Hello, darling ballet enthusiasts! Welcome to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things ballet and time travel! Today, I’m whisking you back to 11th November, 1709, for a totally enchanting journey to the dawn of ballet as we know it!
Before we leap into the time machine, let’s grab our feather boas, settle into our seats (or, if you're feeling particularly chic, our favourite chaise longue), and sip our afternoon tea. This month, my beloved Magic Meg – a shimmeringly pink Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane the colour of spun moonlight – is galloping us back to the très elegant days of Louis XIV's reign in France. Oh, how we adore the opulent grandeur of this era!
Now, picture this, darling. 1709. The air crackles with excitement. We’re nestled in a theatre, waiting with bated breath for the premiere of a brand new ballet! The orchestra begins to play, and… wait for it… it’s the very first ballet d’action! Pinch me, I must be dreaming! And who are the creators of this dazzling feat of dance theatre? The fabulously talented Monsieur Louis de Cahusac and Monsieur Joseph Noblet!
Now, you all know that I am a massive fan of the iconic ballet tutu (it’s pink, after all!). But, the fabulous thing is, in this time period, they weren’t called tutus! Oh, no! Back in 1709, ladies danced in elaborate dresses and gowns. Quite practical! Although imaginatively a tad restricted for pirouettes and grand jetés!
As I settle into a box seat, my rucksack – brimming with treasures of bygone ballet eras – is ready to record all the wonderful fashion, music and ballet trends. It is, after all, my passion to share these beautiful stories with you.
But what truly excites me about this journey? I’m about to experience the first true steps of a ballet with a narrative! The excitement, the emotions! Totally mind-blowing!
And oh, the drama! The stories, the costumes, the romance. Imagine – the birth of dance theatre, a ballet based on the myth of Hercules! Can you believe it?!
Later, after the brilliant performance, Magic Meg gallops me to a grand ball where we find ourselves amidst some of France’s finest nobility. A beautiful waltz, elegant costumes, a whirl of lace, silks, and… oh, I can’t forget the sparkling jewels. It’s the stuff of my dreams, darling!
As I waltz gracefully with a gentleman with impeccable fashion sense – his powdered wig looks simply divine! – I start imagining all the marvelous stories this era holds. This ballet…it is just the beginning. There are so many exciting times and trends ahead, ready for us to explore!
So, remember darlings! Ballet is a story. It is history. It is artistry. It is passion. And it is always worth telling, retelling, and exploring, one pink tutu at a time.
Until next month, darling. Don’t forget to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com. I have lots more stories and ballet beauties to share with you, darling!
Happy dancing, Emma.
