Bonjour, darling ballet bunnies!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller from the delightful county of Derbyshire, back with another adventure from my magical time travel adventures!
This month, I've taken a trip to the enchanting city of Paris! It's a real dream to step out onto cobbled streets lined with charming buildings and see the hustle and bustle of Parisian life, just as they did in the 17th Century. My trusty companion, Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink sparkling shire horse with her golden hooves, snowy mane, and tail, even seemed to have a bit of extra pep in her step, probably from all the croissants I treated her to along the way!
This journey is extra special because we're celebrating the birth of something utterly magnificent: The Royal Academy of Dance, aka the ballet world's ultimate Parisian party.
You see, dear readers, back on the 12th of December, 1668, King Louis XIV of France decided to celebrate his birthday with the most amazing present for the world of ballet: The Royal Academy of Dance!
Imagine this - a ballet school built for everyone, a haven of swirling skirts and twirling toes, founded by the King himself. It's a pretty fabulous gift, if you ask me, a shining beacon of talent and creativity shining ever so brightly in the Parisian night sky!
Imagine this: A young boy in a crisp white shirt and breeches, dreaming of one day leaping into the spotlight; a graceful young lady, practicing her graceful poses, dreaming of pirouetting across a grand stage; a king with his crown on, watching these young talents flourish and feeling so, so proud! The whole place is abuzz with excitement, an explosion of joy that has changed the world of ballet forever!
This was the moment ballet went from a courtly pastime to an art form ready to burst forth onto the stage in a wave of silk and satin, ready to enchant and amaze audiences everywhere! I can just picture those gorgeous pink costumes swirling in the soft candlelight of the early evenings. What an extraordinary spectacle that must have been!
What makes this visit even more extraordinary, is that I get to discover the legacy of the Royal Academy in its home! I can’t help but feel the spirit of all the amazing dancers, teachers, and choreographers that walked these streets and graced these very halls before me, sharing their incredible passion and artistry!
I've already got my little pink leather rucksack, which you see on my back when we’re travelling, crammed full of fascinating tales about those very early days! Stories of amazing dancers leaping, twirling, and dancing their hearts out, leaving behind a dazzling legacy of graceful moves and expressive stories that make every ballet performance something to cherish!
My rucksack is like a magic chest bursting with vintage tutus and treasures that whisper secrets from the past. And believe me, the 17th-century dance world has a lot of secrets, hidden within the shimmering satins and glittering jewelry worn by those amazing ballerinas of old!
And the best part of it all? I have been able to immerse myself in the exquisite fashion that is a huge part of the story! From shimmering brocades and richly colored silks to the delicate, powdered wigs and perfectly sculpted hairstyles – the elegance is simply breathtaking.
I even managed to get my hands on a vintage copy of a fascinating pamphlet by Pierre Beauchamp, a world-famous dancer of the time, a fellow ballet lover! It’s filled with tips on all the latest dance moves and tells all about the techniques and the traditions of this incredible time! You can find snippets of it in my online shop, if you fancy a sneak peek!
But enough about the past, my dears. It's time for some fun, right?
So, to celebrate this magical day that started the amazing adventure of ballet, let's all have some fun with fashion, my darlings!
The pink tutu challenge!
Let’s spread a little love for ballet and show how much we adore this elegant, captivating world, with our very own pink tutu celebration!
Grab your favorite pink tutus, whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes in the ballet waters, and show the world what it means to be part of this fantastic ballet family! Post photos of your favorite twirls in pink tutus with the hashtag #PinkTutuChallenge, share a bit about why you love ballet so much, and we’ll spread some ballet joy around the globe!
And of course, no celebration of ballet would be complete without a trip to see a magnificent show.
My ballet pick of the month!
I've got my sights set on the spectacular performance of the 'Sleeping Beauty' at the Royal Opera House! From the majestic set designs to the captivating choreography and costumes, it's a feast for the eyes. I'll let you know what I think once I’m back!
Remember, you can check out my blog posts every month, to follow my time travelling adventures at www.pink-tutu.com. And if you're lucky, I'll even sneak a glimpse into my incredible ballets-themed shop! You might even catch a vintage costume from one of my time travels there!
Well, I must bid you farewell, my dear ballet bunnies! Until next time, keep those tutus twirling and your spirits soaring high!
Au revoir!
Emma xx
