu enthusiast, and you're in for a treat this month!
It's February 2025, and we're on a grand adventure, just you, me and my trusty steed, Magic Meg, a shire horse with a pink sparkle, a white mane and tail that flows like silk, and golden hooves!
Before we dive into our historical escapade, remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com - my blog where I share all my ballet adventures, fabulous fashion finds, and historical snippets! I post once a month, always on the first day of the month, so come back next month for another grand voyage.
This month we're soaring through time, taking a grand gallop back to…wait for it…the year 1681! Yes, my lovelies, we’re whisked away to the reign of Charles II, a king known for his extravagant court life and his penchant for theatre and dancing. Just imagine all the waltzing, minuetting, and swirling silks – a ballet dancer’s dream!
Imagine my excitement, dear readers, to see how ballet evolved from its early roots in the Italian Renaissance courts. We arrived in Paris, that romantic and artistic city, to a world of graceful dance, flowing gowns, and elaborate hair styles – definitely a time to inspire any budding ballerina!
Our arrival was a little dramatic, as usual. My leather rucksack on my back, filled with ballet treasures from the past, slipped, and down I tumbled in a heap of pink silk and feather boas right next to the Palais-Royal, the ultimate hub of all things Parisian – cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and theatres, just perfect for a dancer like myself!
Thankfully, Magic Meg is as composed as ever – she just flicked her sparkling mane, snorted, and then nonchalantly munched on the nearby flowers. What a gentleman.
But, enough of me – back to our dance adventures. Here’s what ballet looked like back in February 1681…
Dancing with the KingsImagine the opulence, the exquisite costumes and elegant court balls! This was the height of ballet's development, and a time when France became the epicentre of dance. The French Court, led by the powerful Louis XIV, adored ballet, promoting and funding new pieces that captivated the audience. This era saw the emergence of renowned choreographers like Pierre Beauchamp, the man who set down the five positions for dancers still used today. The famous Royal Academy of Dance in Paris opened during this time! What a truly special time for dance history.
Now, I must confess, this time-traveling ballerina wasn’t quite comfortable in the stiff corsets and full skirts of the era. I mean, darling, you’ve seen my pink tutu! Comfort is everything for a dancer. But, the grace, the fluidity, and the artistry were awe-inspiring.
Speaking of ballet history, on February 1st 1681, a new ballet production was being staged – ‘The Triumph of Love’ by Monsieur Beauchamp himself! Oh, to have been a guest at the opulent Parisian premiere – the sparkling gowns, the feathered hats, the musicians, and all the excitement – a dancer's dream!
Just seeing how dance evolved from simple steps into sophisticated storytelling on stage is mind-blowing! It makes me proud to be part of a long and storied tradition.
We even visited the famed Opera Garnier! Talk about breathtaking architecture and spectacular performances – just magical!
A Dash of Pink & a Twist of TimeThe beauty of travelling through time, as any fashion-conscious ballerina knows, is not just in the history, but in the chance to take a peek at the past’s style!
So, what about February fashion in 1681? It was a time for intricate embroideries, luxurious fabrics, and daring lacework. We're talking brocades, satins, velvets, and every imaginable shade – from vibrant turquoise to deep crimson, and even shocking pink! It was like being in a kaleidoscope of colours, a sight that had me searching for new inspiration to bring into the present.
I might not have gone for those voluminous skirts – oh dear! I like a good twirl without being caught in my skirt – but there was a certain whimsical beauty to the 17th-century fashion that I wanted to share with my readers.
And who better to share the magic of history than my beloved Magic Meg! Imagine this picture-perfect scene: Me in my pink tutu and sparkly boots, a basket full of 17th-century style trinkets for my blog, and Meg patiently munching on roses as she looks the epitome of elegant poise – quite a sight, I tell you!
Of course, there’s no trip back in time without a little trouble! While shopping for the perfect antique mirror for my salon back home, my magical watch slipped from its pocket. Oh, the drama! I frantically searched high and low – but nothing! And this is where it gets interesting!
Just as my eyes filled with despair, a little girl, a Parisian waif with twinkling eyes, pointed towards the glittering, beautiful Eiffel Tower, still being constructed! Now, that was strange. You see, darling, this shouldn't exist in 1681! And suddenly the ground trembled, and there was a bright flash…I was back in my studio in Derbyshire, just as my usual routine, with Meg by my side, watching a ballet on TV – Phew!
Talk about a time travel thrill!
## Pink Tutus for Everyone!
Before we leave the past, let’s wrap up with my favourite moment, the ballet performance. It was exquisite! Imagine musicians dressed in grand coats playing instruments unlike anything I’d seen. I felt a wave of pure delight washing over me – so much creativity! I even spotted a woman dressed in white and blue silk holding a single pink feather boa! Oh, I almost jumped for joy right there in the crowd!
You know my ultimate goal – pink tutus for everyone! Every woman, every girl, every dancer on this planet should get to twirl in this symbol of freedom, grace, and beauty. It’s time we took ballet beyond the stage! This is what inspires me to time-travel – to see the origins of the dance, understand its evolution, and spread the love and passion for the art form.
Don’t forget to catch me next month as I explore more amazing ballet stories – until then, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma
xx
