Dearest fellow Tutu-ers,
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It's July, the sun is shining (even here in Derbyshire), and that means only one thing...it's time to hop onto Magic Meg and whisk ourselves off to a dazzling ballet adventure! This month, I'm twirling through time all the way back to the glorious reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King himself, and, as always, I've got my pink tutu ready to grace the hallowed halls of Versailles.
Now, before we embark on this sartorial journey, a quick peek inside my leather rucksack, my faithful companion on all my travels. You know, the one with the intricate embroidered ballerina and the "Emma's Tutu Time Travels" inscription in shimmering gold thread. Today, I'm packing my trusty sketching pencils, a notebook for scribbling down ballet gems, a small, exquisitely carved wooden box containing my very own collection of 17th-century ballet shoes (found in a dusty attic, you know how I love a bargain!), and, of course, a bottle of perfectly pink rosewater perfume - a little French touch never hurt anyone!
This month, Magic Meg, with her glimmering pink coat, golden hooves, and a tail that would rival a swan's down, is neighing with excitement, ready for a gallop through history. Our destination? The ChĆ¢teau de Versailles, home to one of the most opulent courts in European history, and, you guessed it, a truly spectacular ballet scene.
In 1661, Louis XIV established the AcadƩmie Royale de Danse, laying the foundation for the French ballet tradition that we know and love today. Think towering wigs, grand gestures, and breathtakingly elegant movements. This court ballet was like a grand, choreographed tapestry, woven with music, drama, and a hefty dose of royal spectacle.
Today, Iām thrilled to be transported to a grand ball held in the King's own private theatre. The scene is truly magnificent. Iām perched on a gilded velvet chair, my pink tutu catching the light streaming through the stained glass windows, watching the performers take to the stage. Each movement is a poem in motion, an interplay of strength and grace that is both powerful and captivating. The dancers, dressed in exquisitely embroidered costumes and shimmering shoes, are truly a sight to behold.
Oh, how I long to spin with them, to feel the plush velvet of the court under my own dancing feet! And speaking of spinning, have you seen those magnificent hoop skirts! Honestly, one must give kudos to the couturiers of this era. Itās clear the love of embellishment is just as strong in the 17th century as it is today!
I imagine that while a pink tutu would not be entirely traditional in 17th-century French court dress, I have a strong feeling I would still be a welcome addition, especially for those who are truly ready to embrace the world of ballet with joy. Perhaps Louis XIV himself would even offer me a royal twirl! Who knows what delights this historical moment holds?
My notebook is full of fascinating anecdotes and sketches ā the costumes, the steps, the intricate plots! My fingers are already itching to put these stories onto www.pink-tutu.com ā youāll have to check back next week for the full royal court ballet lowdown, but in the meantime, let me share with you a glimpse of whatās happening in the ballet world today.
This week, I've been glued to the "Swan Lake" premiere in New York ā the choreography is simply breathtaking! Thereās also a vibrant new production of āGiselleā premiering at the Royal Opera House in London. I canāt wait to get a glimpse of those stunning costumes!
Of course, all this dancing makes me want to hit the dance studio! Whatās on your ballet calendar this month? Are you catching a performance? Learning a new move? Perhaps you even fancy designing your own pink tutu? Let me know in the comments below, and be sure to follow my journey on my Instagram page: @tutu.time.travel for behind-the-scenes glimpses and all the latest fashion finds from our tutu adventures!
Until next month, remember, darling tutu-ers, the world is a ballet stage. Dance with your heart, twirl with joy, and never be afraid to add a dash of pink!
Love and pirouettes,
Emma
xx
