Hey tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu wearing, time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another peek into the fabulous world of ballet history! Buckle up your sparkly shoes, darlings, because this month we're taking a trip back to 1691, to the 3rd of March, no less!
Now, you might be wondering, "Emma, what's so special about March 3rd, 1691?" Well, my dears, it's the day I was lucky enough to witness a truly extraordinary event! Picture this: a grand theatre, draped in crimson velvet, glittering with candlelight, filled with elegantly dressed nobles. In the centre, a troupe of dancers perform with grace and precision, their costumes dazzling in their finery. You guessed it, my friends, it's a ballet!
My darling Meg, my trusty pink, sparkly shire with golden hooves, carried me through time with a grace befitting a ballerina herself. Her mane and tail, like clouds of spun white silk, flowed in the breeze as we galloped towards this grand historical event. Landing silently on cobblestones outside the theatre, I could feel the pulse of anticipation emanating from the elegant crowds gathered at the doors.
Before stepping inside, I quickly checked my trusty leather rucksack. You see, I love to gather up ballet stories and items from the different periods I visit. It’s amazing what I’ve found so far! Tonight, I discovered a beautifully embossed invitation to this very performance, showcasing exquisite engravings of dancing figures and even featuring a quote from the playwright, "The heart, a dance of emotion!"
Once inside the theatre, I couldn’t resist trying to capture the beauty of this enchanting event with a quick drawing in my travel journal. A beautiful vision of artistry was unfolding before my very eyes - elegant dancers, shimmering costumes, graceful gestures - the very essence of ballet! As the music started, a sense of wonder filled the air, carrying me back to the very beginnings of this magical art form.
A Parisian Waltz: A Parisian Affair
This evening, the audience was treated to a grand spectacle - "Le Triomphe de l’Amour" (The Triumph of Love), a ballet composed by a rising star named Pierre Beauchamp, a favourite of the court. You can tell from my drawing that the performance involved an elaborate display of dances - a beautiful blend of courtly grace and playful exuberance. It’s amazing to think that this very ballet laid the groundwork for the beautiful stories and choreographic feats we see today!
Imagine my delight as I witness a graceful solo, performed with captivating passion and exquisite precision by a ballerina named Marie Campagne! I imagined her feeling the very pulse of the music, as she glided across the stage, her shimmering pink bodice shimmering in the candlelight, making the crowd gasp with pleasure.
Oh, how I longed to join in the dancing, my tutu swirling in perfect harmony! I knew I was not supposed to join in but I could almost feel the energy, the raw talent, the emotion, pulsing through every step. This, this is what I live for!
A Night in Fashion’s Glory:
Speaking of swirling, can we talk about fashion? The outfits, darling! Simply exquisite! The ladies adorned themselves in gowns of silks, satins, and brocades, their hair coiffed into elaborate styles. As I watched the dancers, I noted how their elegant outfits, in exquisite shades of rose and gold, complemented their delicate movements, each step telling a story of joy, hope and love. I was smitten with a particular dress, a sky blue gown adorned with intricate silver embroidery. It was simply magnificent!
And, of course, no theatre visit in 1691 would be complete without a glance at the gentlemen. Their breeches, vests, and coats, all crafted from rich fabrics, exemplified the epitome of aristocratic style. I observed a young nobleman with a striking crimson velvet waistcoat that seemed to match his deep passion for the dance. The theatre was awash with the most glorious shades, textures, and adornments, and I couldn't resist snapping some photos (my camera's time-travel feature is just magical, wouldn't you say?) for my Instagram - the colour palettes were breathtaking!
The Pink Tutu Revolution Begins!
Speaking of colours, you can always count on me, Emma, to infuse the world with a generous dose of pink, the ultimate expression of joy and optimism. While pink tutus weren’t quite in fashion in 1691 (shocking, I know!), I think they would have looked stunning against the rich hues of the velvet curtains, don’t you? I think my sparkly pink would have made an excellent accent, adding a playful touch to this otherwise dramatic spectacle.
Who knows, perhaps someday, I might even bring pink tutus to this time, with my magic Meg of course! My goal, you see, is to make the whole world pink, one tutu at a time. Just think of it! Imagine all the ballerina dreams, swirling pink tutus, graceful movements… It's simply delightful!
An Inspiring Encore:
Even today, centuries later, we can still feel the resonance of that night in the grand theatre in Paris, when Pierre Beauchamp's "Le Triomphe de l’Amour" danced its way into history. It's a reminder that the beauty, emotion, and pure joy of dance has always existed.
This 1691 trip is proof, darlings, that ballet’s journey is just as inspiring as any of the ballets themselves! The world of ballet, just like a carefully crafted dance, moves in rhythmic patterns and exquisite moments of pure magic. I’ll be back next month with another peek into the grand history of dance, with all its thrilling twists, turns, and beautiful encores! Until then, keep your shoes on, stay sparkly, and dream big, my dear tutu-lovers!
Until next month,
Emma
*P.S. I love hearing from you! So let me know which ballet performances you've enjoyed recently. Don't forget to share your ballet outfits with me too! *
