Hello fellow ballet enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another exciting adventure from my ever-expanding ballet history timeline. Today, we're hopping on Magic Meg's back and galloping into the vibrant city of Paris, 12th December, 1665 to be precise.
As I adjusted my trusty pink tutu and checked my ballet bag for my favourite dance slippers (they're a pair of blush-coloured satin beauties!), I thought, "What could be more thrilling than experiencing a premiere night at the heart of the ballet world in the 17th century?"
It wasn't long before we found ourselves, a shimmering pink and white duo, in the middle of bustling 17th century Paris. Magic Meg, always a good girl, was very well-behaved, she even politely nodded at the ladies with lace parasols as we meandered through the bustling streets, dodging street performers, merchants with their carts and gossiping courtiers. I felt the electrifying energy of the city as we reached the Palais-Royal - a spectacular palace which was a haven for artists and performers, and home to the prestigious Académie Royale de Danse.
My excitement levels were soaring as high as the gilded roof of the Palais-Royal as we headed towards the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. With the building illuminated by candlelight, it felt as though a beautiful, historic jewel was radiating its magic around us. As we entered, my eyes adjusted to the low light and were filled with awe.
Imagine: a royal, luxurious setting with crimson velvet seats and swirling baroque decorations, illuminated by a beautiful, chandeliered ceiling casting a romantic glow over the space. The air buzzed with a mixture of chatter, laughter and anticipation for the upcoming show. As the theatre slowly filled with elegant members of Parisian society, the anticipation was truly palpable. I felt such a thrill to be here, as a true ballerina of the 1600s myself!
Tonight's performance was something special. A grand, full-length ballet by the renowned ballet master, Pierre Beauchamps, titled “Le Ballet de la Royne”, the ballet queen. The performance, a spectacular affair, focused on a royal love story - a classic plotline in ballet from then and forevermore. With an abundance of grace and dramatic passion, the ballerinos showcased their mastery of the classical ballet vocabulary – leaps, turns and grand jete’s all interwoven into their artistry, their bodies sculpted like elegant statues against the ornate, royal backdrop. The audience’s enthrallment and excitement filled the space. The thunderous applause and gasps of delight after each impressive maneuver had a sense of magic which resonated all the way to me, in the pink front row.
Watching the spectacle unfolded before my very eyes – the intricate choreography, the dazzling costumes (imagine swathes of pink silks and brocades, lace frills, bows, feather plumes, I was transported!), the artistry and technical finesse of the dancers – my ballerina heart sang! As I jotted down every detail in my ballet bag – “A must see in any era! What incredible detail,” I thought. What an enchanting performance. I even saw the Queen herself present with the King, and let me tell you – even her wig looked amazing! (It was an elaborate construction, with many ribbons and pearls, just what I imagine she would have liked, I'll try that in the salon tomorrow. A ballerina must keep up with her royal fashion, even if you do happen to be a time travelling ballet blogger, ha!)
But the magic of this Parisian evening didn't end there. In the post-show crowds, a kind old gentleman, with his face lit with joy after the performance, approached me.
"Ah, Mademoiselle!" he exclaimed, "a love of ballet, I see! Your tutu is beautiful." He gave a playful bow to me. "Such a beautiful shade of pink. A true colour of the soul, my dear.” I smiled at the sweet, elderly gent. It seems there are many pink tutu lovers in this era!
"My daughter loves dancing as well, she aspires to be like the talented performers we have just witnessed."
I beamed with delight. “Oh, what lovely dreams!” I felt compelled to share a little ballet magic with this wonderful man, and gave him some details from my ballet knowledge. "My dear fellow, it's a truly magical thing to watch," I replied. “Remember to be always gentle and graceful - and most importantly have a wonderful time at every dance and performance.”
As we talked about dance techniques, about the famous ballerinos of the time, about ballet history and my own adventures as a pink tutu-wearing ballerina time traveller, the elderly gent’s eyes sparkled. "Well, well, a true ballet enthusiast," he laughed. I blushed - it was lovely to talk to another ballet aficionado and pass on my knowledge and love of all things ballet! As he said goodbye, he gently placed a book into my hand, “Here, this book is about the most elegant and captivating ballet of our era – written by Monsieur Pierre Beauchamps! I trust you’ll enjoy this gift and perhaps add it to your wonderful collection!”
You can imagine my excitement, I was beaming. "It is wonderful, sir, thank you so much for the book and the advice!"
And so, as the Parisian night ended, I found myself on Magic Meg, carrying my newfound treasure, a new story for my collection in my leather rucksack. As we sped through the moonlit skies above Paris, towards the familiar rolling green hills and quiet countryside of my beloved Derbyshire, a smile crept across my face. The ballet world never ceases to amaze me!
Now I'm sitting here in my little pink ballet studio, enjoying my favourite chamomile tea, feeling that warm, familiar pink tutu energy radiating out from me as I start working on this blog post, thinking, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Every journey, whether through the ages, to a distant ballet class, or a magical street performance, gives me so much joy and adds to the stories I carry with me. My advice to all you pink tutu enthusiasts, dear friends, go and enjoy your passion. Dance your heart out!
Keep shining and dreaming pink.
Love,
Emma.
(P.S Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more pink-tastic posts, I'll be back with another tale on my pink tutu time travel blog soon. X)
