Post 219
Hello, my darling tutu lovers! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another enthralling adventure! Today we're waltzing back to the 17th century, a time brimming with revolutionary artistry and the very beginnings of ballet as we know it! Buckle up your pink shoes, darlings, because we're about to hop onto the saddle of Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling Shire horse with those glorious golden hooves and a flowing mane as white as fresh snow!
This month, my leather rucksack is brimming with treasures from a Parisian stage, where the year is 1679 and history is about to be made. On this very day, the very first ballet dedicated entirely to one specific dancer, Mademoiselle de la Fontaine, premiered in the magnificent Palais Royal, igniting a fiery passion for individual talent that would blaze across Europe.
As I clink my way into the bustling city streets of Paris, my pink tutu a beacon of vibrant colour, I can't help but imagine what this grand event must have been like. I picture the exquisite costumes, the glittering chandeliers casting long, sparkling shadows across the faces of the excited audience. The music would have been breathtaking, a symphony of strings and woodwind instruments swirling and soaring like a magical ballet of its own!
I imagine the youthful energy of Mademoiselle de la Fontaine, the excitement as the lights go down, and she takes centre stage. The entire production revolves around her, and in her movements, a story of love and longing, of daring feats and passionate storytelling. The world held its breath as she took her first bow, a moment etched into the annals of ballet history.
Oh, how I long to be in the audience, my own pink tutu blending with the vibrant tapestry of colour around me. I dream of seeing this historic performance come to life! To feel the electrifying energy of the Parisian crowds, to revel in the spectacle and beauty of the dancing and to soak in the knowledge that I'm witnessing a pivotal moment in the history of our beloved art form.
But just because I can't attend the show, it doesn't mean I can't immerse myself in its beauty! My backpack, lovingly crafted from supple leather, is brimming with incredible treasures. A delicate programme, yellowed with time, tells of the ballet's tale and the many famous choreographers involved, their names inscribed in beautiful script, reminding us of the enduring legacy they have left behind.
I also found a lovely silk fan with intricate embroidery of roses, hinting at the elaborate artistry that was woven into the costumes and set designs of this pioneering performance. It’s hard not to get swept away in the romance of it all, isn’t it? And who knows, maybe we could even adapt this very ballet into a spectacular, contemporary, and pink-tastic production for modern audiences. Just imagine – an evening full of wonder, dazzling visuals, and dazzling pink tutus, all under the spell of Mademoiselle de la Fontaine’s story. What a dream come true that would be!
Of course, no ballet time travel journey would be complete without a shopping spree, and Paris, even in the 17th century, never disappoints! I snagged a delightful silk ribbon, its hues mimicking the subtle rose tones of the ballet programme. It's going to look stunning woven into my hair during a performance or tied around my pink tutu as I take my final bow, creating an elegant touch of French flair!
And now, before I disappear back to my own time, a little reflection is in order. The 3rd of March, 1679, is more than just a date. It's a celebration of individual artistry, of pushing boundaries, and daring to dream. Mademoiselle de la Fontaine was a pioneer, paving the way for the countless ballerinas who came after her, reminding us that our voices, our talents, deserve to be heard, seen, and cherished.
So, darlings, let's remember this day. Let's carry her story with us as we practice, perform, and dream of pink tutus and grand stages. Let's embrace the power of our individuality and never, ever, let anyone tell us that our dreams are too big or our passions too bold! Remember, just as I believe that pink is the most wonderful colour, the world is ready for a pink-tutu revolution, one performance, one ballet at a time.
Until next month, when we'll be twirling back through time to another fascinating chapter in the grand ballet story, I urge you, dear readers, to explore the history of our art form. Discover the lives of those who came before us and learn their stories, for their journeys are woven into the very fabric of ballet's soul! Remember, my website, www.pink-tutu.com, is always here for you. Find all my blogs, see my gorgeous outfits, and get in touch. Share your ballet passions with me – let’s keep spreading the magic and pink tutu love!
