Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! It's your girl, Emma, back from another dazzling adventure through the ages, this time landing in the grand city of Paris on 11th November 1672!
My trusty steed, the glorious Magic Meg - a shimmering pink Shire horse with a mane like spun gold and hooves like polished jewels - galloped me through the bustling streets, the smell of fresh bread and jasmine in the air. Paris has always held a special place in my heart - after all, the first ballet performance, Le Ballet de la Royne, took place right here, in the majestic ballroom of the Chateau de Fontainebleau! It was like a dream, like stepping into a portrait by Watteau, but with the thrill of adventure added in.
I knew I had to see what the Parisian ballet scene was like on this date, 351 years ago! So, I donned my prettiest pink tulle tutu, the one with the swirling ribbons and sparkly sequins. A bit of bling always adds a touch of magic, wouldn't you say?
This time, however, I decided to ditch the pointe shoes. Not just because I knew a Parisian cobblestone wouldn't be too kind to my precious tootsies, but because this journey wasn't about the dance itself... it was about experiencing the world of ballet, the people, and the atmosphere!
Imagine my delight when I discovered that the Paris Opera House, a magnificent building even today, was being constructed at this very moment! Although not finished yet, the opera house was the centrepiece of Paris, brimming with excitement and anticipation for the day it would open its doors. You could practically feel the music, the drama, and the excitement!
As I strolled past, I stumbled upon a little, quaint shop that was crammed with silks and lace and plumes, all waiting to be transformed into the most opulent costumes for the soon-to-be born Opera Ballet. Oh, the artistry! They had tiny velvet slippers for the ladies and tall plumed hats for the gentlemen - they were all so elaborate, with such beautiful embellishments, that you could almost smell the passion and love for their craft! It felt so romantic!
It was there, nestled amongst all the opulent silks and velvet, that I spotted the most extraordinary sight: a small velvet box containing… a tutu! But not any ordinary tutu - this one was crafted in soft, pale pink velvet, adorned with a scattering of sparkling silver stars. It was the most delicate thing! I couldn't resist holding it and admiring its craftsmanship. In that moment, I felt like a whisper of the past and a promise of the future – I could feel the future of dance in the palms of my hands.
The gentleman behind the counter was a kindly man, with a twinkle in his eye and hands calloused from years of working with textiles. He saw the delight in my eyes and handed me a beautifully hand-painted velvet pamphlet with an inscription in the most elegant script - a programme for the first public performance to be held in the newly completed opera house. I could hardly believe my luck!
Later that evening, the bustling streets led me to the heart of the Parisian ballet scene - the Royal Court. It was as if I'd stepped onto the set of a historical film - chandeliers shimmering, ladies adorned in extravagant dresses and feathered hats, gentlemen in silken breeches, and the murmur of conversation as vibrant as the colour of their silks.
The Queen herself, Madame de Montespan, took her seat at the head of the courtyard as the show commenced! While not as graceful and sophisticated as the ballet that we know today, their ballet style had a sense of power and grace to it. I couldn’t help but imagine how different things might have been if Madame de Montespan herself was wearing a bright pink tutu instead of that ornate dress. Perhaps it was me, being me, wanting to inject a bit of vibrant, delightful pink into the world!
After the performance, I wandered into the throng of the Royal Court, gathering as many tidbits of history as I could fit in my little pink leather backpack, all while feeling so proud of how far ballet has come since the 1670s.
I truly believe that dance, with its power to connect us across time and continents, is a beautiful universal language. This trip has given me even more appreciation for its evolution - how much has changed yet how much still stays the same! And let me tell you, lovelies, it's made me love my tutus even more!
Join me next month, my darlings, as I time travel again. I'm not telling you where yet - but trust me, you don't want to miss this one!
Keep spreading the pink, and remember, every single one of you can be a ballerina in your own right - regardless of whether you're in a tutu or not. It's all about passion, expression, and having the courage to express yourself freely. Until next time, keep your pink tutus close!
Yours always,
Emma
P.S. If you have any questions about my travel adventures, or just want to chat about pink tutus, head over to www.pink-tutu.com! I love reading your comments, so keep them coming! And don't forget to catch me in my monthly performances. It’s my way of keeping this Pink Tutu Time Traveller on the road and the pink tutus flowing!
Love, pink, and lots of twirling,
Emma xoxo
