Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another edition of Pink Tutu Time Travels!
It's January 1st, 1694, and the year has just begun, which always fills me with a giddy sense of possibility. As I said last month, my mission this year is to get everyone, everywhere, wearing a pink tutu! I think it’s an absolutely fabulous goal, don't you? We’ll be twirling into all the most glamorous events – whether it be a glittering ball, a grand opera, or even a simple tea party.
Today, I'm perched upon the back of Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse with her glorious white mane and tail and those gleaming golden hooves. You should see her – she positively shimmers under the morning sun! Her mane almost matches my own new pink satin ribbon that I bought in Covent Garden. Oh, darling, Covent Garden! It’s a fabulous spot! Such vibrant colours, charming vendors and so many stories.
But where are we off to today, you ask? Why, to see a performance of Le Ballet des Invalides of course! I absolutely adore the 17th century, it’s a time of fabulous fashions and elegant dance. The French, bless them, really do have such a wonderful way with a ballet. Now, I’m sure I hear some of you murmuring, “Emma darling, you’ve told us all about the Ballet des Invalides before.” Well, my darlings, true though it may be, it’s just such a breathtaking, beautiful piece that it simply deserves multiple mentions! Plus, there is something very special happening today that you absolutely must hear about!
Le Ballet des Invalides, the first ever public performance of ballet by the Paris Opera Ballet, took place back in 1672. It’s simply a breathtaking, romantic and heroic tale and one I've certainly added to my Ballet Scrapbook! I picked up some delightful lace scraps and fabric remnants from a milliner’s stall – absolutely perfect for adding to my Ballet Scrapbook!
But today, something incredibly exciting is happening in the French capital, à Paris! Today, a new production of Le Ballet des Invalides will premiere! Can you believe it?! And as a special bonus, this performance includes an actual soldier on horseback performing alongside the ballerinas!
Ooh! I can just imagine it. The pounding of hooves, the swish of skirts as the ballerinas twirl, and the thrilling spectacle of a real soldier on horseback. The sheer excitement of it is giving me shivers. It’s what I call a proper good old-fashioned ballet spectacle!
To be fair, the Parisian Opera is nothing like our wonderful Victorian theatres in Derbyshire. The stages were designed differently – more like wooden platforms with backdrops and scenery painted onto them rather than our spectacular theatrical sets. They certainly had a ‘rustic’ charm. And while they did use costumes, their clothing styles, although very elegant and glamorous, weren’t quite as grand as the shimmering gowns, opulent decorations and spectacular plumage of the ballets I’ve seen back in London!
They don’t have such extravagant use of colourful silks, satins and sequins like the tutus we enjoy in my day. Though I’m very fond of my bright pink tulle! It gives me much more room for twirling and, in my humble opinion, it looks simply exquisite against the backdrop of the stunning Baroque theatre. Oh! I had such a grand time getting the pink ribbon tied and the tulle perfectly positioned in my tutu before leaving!
I was particularly struck by a new development in 17th century ballet – a kind of “mock ballet” as they called it, using simple steps and figures to emphasize drama over virtuosity. Imagine – focusing on telling the story and the emotions, rather than the acrobatic feats. I think there's something truly magical about ballet, and this new direction, oh it simply charmed my heart. I’m very proud to say, I now have a complete collection of ballet figures and steps from this fascinating time period for my Ballet Scrapbook. A must-have! It would be rather uncultured to be caught without one in my opinion!
Today’s performance has me all aflutter with anticipation! And you can imagine how eager I am to meet the ballerinas after the show and, dare I say, try to convince them to embrace a touch of pink in their wardrobes! Maybe they would consider swapping their current costumes for something a little brighter, more whimsical – perhaps with a touch of pink? The colour is divine – oh, how it simply sings of life and energy! Imagine twirling, with a dash of pink in their tutus! Oh, wouldn't that be utterly fabulous?!
Now, darling, I must away! Magic Meg is waiting to take us on another grand adventure! And for you, my lovelies, keep an eye out for the Pink Tutu Time Travels blog next month when I'll be sharing a grand new tale from the captivating world of ballet! Remember, wear your pink tutus and embrace your inner ballerina – even when you’re just at home enjoying a cup of tea. Until next time, darlings!
