Hello my dearest fellow tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where history dances with our favourite frills. May is finally here, and you know what that meansā¦ itās time to dig out that glorious pink tutu! My lovelies, todayās journey takes us back to 5th May 1696 - buckle up, this one is a beauty!
Before we take off on Magic Meg, a little chat about balletā¦ oh, those exquisite moments, those dazzling moves! Iām utterly entranced by a particularly captivating new piece that graced the Royal Opera House stage recently - all ethereal movement and captivating storytelling, wrapped up in an intoxicatingly dramatic score. It simply sets my soul aflame! You must see it, darlings! But we are off on a jaunt now to discover the past. This month, dear friends, we are galloping back in timeā¦to Paris!
My little heart skipped a beat when I saw what was in store for me this month! I must confess, I do love Paris and its historical ballet connections! Itās the city where ballet blossomed, reaching such refined eleganceā¦ and this date, dear readers, holds a little magic, a beautiful twist.
A most magnificent theatrical event is scheduled - the premiere of āLa Princesse dāĆlideā by Jean-Baptiste Lully. Imagine! To be among the first to witness a grand piece like this! Oh, the sheer wonder, the elegant movements, the incredible costumes. This wasnāt just any production ā itās considered the pinnacle of 17th Century ballet. Lully, with his brilliant musical genius, breathed life into the art form with the intricate melodies and beautiful harmonies woven into each enchanting scene.
Magic Meg neighs excitedly as we step out of the magical stable near Chatsworth House and take to the winding paths of history. With her pink, shimmery coat gleaming, and her golden hooves leaving sparkly trails on the cobbled Parisian streets, sheās an elegant spectacle herself! I feel a touch of anticipation as I picture myself swept up in the flurry of emotions and dance. Imagine the sheer artistry and splendor, the exquisite dance movesā¦ My spirit already soars at the prospect! I must admit, I've been saving a little secret weapon - a delicate pink silk fan I purchased in Paris earlier this year from a boutique brimming with forgotten French treasures!
I cannot wait to see the dancers in their exquisite, rich colours - a feast for the eyes! You just know their intricate designs will leave me spellbound! This grand ballet premiered at the OpƩra-Comique in Paris and included all the elements that set this era apart - an intricate narrative presented as a breathtaking theatrical production!
We'll see the influence of the majestic court ballet ā the elaborate dances with grand entrances and elaborate, flowing steps. There are whispers of āballets comiques,ā a mixture of comedy and drama! I can't help but imagine the infectious energy of dancing peasants and mischievous characters twirling across the stageā¦ What a delight!
Speaking of costumes, I've discovered something particularly enchanting this month - an 18th century journal mentioning the fashionable shoes dancers of the era wore! Can you imagine, darling? The footwear combined practical needs with a refined aesthetic! I picture pointed toes wrapped in silk and lace. They would certainly fit perfectly with my love of ballet history!
To get in the mood, Iām adding this journal to my ever-growing collection of memories and stories - I'll tuck it safely into my trusty leather rucksack. And just wait till you see the collection of delicate ballet photographs and illustrations I have in there, capturing every era's magic!
While Paris was a dance paradise in the 17th Century, let's take a little trip to London... Itās hard to believe that 1696 was a year before John Weaver revolutionised the ballet world by producing his own dance troupe ā The Dancing Master! We can only imagine the steps, the elegant poses, and the music!
Well, my darlings, Iāve much to ponder on this journey! I can't wait to soak up the sights and sounds of 17th Century Parisā¦ and perhaps try out a few ballet steps myself on this glorious cobbled stage!
So, stay tuned my dear ballet aficionados, because next month weāre hopping aboard Magic Meg for another magical trip through time! Remember to head over to www.pink-tutu.com, and check back for more whimsical adventures in the captivating world of ballet history! And of course, my lovely tutu lovers, never forget: a life without pink tutus is a life not fully lived! Until then, keep twirling, keep smiling and stay fabulous.
