Hello darlings!
Welcome back to another exciting journey through time! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, and this month we're swirling back to the glorious era of Louis XIV, the Sun King himself!
Get ready for a trip to Paris, where I'm about to witness the grand debut of a ballet that shook the court and changed the landscape of dance forever. Don't worry, my magical steed Meg and I are perfectly ready, our pink sparkles shimmering in the early morning light. #pinkpower
This month's time travel, marked in my ever-growing "pink-tutu" blog as post number 194, takes us back to February 2nd, 1677. Today's adventure starts with the crack of dawn, as the frosty air of Derbyshire hangs thick around us. The aroma of freshly brewed Earl Grey fills our tiny cottage, the scent a comforting prelude to our exciting journey. As usual, I wake up feeling so incredibly grateful for the privilege of experiencing history through my own pirouettes!
I carefully check Meg's hooves. Every glitter is in place on those gleaming golden hoofs, her white mane and tail as meticulously brushed as my own perfect bun! As I hop on her back, the weight of my leather rucksack settles on my shoulders. My pink tutu and sparkling leggings ripple around me, their vibrant colours ready to shine on this magical day!
I've always had a bit of a crush on Louis XIV. You can't deny the king's absolute love of spectacle, a passion reflected in his court, and especially in his support for the ballet. I hear rumours of incredible performances at the Palace of Versailles, with dances created by the greatest ballet masters. Today, my darlings, we're headed for a show you won't believe!
Meg whinnies and we take off! Our journey through the centuries always leaves me breathless with excitement, the countryside whizzing past, the feel of history in the air.
Our first stop? A visit to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks! Today’s Paris is full of architectural treasures. Even from a distance, the graceful structure of the Louvre looms in front of us. My heart thrums with a mixture of reverence and awe. Who can even begin to imagine the artistry, intrigue, and secrets swirling within those majestic walls!
But the Louvre is just the beginning of our Parisian escapade. As Meg’s hooves clop rhythmically, I find myself lost in thoughts about today’s incredible ballet. Imagine! The very first performance of "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," a spectacle celebrating love and triumph, a magnificent vision brought to life by the legendary dancer Mademoiselle Camargo.
Oh, my dears, if only I could turn the clock back, I would spend all night at a Parisian ball, swirling through elegant waltzes and polonaises in the most dazzling costumes. I dream of twirling across the palace grounds in a glorious dress of blush silk and sparkling silver embroidery.
Reaching our destination, I feel my heart soar. I’m gazing at the opulence of the Salle des Spectacles in Versailles, a palace setting I never dreamt I'd get to experience. As we enter, the atmosphere thrumms with anticipation, the murmur of noble chatter echoing from the walls. My eyes drink in the stunning, velvet-clad seats and the exquisite chandeliers that shower the stage in golden light. I’m simply entranced by this grand stage, so well prepared for a masterpiece to be performed on its surface.
This night, however, is no ordinary performance. We’re going to see the creation of one of ballet's first prima ballerinas. Today marks the unveiling of the artistry of Mademoiselle Camargo.
It's hard to even begin to explain her impact. As I watched her, I felt transported to a world of artistry I had never experienced before.
Oh my, the audience were simply spellbound. Her footwork was unlike anything I'd ever seen. As a fellow ballerina, I marvelled at the speed of her tours, assemblés, and sissones, Her bold performance was an absolute revelation, one that was to change the entire landscape of dance!
With an energetic final curtsy, the dance concluded, leaving the audience completely captivated. Mademoiselle Camargo’s movements had, for the first time ever, given female dancers a starring role on stage, changing ballet history in an unprecedented way.
And now for something a little special… You know, as a keen chronicler of all things “pink-tutu,” I am quite proud of the small things I’ve picked up during our Parisian adventure! As always, I love discovering little snippets of life and stories, little insights that reveal the fashion and spirit of times gone by.
Today, I have a beautiful pastel-pink silken ribbon from the Palais Royal. I just had to include it in my collection, it’s like a little whisper from history! My other favorite item, though, is the incredible, almost iridescent, feather from a ballet dancer’s headdress. Just imagine this beautiful plume soaring through the air on stage, like the grace of a bird in flight!
Today, my darlings, we've truly danced our way through a time portal into history. Remember, life is a grand ballet, and our steps are as important to history as the most renowned performances! Keep your own spirits soaring!
With the warmest pink wishes for joyous days ahead.
Yours always,
Emma.
#pink-tutu
www.pink-tutu.com
*If you want to continue following Emma on her ballet travels through time, be sure to subscribe to her website! Just click the links at the end of this article to visit her webpage! *
