Hello darling dancers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we're waltzing through time, one pirouette at a time! I'm Emma, your time-travelling ballerina from Derbyshire, and I'm thrilled to be back with a brand new post. Today, we're whisking back to the elegant 18th century, a period buzzing with excitement and intrigue.
As you know, my trusty pink sparkly steed, Magic Meg, and I are obsessed with finding the origins of ballet's history and discovering the wonders of its evolution. This month, our journey takes us to the heart of Paris, the city of lights and romantic dances. But more importantly, on this date, we find ourselves just a whisper away from witnessing the beginning of a very special ballet.
Imagine, dear readers, a stage illuminated by flickering candles. The theatre buzzes with anticipation. The scent of jasmine wafts through the air, mixed with the excited murmurs of the audience. Tonight, the famed Paris Opera will unveil its latest production - Les FĂȘtes de ThĂ©sĂ©e. This opera-ballet, set in a fantastical world of Greek mythology, features thrilling choreography by Louis PĂ©cour, the very king of French ballet in the early 18th century. Can you picture the stunning costumes, the swirling movements, the vibrant music filling the theatre? It would be a sight to behold!
Unfortunately, I wouldnât have been able to attend the premiere. While this enchanting piece certainly would have made a sensational addition to my rucksack of treasures (yes, I've added an enormous velvet pouch full of beautiful old music and program snippets), my own time machine needs some specific historical ingredients for each jump. Tonight, 10th October 1720, the ingredient list requires a touch of opulence, a dash of theatrical drama and a sprinkling of...well, let's just say a dash of French flirtation!
Instead of being audience members at the Opera, I decided to embrace the vibrant culture of this Parisian era. The French capital in 1720 was abuzz with a flurry of activity. Shops were bursting with silks, satins, and fine lace â a delight for any fashion-conscious ballerina. Imagine the perfect pink tulle, the intricate embroidery and the most fabulous bows imaginable! This trip brought out my inner Parisian shopaholic!
While I had my own pink tutu perfectly fitted, I couldn't resist dipping into the most exclusive dress shops of Paris to discover their fashion secrets. My time-traveling dressmakerâs kit has gained some wonderful additions of vintage patterns and snippets of silk â all gathered from this periodâs dazzling boutiques.
But it's not all about clothes, darling! As you know, my obsession extends to every detail, and tonight was about exploring the heart of Parisian ballet culture, beyond the glitz of the stage.
One of the most thrilling experiences was attending a charming Académie Royale de Danse in a quaint and dimly lit ballroom. A lively, rhythmic dance floor became the perfect backdrop for the elegance and energy of 18th-century ballet.
Imagine, darling readers, a swirling and graceful ensemble of talented ballerinas, all meticulously choreographed and gliding across the floor in beautiful gowns and powdered wigs. The air vibrated with intricate steps, graceful jumps, and passionate expressions. A far cry from the rigid choreography I'm accustomed to in todayâs ballet â I felt transported into a more romantic era where beauty was everything.
Speaking of romance, after indulging in a scrumptious supper at the fashionable "Chez Girard" café, the true heart of Parisian entertainment, I was swept into the magical world of a 18th century Parisian salon! With a single glance, I found myself amongst Parisian society's most dazzling luminaries, immersed in passionate debates, sparkling laughter, and swirling melodies played on the pianoforte.
And wouldnât you know it, I got the perfect opportunity to dance with the cityâs most renowned noblemen. And by âopportunityâ, I mean that I was accidentally caught up in the midst of an impromptu minuet! Letâs just say my pink tutu made quite the statement.
This 18th-century trip brought home the romantic nature of ballet during its formative years. Yes, it was intricate, detailed, and refined, but it was also incredibly personal, emotional, and filled with breathtaking passion. I found myself caught in the intricate dance of life, mirroring the elegant and sometimes dramatic motions of the era.
Even the street life was bursting with life â think jugglers, fire-eaters, and storytellers captivating passersby, each act adding its unique flavour to the enchanting blend of this era's Parisian scene.
As for Magic Meg, well, she, being a creature of incredible glamour, had a magnificent time too. Imagine, if you will, a pink shimmering steed in the cobblestone streets, elegantly prancing past fashionable ladies in ornate carriages and dapper gentlemen in their wigs. I think the street entertainers made her feel quite a star! She does have an exceptional fondness for the theatre â I caught her discreetly nibbling a discarded costume while waiting for me outside the Opera. It wasnât quite the "Les FĂȘtes de ThĂ©sĂ©e" set but sheâs definitely a creature of good taste!
But all journeys must come to an end. As always, it was bittersweet leaving this beautiful, vibrant time. The 10th of October 1720 marked an incredible journey and added a fantastic collection of precious keepsakes to my bag. I was mesmerised by the graceful dance of 18th century Paris, its captivating social scenes and, of course, the incredible ballet.
And darling readers, don't you forget to pop your pink tutu on and twirl around to your heartâs content â you never know where your next adventure might take you! You might even stumble into the captivating history of our beloved ballet! Until next time, stay fabulous!
Keep twirling!
Emma xoxo www.pink-tutu.com
