Hello my lovely readers! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting journey through the history of our beloved art form. This month, I'm taking you all the way back to 11th November 1700. Buckle up, darlings, because we're in for a treat!
As always, I couldn't resist slipping on my favourite, most flamboyant pink tutu. This time, I've adorned it with a cascade of delicate pink feathers and tiny pearls, inspired by the extravagant costumes of the time. Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves, pawed impatiently, eager for our adventure. We both knew that 1700s Paris, the epicentre of elegance and grandeur, was beckoning.
Our journey began with the morning sun casting long shadows on the Derbyshire hills. It was crisp and cold, a far cry from the vibrant, Parisian atmosphere we were headed for. As Meg galloped through time, a wave of warmth washed over me. Imagine, dear readers, the thrill of hurtling through history, feeling the wind whip through my hair, and the air tingling with anticipation.
Once we arrived, the cobblestone streets bustled with activity. People hurried about in elaborate outfits and wigs, while street performers, hawkers, and carriages added to the chaotic symphony. With a touch of the "Magical Meg" charm bracelet, Meg shrunk down to a dainty size, a miniature pearl of pink amidst the hustle and bustle.
My first stop? The Parisian Opera House! In 1700, it was a haven for courtly balls, concerts, and opera performances. Though ballet wasn't as prominent as it would later become, its seeds were sown in the French court. Imagine intricate dances by aristocrats, a mix of minuet, gavotte, and courante, all conducted to the exquisite tunes of Mozart's contemporaries. It was a delightful and elegant precursor to the ballet we know and love today.
As I collected a charming programme of the performance - a beautiful piece of engraved paper that will adorn my ballet collection - I couldn't help but envision the women dressed in panniers and lace, with feathers and jewels adorning their elaborate hairdos. They certainly knew how to make a grand entrance!
To fully immerse myself in this fashionable world, I ventured into a bustling millinery shop. Here, delicate ostrich plumes, glittering brocades, and luxurious satin ribbons adorned hats and headwear for the Parisian elites. Each delicate feather, each shimmering embellishment whispered a story of artistry and craftsmanship. It was a beautiful world, indeed!
I even managed to sneak into a private ballet lesson. You wouldn't believe it, dear readers, but the women in 1700 were already incorporating ribbons and silks into their dance, using them to create graceful flowing movements. Imagine a beautiful silk ribbon whipping through the air, catching the light, mimicking a blossoming flower, and expressing a moment of heartfelt passion - I felt my own heart leaping with delight at this exquisite foreshadowing of what was to come.
Of course, no journey is complete without a visit to a tea salon. Parisian cafes were already buzzing with socialites and artists, exchanging whispers of news and sharing snippets of their days. I couldn't resist a cup of tea with my own secret pink sugared cookies – I simply couldn’t let a visit to 1700s Paris go by without indulging in some truly delectable Parisian treats.
As the evening approached, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. It was a journey that truly touched the heart of ballet history. In these cobblestone streets, within these bustling markets and salons, within these opera houses filled with courtly dancers, I felt the soul of ballet. It wasn’t merely a structured art form, but a passionate and vibrant reflection of life.
Back in the 21st century, I felt my love for ballet soar. We're part of something extraordinary, dear readers, a legacy that stretches back through the ages. As we wear our pink tutus, let's not just remember the dances we see, let's also remember those early steps that took ballet from its simple beginnings to the grand heights it holds today!
And, as always, remember that you can join me on this exciting ballet journey every month. I’ll be sharing even more wonderful discoveries on www.pink-tutu.com – so keep a watchful eye on your email, darling! And let’s strive to see more people adorning our world with pink tutus – it's time to unleash the ballerina spirit within!
Until next time, dear readers, happy dancing!
Love, Emma x
P.S. My leather rucksack is full to bursting with 1700s treasures. A beautiful programme of the courtly performance, a Parisian dance pamphlet with elegant engravings, and a handful of intricately woven ribbons from a seamstress's shop - what a bounty of beautiful memories!
P.P.S. What ballet moments in history would you like to visit? Let me know in the comments below, and maybe I can take a magical trip with Meg for you! And don't forget to share this post with your fellow ballet enthusiasts – let's spread the pink tutu love far and wide!
