Hello darlings! Itās Emma, your resident time-travelling ballerina extraordinaire, and Iām back from a trip to a world so very different from our own! Today Iām taking you back to September 9th, 1691, for a glimpse of ballet history before it was reallyā¦ wellā¦ history!
This time, my magical steed, Magic Meg, a dazzling shire horse with a pink, sparkling coat, a white mane and tail, and golden hooves, took us all the way toā¦ drumroll pleaseā¦ Paris, the centre of ballet artistry! I love how Parisian streets, with their cobblestones and elegant carriages, make you feel like you're in a timeless romantic story.
My trusty pink leather rucksack was, of course, packed with my essentials ā my sparkly pink tutu, my favourite blush-coloured silk shoes, and my trusty notebook for all the exciting stories and snippets of history I gather along my travels.
Now, you might be wondering what ballet even looked like back then. Remember, back in 1691, ballet was very much a royal spectacle, a courtly dance of intricate steps and elegant postures. It wasn't quite the romantic, graceful style we see today, though there were definitely hints of it.
My travels took me straight to the Theatre du Palais Royal. Picture it, darling: gilded balconies, candlelight illuminating richly-dressed courtly folk, and the air filled with music and anticipation.
There, I found myself amongst the elite, gazing upon a performance of a ballet known as "Le Triomphe de lāAmour", a truly fabulous display of intricate movements, grand costumes, and enchanting music. Now, I'm not saying that everyone had a pink tutu on ā though there was one, I promise! One of the male dancers sported a fluffy, pink plume attached to his feathered hat! Honestly, such elegance.
The music was by Lully, a name I've come to respect and admire on my journeys, as he was truly the rock star composer of his time. The sets, with their magnificent scenery and elaborate stage designs, would have impressed any modern director! Imagine giant, painted backdrops and stage designs like floating palaces and enchanted forests! Talk about theatrical magic.
I couldn't help but try a few steps, as my pink tutu practically begged me to join the performance! Luckily, there wasn't a formal dress code for watching back then, and it felt incredibly empowering to take a turn in my own personal ballet haven. Everyone looked so elegant and polished in their silken robes, intricate lace and beautifully embellished costumes. Imagine that every day - talk about fashion goals!
From the Parisian theatre, my pink tutu and I, guided by Magic Meg, explored the Parisian streets and gardens. They were quite different than today's Paris. I was reminded that nature still had a stronger influence then. I imagined ladies in elegant gowns strolling in green gardens filled with flowers and fountains. The whole place just smelled beautiful.
One particularly delightful detail from my trip was the discovery of the French fascination with dancing birds. Picture this: elegant Parisian ladies wearing extravagant feathered headdresses, resembling tiny birds poised on their heads! The craftsmanship was quite impressive. A trend Iām dying to bring back! Imagine the stunning effects in a contemporary performance!
My trip ended on a particularly delightful note - I found myself a pink pearl necklace in the Palais Royaleās grand square. It looked simply enchanting under the setting sun, nestled between the silk lace of my favorite pink tutu.
What a truly memorable journey this has been. So many new experiences, and oh, the fashion! Remember, darlings, when you're looking to elevate your style and experience the world in all its beautiful diversity, just slip on your pink tutu, take a deep breath and be ready to travel with me! Iāll be back soon with more ballet stories and fashion finds.
Until next time!
Stay fabulous and stay pink,
Emma xxx
A Bit About Emma's Journey:Emma, a vibrant ballerina in her 20s, is not just about pirouettes and pliƩs, but a vibrant storyteller who weaves together ballet's history and the enchanting art of fashion. Her love for the art form is boundless, encompassing its classical elegance, modern vibrancy, and historical depth.
From her Derbyshire, England home, she embarks on adventures in time with her remarkable steed Magic Meg. Emma is not just a time traveller; sheās a dancer, a fashion enthusiast, and an advocate for the power of a pink tutu! With a bright and contagious energy, she chronicles her time travel experiences, bringing the wonders of history to a broader audience.
If you are ever seeking more fashion inspiration, Emma's time travel blog is a place where vintage meets contemporary. Whether itās exploring a grand Parisian opera house, discovering a forgotten piece of fashion history in a hidden London archive, or uncovering a rare ballet performance from a bygone era, her posts are packed with captivating anecdotes and exquisite detail.
Her love for history extends to understanding the social context of balletās development, giving an understanding of the lives of dancers through the centuries. Emma, however, believes itās the dancers who make ballet come alive! Sheās passionate about showing their dedication and hard work in bringing magic to life.
But above all, Emma's biggest passion is the power of ballet to unite and inspire. She firmly believes that every one of us has an inner ballerina waiting to shine. In her words, āThe power of pink is about expressing your unique self, your creativity and, most importantly, the power to embrace joyā.
You can join Emma in this delightful adventure through her monthly time travel posts at www.pink-tutu.com - where ballet, history, and fashion beautifully intersect.
