Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another post from my monthly time-travelling escapades! Today, we're setting our pink-hued sights on 4th April, 1708. Oh, the glamour, the stories, the history – it just calls to me! I can hardly contain myself. I am sitting in a Parisian café, surrounded by the bustling atmosphere and delightful smells of a busy Parisian street – my new best friend, Magic Meg, is nibbling on a croissant nearby. Did I tell you, Meg is a real pink-hued glamour puss? I couldn’t resist decorating her with a sparkly pink braid and a diamanté-encrusted bridle! She truly is the perfect partner in crime.
Today, 4th April, 1708, feels like a beautiful Parisian spring day – warm sunshine and just the tiniest hint of breeze. The café has this glorious air of a Parisian café, complete with its marble tabletops, wrought iron chairs, and the clinking of china cups.
This month’s trip took a tad longer than usual. My poor Magic Meg had a slight wobble when we time-travelled through 1804. Seems she got a little confused by a rather over-enthusiastic carriage horse – luckily, I remembered to pack some sugar cubes and managed to coax her out of her jitters. All the more reason for a bit of luxury in Paris!
Speaking of luxury, 1708 Paris is a dream for a pink-tutu loving girl like me! The gowns, the feathers, the powdered wigs – everything is just so deliciously dramatic! We must talk about the dresses! They're absolutely divine – corsets and petticoats, layered with shimmering silks and satins – simply swoon-worthy! My backpack is overflowing with swatches of fabric I can’t resist! (It's a pink leather satchel, naturally, decorated with tiny ballet shoes and miniature pink tutus). There’s definitely a lot of pink happening here – think cherry blossom hues, blush roses, and shades of flamingo – which makes me absolutely thrilled! It’s a time when Parisian fashion is a feast for the senses!
You know I love my fashion history, and the ballet world, particularly, had such wonderful evolution around this time. So, you know I had to sneak a peek at the Opera in Paris today – you won’t believe this – I found an original ballet costume from the early 1700s in a dusty old box, a tiny gold ballet shoe peeked out – tucked away, a treasure waiting to be rediscovered. Talk about a lucky day! Now, to see if this amazing piece of fashion can be included in my little museum dedicated to all things tutu, which is housed at the bottom of the Derbyshire garden I share with my sweet cat, Pipkin. It’s very grand!
Of course, 1708 wouldn't be complete without delving into the vibrant world of the Paris Opera. Sadly, the opera house hasn't changed much since the time of its construction in 1778, it's as grand as ever – beautiful carvings, ornate decorations, plush seating.
I love a bit of glamour, but even better, I love learning about all the wonderful performances happening during the 1700s. Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a programme from the Comédie-Italienne. They had 'ballet-comique' performances – basically a combination of singing, acting and, of course, some fabulous dancing – all packed into a single show! I could already imagine the extravagant costumes, the twirling dancers, and the colourful scenery. And that was even before I’d found that original tutu hidden in that little Parisian corner – talk about feeling spoiled!
I spent hours exploring old Parisian libraries – I feel a connection to the stories of those who have lived here and danced here before – so many incredible ballerinas have walked the streets of Paris. I could feel the energy radiating out of every page and photo I was able to find! So exciting. My backpack is brimming with stories – all that incredible historical ballet info. I’ve found a few gems I might use to decorate the garden, some beautiful floral designs from original stage backdrops that could bring new life to Pipkin's house, just imagine. And that is where I shall take a bow! I hope this trip to 4th April, 1708, has sparked your inner love for pink tutus, just as it sparked mine! I can’t wait to show you what adventures lie in wait for the next time-travelling adventure!
Until next month, my dears, Keep twirling, Emma.
xx
