Hello lovelies! Welcome to my blog, Pink Tutu Time Travels, where we take a spin through time and explore the enchanting world of ballet. I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, and this month we're stepping into the heart of Paris, France, to meet the dazzling early pioneers of ballet. Grab your tea, put on your favourite pink tutu (mine is a stunning sequined number that practically sparkles with magic!), and get ready for a captivating adventure.
We're hopping aboard Magic Meg, my trusty steed with her pink sparkle, and galloping to 1668, a date etched in ballet history. Why, you ask? Because on this day, September 9th, 1668, the very first public performance by a company of women dancers - La Compagnie Royale des Ballerines de l’Opéra – was given at the Palais Royal, Paris! It's such an exciting moment in ballet, a truly historical day.
The first women of ballet were incredible; these pioneers, some of whom had previously been known for their "lazzi" or comic roles in travelling troupes, stepped out onto the stage in shimmering costumes, ready to amaze the Parisian audience. I imagine it was electric, their movements were unlike anything ever seen, full of grace and strength. They wore flowing silks, opulent brocade and lace - and yes, there was definitely some pink in the mix! This is before the tulle and tutus that we're familiar with, so the costumes were a tad less dramatic but equally stylish. They also danced on high platforms – those elegant, delicate moves would’ve required incredible strength and coordination, I can imagine how graceful and light they must have looked on those platforms!
My rucksack, overflowing with memories, is bulging with stories and pictures from this magical night. I have a beautifully crafted fan made of gilded bird feathers, which is so elegant and delicate! The design is so detailed, so fine and ornate. I can just imagine the delicate swish it would have made in the dimly lit theatre! And this exquisitely embroidered silk ribbon - a gorgeous emerald green trimmed with gold that is truly stunning. I can almost hear the delighted gasp of the audience as it was tossed upon the stage, its elegance reflecting the performance itself. I also snagged a handwritten copy of the programme, with details of the intricate dance pieces - from the dramatic ballet-de-cour (ballets for the court), which would’ve showcased intricate dances filled with elegance and drama, to the enchanting ‘pas de deux’ (the iconic duets).
Back at my studio in Derbyshire, surrounded by my collection of antique dance shoes and ballet paraphernalia, I'm trying to imagine what the experience of witnessing these women dancing must have felt like. I can see the wide-eyed, hushed wonder in the audience. They were seeing something completely new - an ethereal beauty and athleticism never witnessed before in their time. The first ballerinas of the Royal Ballet, Marie-Madeleine de la Fontaine and Anne Dumesnil, were revered stars; the dance world was theirs! And though this performance occurred nearly 350 years ago, the echoes of their legacy resound to this day. They were paving the way for future generations of dancers to pursue their dreams and inspire countless others to grace the stage.
As a testament to this remarkable time, I decided to put on my latest creation - a vibrant, hot pink tulle tutu, just brimming with the exuberance of the pioneering women of ballet! I danced to a classic piece from the 17th century – a joyful jig, as graceful as it was upbeat. It made me think about these fearless women; their courage in pushing boundaries and demanding their place in a male-dominated art form was so inspiring! It is why they deserved recognition, and it is why I adore exploring their stories. I also donned my most elaborate ballet shoes and created a hair crown of pearl-tipped lace. I was a modern day queen!
So, the next time you twirl in your pink tutu, remember the pioneers, the women who dared to defy expectations and break into the world of ballet, changing the course of history and paving the way for the magnificent ballet we have today. These courageous women brought beauty, elegance, and grace into a male-dominated art world, inspiring generations of future dancers.
Do you ever time travel with your tutu? I love hearing your experiences! If you have any comments about my post or any suggestions for my next time travel adventure, pop over to www.pink-tutu.com and tell me all about it. Next month, we're taking a trip to London for a peek into the 19th-century world of ballet. I have a feeling it's going to be sensational! See you all there!
Lots of love,
Emma.
