Hello darlings! Emma here, back with another blast from the past for my wonderful readers! Buckle up, you lovely lot, because we're whisking away to 1684! This month, Magic Meg and I have taken a delightful gallop through history to 11th November, a day that held a very special, ballet-related celebration...
It's true! This very date was the birthday of a most wonderful ballet dancer and choreographer, Mademoiselle La Fontaine! Oh my, wouldn't it have been delightful to be in Paris that day, seeing all the festivity surrounding her birthday! I do hope she had the most magnificent birthday party! It would have been like stepping into a painting by Boucher - swirling silks, graceful figures, and maybe even a pink confectionary centerpiece or two!
But what truly got my heart aflutter wasn't just her birthday. I delved into my old tome, the Ballet Historia, and learned that this day marked something truly momentous - Mademoiselle La Fontaine made her debut at the Royal Opera House in Paris! Can you imagine the buzz in the air? The theatre filled with anticipation, the sound of whispers of wonder and awe, and then...a vision of grace takes the stage! Oh, it simply must have been divine.
As a ballerina myself, I can only dream of such a moment. There's just something about the feeling of the spotlight hitting you, of the energy of the audience electrifying your every movement. Mademoiselle La Fontaine's talent was said to be exquisite. A true ballet icon, and it's wonderful to think that her legacy lives on, woven into the fabric of dance history.
Of course, my visit to Paris in 1684 wasn't without a touch of shopping for this blogger's back pack! It’s always good to expand the vintage tutu collection, and as you know, my tutus must be pink! Imagine my delight at stumbling upon the most charming little shop selling beautiful silks, satins, and laces - a true treasure trove of inspiration! I snagged a delightful swathe of lavender-hued silk with delicate silver embroidery. I just know I'll find the perfect tutu pattern for this little gem soon.
And of course, a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without some sightseeing! What could be more magical than gazing at the breathtaking façade of the Palace of Versailles? It's hard to believe that in the midst of such grand architectural wonder, dancers like Mademoiselle La Fontaine were setting the stage for future generations of ballerinas! I'm utterly convinced this era was bursting with both extravagance and elegance - perfect ingredients for an amazing ballet spectacle, don’t you agree?
But that wasn't all! I'm excited to share a little secret with you - I have discovered a hidden ballet history treasure right in my home county of Derbyshire, England. Can you believe it? The National Trust property of Kedleston Hall had its own little dance hall! Isn't that wonderful? You know my motto, dear readers, "Dance anywhere, anytime"! Imagine the grand balls, the elegant minuets, and perhaps even a few spirited jigs in that lovely old Derbyshire hall.
As my pink ballet shoes twirl me back to my own time, I'm filled with a deep sense of connection to the history of ballet. Mademoiselle La Fontaine, the magnificent ballet history of Versailles, and even my little secret gem of Kedleston Hall - it all intertwines and reminds us that dance is truly timeless! It's a legacy that transcends the ages, and I am proud to be a part of it, however small my role may seem!
Remember, darlings, keep dancing, keep twirling, and keep dreaming pink! And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for your regular dose of ballet time travel goodness!
Until next time, keep dancing with a sparkle in your eyes!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. Did you know that this month’s ballet performance is raising money for a new scholarship program for underprivileged dancers? If you love ballet, why not consider attending the performance and showing your support for this amazing cause? Don't forget, the more people we have wearing pink tutus, the more we can support this fabulous program. It's a true ballet extravaganza, darling! I simply can't wait!
