Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting blog post for you. This month, I've been whisking myself back to the glorious days of 1682 and the grand spectacle that is the court of Louis XIV in Versailles, France.
As many of you know, my passion lies with ballet in all its forms – from graceful performances on grand stages to the spirited moves on the streets – but I also adore its rich history. So, naturally, a trip to 17th century France, to the birthplace of court ballet, was simply a must!
A Majestic Journey with Magic Meg
Imagine, if you will, a breathtaking scene: lush greenery, ornate fountains, and the opulent Château de Versailles as your backdrop. And in the centre of this magnificent setting? Yours truly, resplendent in a dazzling pink tutu, perched upon my shimmering, pink sparkling shire, Magic Meg, with her golden hooves and cascading mane of white.
Now, if I'm being honest, it took some convincing to persuade Magic Meg to leave our home in Derbyshire and journey to France. The lady has a rather strict sense of etiquette and, as much as she adores me, the idea of time travelling in such a historical and significant setting did not initially appeal to her. However, once I promised her a stop at the finest stable in Versailles, with only the best hay and carrots on offer, she was, shall we say, easily persuaded.
Arriving at the Court of Louis XIV
Our grand arrival was, as you might expect, met with some curious gazes. I, of course, treated it all with a wave of my hand and a dazzling smile, ensuring everyone caught a glimpse of my pink tulle masterpiece. Imagine the reaction when, with a delicate hop from Magic Meg, I gracefully swept into the centre of a vibrant courtyard teeming with courtiers and dancers alike. I can assure you, even with my penchant for theatricality, the level of grandeur I experienced here surpassed anything I could have dreamed!
The day was one of sheer joy and discovery. I witnessed firsthand the vibrant scene at Versailles. There were rehearsals in full swing for an upcoming court ballet - imagine the thrill of a real-life glimpse into history! I marveled at the exquisite costumes, intricate choreography, and, of course, the graceful postures of the dancers.
The star of the day was, without a doubt, Monsieur de Beauchamp. A true pioneer in ballet, he had taken the then popular art of court dancing and turned it into something more formalized, creating the very basis of what we recognise as ballet today! His vision of graceful movement and exquisite beauty inspired those around him, including the King Louis XIV himself. This King was passionate about ballet and his dedication helped to foster its development, becoming, as they say, a patron of the arts. He even performed on stage himself, much to the delight of his court, showing a real flair for movement and the grandeur of this early form of ballet.
Inspiration Galore and Ballet Treasure for my Backpack
The elegance of the 17th century costumes was an absolute inspiration, too! From rich velvets to shimmering brocades, they held a certain allure that you simply can’t resist. The designs incorporated a wealth of intricate embellishments – imagine lace and ribbons – all adding to the splendour of each movement and the drama of each pose. You can bet I had my camera out and captured every exquisite detail, along with some delightful stories from the dancers I met. The tale of how Madame de Sévigné, the influential lady-in-waiting, described the ballets with a sense of breathless wonder simply had to be included in my ballet journal!
And the memories! The memories will last forever, especially as they’re stored in my trusty leather backpack, filled with notes and sketches and little snippets of 17th-century ballet magic!
Don't Forget your Pink Tutu!
But of course, no blog post about the 5th May, 1682, could be complete without my reminder about the importance of pink tutus. I mean, why do you think the court ballets of the 17th century were so successful? Because they embraced extravagance, spectacle, and artistry – just like a good pink tutu! So, whether you're experiencing the thrill of a real life performance or a grand ballet, don't forget the pink!
That’s all for now, my lovelies! Until next month, stay fabulous and keep the pink alive!
XOXO, Emma
PS. Don't forget to check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest ballet updates, fashion trends and my favourite time-travel adventures.
