#BalletHistory during 1669 07 July

Hello, darling darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad, time-travelling ballerina! I'm back again with another peek into the glorious history of ballet, and this month, we're whisking ourselves back to the 17th century, to Paris, on the 7th July 1669!

As always, Magic Meg, my fabulous, pink-sparkling shire horse with those golden hooves and cascading white mane and tail, has whisked me through the swirling mists of time. I just love those gentle snorts and soft whinnies as we glide through centuries, her hooves barely making a sound. It's the most magical feeling, I tell you!

So, what's the scoop on the 7th of July 1669, you ask? Well, darling, this day marked the grand premiere of Le Triomphe de l’Amour, the first ever ballet de cour at the Palace of Versailles! This lavish event was a masterpiece of the times, featuring an extravagant spectacle with dazzling costumes, music, and, of course, some brilliant dancing!

Think sparkling costumes, grand ballrooms, and waltzing royalty! That's the image that pops into my mind when I think of a ballet de cour. These court ballets were designed for royalty, blending music, dance, poetry, and stunning visuals into a spectacular display. Talk about high society entertainment!

Now, this performance wasn't just a performance - it was a display of power and prestige. This is where my backpack, my treasure trove of ballet memorabilia, gets super useful! Just picture it - leather, with a few delicate silk ribbons and a pink sparkling gem (you know my weakness!), lovingly adorned with a special pocket for my feather quill pen and a collection of ancient dance manuscripts I found in a dusty Parisian library during a time travel excursion!

So, you might be asking - how did this ballet de cour affect the world of ballet? Well, it's crucial to remember that Le Triomphe de l’Amour set a trend. These spectacular spectacles sparked a cultural craze for court ballet, turning it into an extravagant way of entertaining, showcasing courtly glamour, and, well, let's face it, impressing the neighbours!

What's even more exciting? The choreography for the Triomphe de l’Amour was created by none other than Jean-Baptiste Lully, the composer who gave us the breathtaking, L'Amour malade, one of my absolute all-time favourite pieces for our ballet school! I swear, just listening to that piece sends me into a time-slip, with me leaping through centuries to a time when wigs were bigger, silks were fancier, and everything was just so grand!

So, how's this connected to you, you might be asking? This, darling, is the beginning of ballet as we know it. This moment, this performance in 1669, marked the starting point of an extraordinary journey for ballet, taking it from grand ballrooms to magnificent theaters, from majestic castles to world stages!

Remember, my lovelies, ballet is a living art. Just as it's constantly evolving, it's also constantly reaching back to its roots. That's what I love most about it. We're connected, even to the performers in Le Triomphe de l’Amour. It's one big, fabulous dance party that spans the centuries.

Speaking of dance parties, I have a treat for you this month! I managed to grab a sneak peek at a rehearsal for Giselle, a beautiful, classic ballet by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot! We're headed to the Opera House next month, to enjoy Giselle together! (Yes, even Magic Meg loves a good ballet!)

Now, while we wait for our big ballet trip, how about we explore Le Triomphe de l’Amour a little further? Why don't you pull out that fabulous pink tutu, find a mirror, and dance like a 17th-century royal! After all, my loves, everyone looks incredible in pink tutus, from dancing royalty to a time-traveling blogger with her faithful shire horse!

Remember, always keep your pink tutus twirling and your dreams big!

Lots of love,

Emma

P.S. Don't forget to share your time-traveling dance moments on my website - www.pink-tutu.com - I just love seeing those vibrant pink tutus dancing around the globe! Let's make this a pink tutu revolution!