Hello my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, and welcome to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It’s been another thrilling month of flitting through the annals of ballet history and I’m excited to share it all with you! This month we’re journeying back to 3rd March 1670, which might not sound like much, but hold onto your tiaras, because you’re in for a real treat! It’s post number 111 and, as always, let’s take a graceful leap back in time, shall we?
Magic Meg’s Magic 🦄✨We start, as always, with my faithful steed, Magic Meg. My darling shire, she shines brighter than a thousand stage lights with her sparkling pink coat, golden hooves, and a flowing mane and tail as white as the first snow. This time she's carrying not only my pink tulle and glittering shoes, but my trusty leather rucksack – I’ve always got to be prepared for some serious ballet souvenir gathering! This month's prize? A beautiful, hand-stitched ballet bodice from the 1670s. A true collectors’ piece, it will be taking pride of place in my collection back home in Derbyshire.
Back to the Court of Louis XIV: Ballet, Beauty, and Bows! 👑Now, if you can imagine a magnificent French palace bursting with elegance and swirling skirts, you've just stepped into the world of King Louis XIV and his dazzling court! Think swirling velvet, exquisite lace, and feathered headpieces galore - it's pure fashion magic. This period saw the development of court ballet – a form of performance combining the artistry of ballet and drama with an incredible level of pomp and ceremony.
Stepping into this glittering scene is like witnessing the genesis of the modern ballet we all adore today! This wasn't your usual dainty pointe work – it was all about strength, athleticism, and flamboyant expressions of the grand style.
The big star in the spotlight was none other than Monsieur de Beauchamps. He’s a pivotal figure in the history of ballet, having established a codified system of steps and movements – kind of like the dance steps we learn in our classes today, but more intricate! His influence, especially in his role as the ballet master for Louis XIV’s court, revolutionized ballet technique. It was an era of elegance and formality, where intricate choreography told stories, and elegance reigned supreme.
Time Travelling for Tutus 👗✨On this particular day, 3rd March, the King himself graced a court ballet with his presence. Imagine him in all his powdered glory, sitting amidst the swirling grandeur of the French court! It would have been truly spectacular! And speaking of spectacular, it was around this period that the first tutus began to appear – not the billowing ones we love today, but still! It’s almost as if the ballet gods themselves had decided that ballet was destined to wear a touch of tulle and sparkle.
I even caught a glimpse of a royal lady sporting a truly fabulous bodice with shimmering brocade – imagine the gleam! You just had to admire the dedication to details and opulence - a testament to the love and passion for art and performance at the time.
And you know what? You can be just as elegant. Think lace, velvet, a sprinkle of sequins, and let your inner ballet spirit shine. Even a little bow can take a simple outfit to new heights! Remember, my dearest darlings, even in our modern world, there's something undeniably magical about a little bit of sparkle.
Ballet Beyond Borders: Inspiration Around the Globe 🌏As I travelled through time this month, I realised that ballet is more than just graceful movements and beautiful costumes. It’s a bridge across time and space. And in 1670, you can really see those seeds of influence beginning to take root all across Europe, paving the way for the dazzling ballet heritage we celebrate today!
So my dear pink-tutu lovers, whether you're swirling through your living room, dreaming of a ballet school debut, or mesmerized by a grand theatre performance, know that your passion connects you to an incredible global history. The world of ballet has always been about expressing our inner grace, pushing boundaries, and creating art that moves our souls. And what better way to share this than to inspire others to wear a pink tutu and celebrate the magical world of ballet with a little sparkle, just like us?
Keep on Dancing 💃✨And that, my lovely darlings, brings us to the end of another fabulous time-travelling journey! Until next month, when we’ll explore another breathtaking corner of ballet history, keep swirling, keep sparkling, and remember that the world of ballet is just as wonderful in real time, so grab your pink tulle and enjoy a ballet performance in your city!
P.S Don’t forget to head over to my online shop at www.pink-tutu.com. I’ve got some gorgeous new tutu-inspired merchandise and I think you’re going to adore it!
Until next month, stay dazzling!
Love,
Emma x
