Hello my lovely pink tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to my blog, where we dance through time, one pirouette at a time!
This month, I’ve found myself whisked away to the heart of Paris – a whirlwind adventure through the elegance and beauty of the 17th century! As you all know, I'm quite partial to a Parisian adventure, particularly if it means witnessing some early ballet history firsthand.
This time, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – the most beautiful, shimmering, pink Shire horse you could ever imagine – carried me straight to the Theatre du Palais Royal. A dramatic, Baroque structure with a regal air. My breath caught in my throat as I peered at the gleaming chandeliers and ornate decorations; I could almost hear the rustle of silks and the soft murmur of conversation.
Today’s date, the 10th of October 1678, marked a special occasion - the premiere of Jean-Baptiste Lully's ballet, Le Triomphe de l’Amour. Imagine my delight – a chance to experience a pivotal moment in the evolution of ballet!
But hold your horses, my darlings! (Or rather, hold your ponies!) Before I delve into the dazzling performance, let’s discuss the grand attire! The theatre itself was abuzz with anticipation and, let me tell you, the costumes were something out of a dream. The ladies all fluttered around in beautiful court dresses, while the gentlemen adorned themselves in exquisite brocades and velvet, swords glinting at their sides. A flurry of ruffles, lace, and feather plumes - truly a scene straight from a painting.
Of course, I couldn't resist adding a touch of my signature pink to the proceedings. As always, I adorned myself in a shimmering pink tutu, adorned with delicate rosebuds and tiny pearl embellishments. You see, my dearest readers, a touch of pink never goes amiss – it brightens up even the most sophisticated of Parisian evenings!
The theatre soon filled with dignitaries, courtiers, and a fair share of social butterflies. Whispers of admiration followed me as I gracefully slipped into my reserved seat, My leather rucksack filled with souvenirs and tidbits from the period – a scrap of silk, a crumpled playbill, even a small pearl button.
As the curtains rose, the performance captivated me entirely. The choreography, while unlike the ballet I'm accustomed to, was breathtaking in its formality and grandeur. The music, composed by the great Lully, pulsed with vibrant energy, swirling around the theatre like a living thing. The dance was powerful, athletic, and undeniably impressive. Every step, every leap, a testament to the skill and artistry of these early performers.
It's fascinating to compare the style of this era to ballet today. It was still largely rooted in courtly dance, less fluid than the modern styles. But the theatricality was captivating! The performers' dramatic costumes, the grandeur of the stage - everything felt imbued with an almost theatrical air. I felt a strong connection to these early ballerinas, a kind of invisible thread tying us together through centuries and across the realms of time.
After the curtain fell on Le Triomphe de l'Amour, I had to get myself a taste of Parisian nightlife! A bustling crowd surged outside the theatre, ready for a night of revelry. I ventured out, clutching a freshly-bought pamphlet about Lully and his works, my rucksack getting heavier with every time travel.
Wandering through the labyrinthine streets, I stumbled upon a charming café filled with boisterous laughter and the clinking of glasses. There, I enjoyed a delicious cup of steaming hot chocolate, and wrote my thoughts about the ballet on my pocket journal.
After a while, it was time to return to my time. I bade farewell to this fascinating era, feeling my heart still buzzing with the magic of the Parisian evening. I clambered aboard Magic Meg, her pink coat shimmering under the moon, and we flew through the night, leaving the sights and sounds of 1678 Paris fading behind us.
What do you think, my darlings? Isn't time travel a magnificent thing? As always, please do let me know your thoughts and any suggestions for future journeys in the comments below! And don’t forget – everyone looks fabulous in a pink tutu, even in the 17th century!
Until next month, keep dancing!
Emma xx
