Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things pink and pirouette-perfect! Today, I'm taking you on a grand journey back to 1711! This month, I'm channeling my inner Louis XIV and stepping back into the gilded age of ballet in France! Buckle up, loves, this trip is going to be simply magnifique!
The date is 09th September, 1711, and Magic Meg is all a-sparkle and ready for an exciting adventure! Her pink coat glistens in the sun, her golden hooves clopping on the cobbles, and her white mane and tail flowing in the wind. She's carrying a special saddlebag filled with everything I'll need to navigate this trip: a selection of 18th-century ballet pamphlets (which I plan to add to my growing ballet archives), a beautiful hand-painted fan (perfect for capturing those oh-so-dramatic gestures), and a generous supply of lace and ribbons for the perfect historical-inspired ensemble.
But first, the most important decision: the outfit! Oh, I do love the drama of a good 18th-century ballgown, but there's something about the simplicity and elegance of a classical pink tutu that speaks to me. This one's a vision, loves! It's layers of soft pink tulle, with a delicate embroidered waistband that shimmers under the French sunshine. Perfect for a day of royal ballet!
Now, onto the historical tidbit: did you know that ballet was experiencing its golden age in 1711? King Louis XIV, known for his love of all things elegant and flamboyant, was a big proponent of the art form, transforming ballet into a grand spectacle performed in lavish royal courts. It was all about beauty, technical prowess, and showcasing the splendour of the French court. Ballet had become the pinnacle of artistic expression and, by golly, did it dazzle!
But where would an ambitious ballerina be without a show? Luckily, there was plenty of entertainment for us! While I couldn't catch a full-scale ballet performance at the Palace of Versailles (the King wasn't quite in the mood for dancing that day, unfortunately!), I managed to stumble upon a charming private ballet class. And believe me, darling, even those "practice" sessions were magnificent! Imagine a salon, full of candlelight and whispers, filled with aristocrats, all gracefully practicing their pirouettes and elegant promenades.
You know me, loves, I couldn't resist! I simply HAD to try my hand at those elegant moves myself! (Don't worry, I had a few sneak peeks to ensure my steps were as "historically accurate" as possible!). The students were a little hesitant at first, but as soon as I took centre stage and twirled to a simple classical melody, they were completely enthralled. I was teaching them a tiny snippet of the modern-day “Arabesque" - the elegant ballet move that even then was just a baby! (My tutus just make all those arabesques sing, honestly!).
Let me tell you, being in this historical context was incredibly inspiring! I couldn't help but soak up the atmosphere - the graceful movements, the flowing gowns, the hushed excitement in the room.
But then, my love, there was the SHOPPING! Let's just say I may have splurged on a little bit of 18th-century fashion magic for my own collection. You wouldn't believe the delicate ribbons, the luxurious fabrics, the hand-painted fans that filled the marketplace. Oh, and did I mention I finally found a pair of beautiful, delicate silk slippers, perfectly adorned with delicate floral embellishments?! My closet will thank me forever for this little treasure!
Finally, after a grand day filled with history, fashion, and just a dash of graceful moves, I headed back to my own time with Magic Meg. But before you go, darlings, let's discuss my ultimate goal - to have EVERYBODY in a pink tutu! (Well, at least for one day a year!). I mean, how glorious would it be to see the whole world twirling and spinning, embraced in the delightful symphony of pink! So, next time you feel like adding a dash of sparkle and whimsy to your day, remember: every single one of you is capable of adding a splash of colour and joy to the world!
Keep twirling and keep shining, my darlings! See you all next month on Pink Tutu!
Until then, stay fabulously pink and keep pirouetting to your heart’s content!
Love,
Emma x
