Hello, darling dancers and tutu-lovers! Emma here, back from another time-hopping adventure with my fabulous steed, Magic Meg! This month's jaunt took me to the elegant, theatrical heart of... 1708!
I confess, I was so excited, I could barely contain myself. You see, I've been researching the origins of ballet and I couldn't wait to witness it for myself! And of course, you know me – a girl's gotta have a gorgeous tutu wherever she goes.
The Parisian Promenade
We trotted into Paris (which, fun fact, wasn't quite as sophisticated then, darling! They still had a lot of mud!) The weather was perfectly divine - sunny and clear, just perfect for a promenade, and a grand ballet show! Imagine my delight – there, at the Opéra-Comique, they had a performance of 'L’Amour Vengé.' Can you believe? A whole show dedicated to love, revenge... and probably lots of beautiful dancing!
The Opera Comique had such elegant architecture, with balconies and tiers, perfect for those grand ladies to swoon in their feathered hats! Oh, darling, I must tell you, I popped my head in the foyer. It was bursting with chatty gentlemen, all in their flamboyant waistcoats and finely dressed ladies with those incredible panniers and furbelows – quite an enchanting sight!
The program, you ask? It was just for one act which seems oh so simple compared to our spectaculars nowadays, but I'm sure it was just as spellbinding! I do love the idea of a single act – a tiny glimpse into a big emotional story... so simple yet impactful.
A Ballet Revolution?
Now, the ballet wasn’t exactly what you'd call 'en pointe' just yet - more about lively court dances and elaborate costumes. Imagine graceful, expressive movements set against a backdrop of costumed gentlemen, all prancing around, swords in hand – I was transported back in time!
It seems this ballet was an even more intriguing production: this wasn't the dainty ballet of today, darling! This one featured acrobatic acrobatic leaps and cartwheels...and get this… *dancing animals! *
How simply delightful! I bet those gentlemen in the audience were absolutely enthralled! And Imagine the beautiful costumes, so richly coloured and textured... my heart practically sang!
Tutu-ific Tales & Treats
From there, my little adventure continued - you see, my magic rucksack (I'll tell you about it some other time darling, it's absolutely enchanted!) allowed me to gather treasures and tidbits from the period.
The real gem, however, was a genuine ballet programme. The title in fancy calligraphy on the faded parchment read "Le Carnaval de Paris." Just thinking of those lovely dancing ladies dressed in gorgeous panniers makes me sigh with joy. I can just picture the lively dancing and all the laughs as they twirled through the streets. It sounded oh so romantic, a delightful whirlwind of entertainment!
To celebrate my discovery, Meg and I took a detour to the local market! Darling, they had a delicious pastry filled with custard. I must get that recipe back to the present. My dear grandmother, I just know, she'd fall in love with it, it tasted heavenly!
Time-Tripping Treasure!
Now for the part you're all eagerly awaiting... ballet fashion! Well, the dancers on the stage of the Opéra Comique didn’t actually wear a tutu like ours do! Their costumes were like flowing robes, and their shoes – well, let's say they weren’t 'en pointe' quite yet, but they had that gorgeous air of delicate elegance and movement, something very refined. I do love a beautiful fabric draping.
I spied some lovely ladies and gentleman parading through Paris with all the panache imaginable.
Of course, I can't leave my own adventures in the past without my usual tutu-inspiration: * A splash of colour! * - In 1708, it was about the colour scheme. I couldn't resist my own little twist and swished my bright pink tutu as I went on my stroll, and let me tell you... everyone just stopped to stare! Even the most elegantly dressed gentleman couldn’t help but smile and tip their hats.
You know how I always say "It's all about the details," right? Well, the panniers, my darlings, those really had me entranced. They weren't simply puffy layers, they were like beautiful cages that emphasized the dancer's form and movements. And don't forget the vibrant silk patterns!
This month's time-trip showed me, once again, ballet's wonderful capacity to be bold, dramatic, beautiful and… a bit cheeky! I can’t wait to share more about these beautiful early days of ballet in my future posts.
So, until next time darlings, I'm going to have another lovely cuppa (with a slice of that delicious French custard pastry! Oh darling, I've really got to get that recipe back!). Remember, let's embrace life, twirl, and wear that pink tutu proudly! And until we meet again…
Keep those twirling dreams alive,
Your friend, Emma x
