Hello darling! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It’s Emma here, ready to take you on another whirlwind tour of ballet history - this time, landing us right in the heart of 1719, February 2nd. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day, and my sparkly, pink tulle tutu is ready to twirl across the centuries!
As a Derbyshire girl, born and bred, you know how much I adore a good tale, and this one has it all - love, fashion, a dash of scandal, and naturally, ballet!
For my first stop in 1719, I had Magic Meg take us straight to Paris, the heart of European dance. My rucksack, brimming with treasures from past trips, feels positively giddy, ready for more delights to be discovered. I don't know what you've got planned for Valentine’s Day this year, but for me, nothing beats dancing through time in my pink tutu - the epitome of romance if you ask me!
As we stroll the streets of Paris, I can almost hear the echo of silk slippers tapping against the cobblestones, the rustling of fabrics, the elegant, gentle chatter of the aristocracy as they head towards the opera houses and theatres.
Here in Paris, at the Theatre Italien, we have a chance to witness the first performance of Jean-Baptiste Lully's 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme'. A vibrant piece of music filled with dance! It's hard to believe that in this time, men still dominated the ballet world, but the women, they were captivating and fierce! I just imagine those exquisite steps and intricate patterns woven by their tiny feet – the stories whispered by each pirouette.
Back then, ballet was still finding its footing, the rules were yet to be written, and it feels incredible to see it all blossoming right before my eyes. We might not have pointe shoes yet, or a whole orchestra to back the dance, but the passion and expression is absolutely evident! And the costumes! Oh, my darling, the costumes! The silk gowns and elaborate bodices with their layers of petticoats... it was pure delight, a world of romance and theatricality!
Of course, I had to indulge in a little bit of 18th-century fashion inspiration. After a day exploring the salons and the workshops of Parisian seamstresses, I emerged from a tailor’s with a few delicate laces, and some gorgeous silk to adorn my already-splendid tutu. Nothing screams romance and time travel like a vintage ribbon or two!
Oh! But I nearly forgot! In my wanderings around Paris, I stumbled across a most interesting little fact about Valentine’s Day back in the 1700s: it wasn't quite the commercial extravaganza we have today. In fact, it was almost entirely forgotten until around the 1800s, where it experienced a kind of resurrection!
So, as you can see, even the celebration of love has its own ballet history, an intriguing story that unfolds through time just like the movements of a perfectly crafted dance. The more I learn, the more I want to continue dancing through history!
And with my rucksack now bulging with new ideas, I have to bid you adieu for now.
But don't fret, darling, I’ll be back soon for our next Pink Tutu Travel adventure! Until then, don't forget to check out our website at www.pink-tutu.com to discover more ballet gems and my time travel escapades. Let's spread some pink tutu love and bring the beauty of ballet to the world one graceful step at a time!
See you next month, Emma x
P.S. Remember: the best way to support my time travel journeys is by catching my performances! Who knows where my next pirouette might take us? Let's spread that pink tutu joy!
