Hello darlings!
Emma here, back from another time-hopping adventure! This month, I found myself whisked away to June the 6th, 1675. Can you imagine?!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, sparkled in the dappled sunlight as we arrived at the bustling streets of Paris, a flurry of pink petticoats and the joyous chatter of market vendors filling the air.
It's always an exciting experience venturing into the past, and 17th century Paris was no exception! I was there for a rather splendid event – the premiere of Lully's "Le Triomphe de l'Amour". Imagine, a ballet performance right in the heart of French royalty!
This was a time when the ballet was truly starting to take its form, a mixture of dancing, music and theatrics, and all centred around the grandeur of the royal court. And what an honour it was to witness it myself.
The French King, Louis XIV, himself a renowned dancer, was there in all his glory. I spotted the dashing Monsieur de Saint-Evremond, a famous poet, among the crowd. Oh, and don't forget the ladies, adorned in gorgeous dresses, silken and glittering!
Speaking of glamour, the dancers were incredible! Imagine – the whole piece was performed with a backdrop of painted backdrops and lavish costumes! It was pure enchantment, a glimpse of ballet in its infancy, its roots planted in the extravagant, elegant court of France.
Of course, as any good ballerina would do, I couldn't resist donning my very own pink tutu! I was certainly a splash of colour amongst the rich fabrics of the day. I did find that my pink tutu, with its full skirt, was quite a draw – I became quite a curiosity amidst the gathered audience! I had the sweetest lady, in a beautiful deep blue gown, gently ask if it was "la nouvelle mode?"
My ballet rucksack was packed to the brim, filled with the treasures I’d collected – a silk brocade swatch from a royal garment, an antique score of Lully’s music, and even a sketch of the dance steps as performed on this momentous day.
The experience inspired me to think about how ballet has evolved. From these royal performances to the grand stages of the world today, ballet has always been a symbol of beauty and artistry, a reflection of its times and cultures.
So darlings, next time you see a ballet performance, whether on a grand stage or a small, intimate setting, remember the journey of ballet from its early roots to today's flourishing and diverse forms.
And remember, we can always keep the magic of ballet alive, wearing a pink tutu with a heart full of passion for the art of dance!
Until next time, keep dancing and keep your eyes peeled for pink!
Your Pink-Tutu Correspondent,
Emma
P.S. For those wanting to follow in my time-traveling footsteps, do check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com for some time-hopping inspiration!
P.P.S Don’t forget to visit your local theatre or dance school to catch the next amazing ballet show! You never know what enchanting stories await.
