Hello my darlings, and welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travel blog! December is a month full of twinkling lights, delicious treats, and for me, oh, the magic of the ballet! This month, I'm taking you all the way back to 12th December 1673, a day that wasn't just any ordinary day – it was the day that saw the first performance of “L'amour vainqueur”, a ballet-comique in one act. This captivating ballet was written and choreographed by none other than the legendary Jean-Baptiste Lully, at the grand Palais Royal, the height of theatrical style in Paris.
The setting, oh my dears, just imagine! The grandeur of the Palais Royal, a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. The rich velvet seats, the ornate chandeliers casting shimmering light across the theatre – the anticipation of a royal performance must have been electric.
But the real magic lay within the story, and the dance! Lully, a true innovator of ballet-comique, cleverly merged storytelling and musical artistry. He believed the true beauty of ballet was in telling a story through movements and emotions, accompanied by music. You see, in those times, the story in ballets mattered. The movements weren't just for showing off; they were about the plot, the characters, the emotions – and Lully embraced it all! It was pure theatrical art!
My lovely Meg and I arrived just before the performance and managed to get tickets to a balcony seat for a perfect view of the stage. It's funny to think, I guess that being dressed in a pink tutu in the seventeenth century, in all my sparkly glory, did draw some attention! But let's be honest, what ballet lover can resist the magic of the pink tutu? It adds such a delightful splash of colour and energy, and really – a dash of femininity and joy is never out of place. I love the way it allows me to stand out and capture the attention of everyone who crosses my path. In fact, in all my time travels, there's no time I haven't enjoyed donning my pink tutu!
My lovely little ballet-themed rucksack, strapped onto my back like a faithful companion, was filling up fast. The day after the performance, I managed to find my way into the Salle du Jeu de Paume - the very place that once housed one of the most iconic ballet troupes of all time: La Compagnie des Petits-Violons, founded in 1671. The very place that, from 1673, began showcasing some of the most impressive ballerinas and dancers of the French courts. Just imagine! A space alive with creativity and performance, full of music and grace. I had a real flutter of excitement, especially as this troupe played a massive role in establishing ballet as the esteemed, formative and sophisticated art form it became! In fact, La Compagnie des Petits-Violons were the innovators of a lot of the early ballets, including the “comique” that took the world by storm. And let me tell you, my rucksack got a very special update from my trip to the Salle du Jeu de Paume: a program from the “L’amour vainqueur” performance! I'll treasure this for years to come – it’s a little reminder of that day in Parisian theatre history! I couldn't leave this trip without a little shopping spree too! I found a wonderful silk pink scarf emblazoned with the Royal Arms and, wouldn’t you know it, a couple of small wooden dolls dressed in gorgeous miniature tutus! They're on the top of my rucksack now – just darling.
And now for my ballet diary entry for this date, 12th December 1673, which will appear in my book –“The Pink Tutu Ballet Diary”– I hope you are enjoying the adventures as I am.
12th December 1673 - Parisian ballet bliss: A Parisian adventureThis day holds a very special place in ballet history! We journeyed back to the elegant Palais Royal in Paris to watch a groundbreaking performance – "L'Amour vainqueur” by Jean-Baptiste Lully. As we arrived, the magnificent, grand hall was teeming with elegantly dressed people, the air humming with anticipation for this spectacular, unique show.
As "L'Amour vainqueur” began, I found myself truly entranced by Lully’s unique choreography, telling a captivating story of love and intrigue. He really understood how to fuse movement with music to draw the audience into a magical, captivating narrative.
The Palais Royal, with its architectural beauty and decor, really enhanced the ambiance, setting the tone for a truly remarkable evening.
It wasn't all dancing, the day after the performance I had the thrilling opportunity to explore the historic Salle du Jeu de Paume – the very place that saw the rise of the legendary "Compagnie des Petits-Violons” ballet company.
It was quite magical to breathe in the same air as the greatest choreographers of the time, to imagine the very rooms that shaped ballet as a celebrated art form. It’s always special to feel connected to those who came before us.
In the weeks afterwards, I’d return to the Palais Royal to catch more stunning ballet performances, my eyes forever captivated by the exquisite choreography and breathtaking costumes, and the elegance and grace of the dancing and musicians. And my little rucksack got another special addition – a program from the "L'Amour vainqueur” performance as a keepsake of this truly enchanting evening in Paris!
There you have it, dear readers! Another fascinating journey into the heart of ballet history! My heart is filled with joy for ballet – it's truly a universal language that connects all of us, across time and space! I hope you enjoyed the trip back to Paris with me and found yourself transported back in time. Remember to join me for the next time-travelling adventure!
Until next time, remember to live with sparkle, always wear your pink tutu, and never forget the power of ballet!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Please note that some details in the blog have been taken from history, and some are inspired by that time and to reflect Emma's personal voice and style.
