Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we delve into the wonderful world of ballet through the eyes of a time-travelling ballerina. It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide, ready to whisk you off on another whimsical journey through the annals of dance history. Today, we're galloping back to a day of elegance and refinement – 6th June 1682! Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a fashionable and fabulous adventure.
The air crackles with excitement as Magic Meg, my trusty steed, paws the cobblestone street in anticipation of our journey. She's a vision of shimmering pink, her golden hooves a dazzling spectacle against the muted tones of the cobbled street. Her mane and tail, like flowing clouds of spun white, practically sparkle under the sun. And yes, she wears a matching pink tutu, naturally!
With a giddy little "giddy-up", we're off. We journey through time, each blink of Magic Meg's eyes transporting us further into the past, leaving behind the bustling present for a Parisian spectacle of ballet history.
As the air clears, we find ourselves on the bustling boulevards of Paris, a city abuzz with elegant ladies, gentlemen in powdered wigs, and street musicians playing lively tunes. Today, dear readers, marks a significant date in the history of dance – the official opening of the Opéra de Paris! Isn't it just marvelous?
This iconic building, originally called the Palais Royal, was initially built for the court of Louis XIV. And guess what? He loved dance! And to think, this grand theatre became a playground for ballerinas like myself!
Now, imagine this, darlings. A beautiful building, a bustling crowd, and on the stage... Ballet! But, it wouldn't be quite the same ballet as we know it today. It wouldn't involve pointe shoes or elaborate tutus. Back then, ladies danced en pointe without the help of shoes specifically designed for it! Now that's impressive, and quite dangerous too. I admire their courage!
Of course, the highlight of the day was the show! We snagged seats right in the centre of the royal theatre. It was so thrilling!
What did we see? Why, it was "Le Triomphe de l'Amour" by Pierre Beauchamp, the esteemed choreographer of the French court. The production featured lavish costumes, elaborate sets, and stories that explored the emotions of love, joy, and sorrow. It's truly fascinating how they told stories through the beauty of movement, much like we do today, just in a slightly different way!
After the show, we ventured to the fashionable streets, where ladies of fashion and society flocked. Imagine it, darlings, shops overflowing with velvet, satin, and lace. Each fabric a story waiting to be told. We felt like a walking pin in the colourful, bustling Parisian tapestry.
While a few women weren't quite ready for the pink tutu, they did give a rather lovely, 'I can see this in a lovely emerald green' smile!
I slipped into the fashionable shops to check out their finest creations for my collection - I picked up some gorgeous lace trim for a future design for my own pink tutu collection! And of course, I couldn't resist a delicate pearl bracelet that would look utterly ravishing on my next pink tutu ensemble!
We dined on delectable pastries and creamy café au lait while sketching a couple of fabulous costumes from the show. You know I have a thing for vintage ballet costumes, and I'm quite sure a vintage Parisian piece will be perfect for my latest project, which I'll let you know all about next month!
As the day comes to a close, the magic of the day is etched into my mind. The elegance of Parisian fashion, the thrill of the ballet performance, and the grandeur of the Opera house. It's a memory that will remain in my mind like a sweet melody, a whisper of ballet history.
Now, my darlings, let's continue this grand adventure! Next time, I’m venturing off to Russia to meet a very important dancer who will completely revolutionise the way ballet is performed… and she’ll show you what pink looks like in Russia!
Until next month, my lovely readers, let your creativity blossom and remember, never stop twirling!
Always keep shining and dancing,
Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
