Hello, darling ballet enthusiasts! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we journey through time, one pink tutu at a time.
This month, Iām taking Magic Meg, my sparkling pink shire horse, back to February 2nd, 1670. Weāre off to Paris, France, to see what ballet was like way back when the French King, Louis XIV, was leading the dance!
Before we step back into history, I want to share my latest pink tutu creation ā itās a magnificent thing! A cloud of silk in the most delicate blush, accented with cascading tiers of tulle. I absolutely adore the intricate lace trim. I must say, the pink really brings out the vibrancy of the theatre lighting when I twirl! If you fancy adding a splash of pink to your own wardrobe, pop over to my website for all the tutu inspiration you could wish for!
Now, back to our historical adventureā¦
It's funny to think, back in 1670, ballet wasn't the elaborate spectacle it is today. Ballet wasn't a full-blown career path; it was more of an elegant social activity. Back then, people didnāt have āballet schoolsā like we do today ā imagine that! Instead, it was more like dancing with the noble courts. The aristocracy loved showing off their elegant movements, all in lavishly embroidered costumes. Can you imagine trying to plie with layers upon layers of silk and satin?
But guess what? It was around this very time that a pivotal shift occurred ā a true turning point in the world of dance.
1670 saw the establishment of the AcadĆ©mie Royale de Danse, a very important establishment indeed! Think of it as the first proper ballet school in the world. Imagine ā dedicated to training dancers and elevating ballet to a real art form. Oh, the excitement! I wish I could have been a part of this momentous occasion.
Now, even though it wasnāt quite the ballet experience we know today, it was still undeniably grand! Performances were held in a space fit for a king, at the ChĆ¢teau de Fontainebleau, the kingās magnificent country palace. You can just picture the tapestries, chandeliers and that shimmering courtliness!
What was a typical dance like? Well, picture flowing movements, courtly steps and graceful gestures ā less the full-on pirouettes and jetĆ©s, and more elegant, theatrical poses. Back then, they wouldn't have been wearing tutus, more likely those beautifully embroidered, billowing skirts! The ladies were, no doubt, breathtakingly elegant in those silken gowns, each and every one a masterpiece in its own right!
Now, one of the most significant figures during this time was Louis XIV himself, known as the āSun Kingā due to his lavish court. The king was a huge enthusiast of ballet, not only as a patron but also as a dancer himself. Heād even get dressed in fine attire, take the stage, and move those regal feet! He would be an absolute joy to watch, dancing alongside the best choreographers of his time! His support played a huge role in shaping balletās evolution from social dance to something truly captivating.
Of course, our visit wouldn't be complete without exploring a little Parisian shopping, wouldnāt you agree? I spotted a beautiful rose-pink fabric at a little boutique, so I simply had to add it to my collection! You never know what vintage treasures Iāll unearth. Just imagine, those gorgeous velvets might one day adorn a tutu for an upcoming performanceā¦ oh, the possibilities!
While we were in Paris, I stumbled upon the most exquisite vintage ballet costume from the time period ā a symphony of pearls and pastel shades. It must have been the gown of a noble lady, performing for King Louis himself! Now that would have been a show to see! It's tucked safely into my trusty leather rucksack, a precious memory from my journey.
What can I say, itās simply thrilling to see how ballet has evolved through the ages. I can only imagine what kind of captivating performances are awaiting us in the future!
Donāt forget to check out the full archive of my Time Travels on www.pink-tutu.com. Next month, we'll explore yet another date in ballet history, full of sparkling sequins, tutus and ā of course ā a generous dash of pink! Until then, keep dancing and spreading joy. Remember, everyone looks good in a pink tutu!
