Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time travelling ballerina, bringing you a fresh dose of ballet history and fabulousness. This month, we’re swirling back to the 6th of June, 1703. Buckle up, lovelies, as we embark on an adventure filled with elegance and enchantment!
The air crackled with anticipation as I perched on Magic Meg’s back. She pawed the cobblestones with her golden hooves, a delicate shiver rippling through her snowy mane and tail. Today, we weren't just traversing through time; we were heading to the heart of Louis XIV’s court, a world glittering with lace, powdered wigs, and... yes, you guessed it, a sprinkle of ballet.
French Baroque Flair:
My heart pounded with excitement as we entered the Palace of Versailles. Imagine, dear readers, immense golden rooms draped with opulent silks, and dancing fountains cascading beneath the watchful eyes of statues sculpted from alabaster. It was pure theatre, a world of spectacle and refinement.
That was the brilliance of ballet back then - it was interwoven into the fabric of society, a language understood and embraced by everyone, from the aristocracy to the commoners. And it was an era of grandeur, of larger-than-life characters, and daring ballets with titles like ‘Le Triomphe de l'Amour' (Triumph of Love) and ‘La Défaite de Mars' (The Defeat of Mars)
A Ballet Debut
Just like the current ballet calendar is peppered with new productions, 1703 had its own debut! The stage at The Paris Opera was lit with anticipation, and in the middle of the grand foyer stood a young ballerina I couldn’t help but admire, her face aglow with a shy smile. Her name was Mademoiselle de Fontanges, and she was the lead in "Le Ballet Royal de la Naissance de Vénus" (The Royal Ballet of the Birth of Venus) - a celebration of beauty and divine feminine grace!
Now, this was a ballet not to be missed! Imagine a dazzling spectacle of goddesses descending from heaven, triumphant nymphs dancing through shimmering water displays, and elaborate costumes shimmering like moonlight on a summer night.
As a ballet lover, seeing this historic moment with my own eyes, transported me to another world, a realm where dance was not just a pastime but a symbol of elegance, a language of artistry.
Time for a Tutu Twirl:
Speaking of elegant costumes, my own pink tutu, a symbol of both fashion and freedom, was definitely causing a stir in this historical setting. I felt a thrill when the attendants looked at me, eyes widening with a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. And yes, darling readers, I couldn’t resist sharing the joy of ballet fashion, pulling out my portable compact mirror for a quick twirl in the grand halls of Versailles, and adding a touch of modern-day vibrancy to this grand palace of the past!
A Bit of Ballet Magic:
My backpack, bursting with my ballet-themed time travelling treasures, weighed down my shoulders, but my heart felt light as a feather. My memories are a collection of moments, each one unique and beautiful:
- I managed to scoop up a first edition playbill from "Le Triomphe de l'Amour" , with delicate cursive writing that almost seemed to dance across the paper. It's treasure for my ballet collection.
- I’ve got a lovely brooch depicting "La Défaite de Mars," designed for an aristocratic patron and crafted with miniature silver armor and dancing cupids.
- And to add a dash of whimsical nostalgia, a charming little doll wearing a miniature ballet costume! Her tiny white satin skirt was as soft as a feather and I tucked her away with my other treasures.
A Final Whirl of Memories:
It was bittersweet to bid farewell to Versailles, leaving behind its grand history and the vibrant energy of French Baroque. But my journey through time has only strengthened my belief that ballet is a language that transcends time, a language of grace and elegance that is universal and forever captivating.
Until next month, dear readers! May your days be filled with the sparkling enchantment of ballet!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Remember, dear lovelies: You too can be a part of this time-travelling journey! Join me in spreading the joy of ballet fashion by wearing your own pink tutu every Thursday. Share your photos on social media and let’s make the world a pink-tutu wonderland! 🩰🌸 💕
