Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my lovelies! It’s your girl Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another thrilling journey through ballet history! This month, we’re pirouetting our way to 11th November 1722 – a date that holds a special place in ballet history, as we'll soon discover! 😉
This month's journey with Magic Meg was a real corker. We were in France, right near the heart of the Palace of Versailles, feeling the grandeur and privilege in the air like a cloud of the finest perfume. Did you know that, even way back in 1722, the French court was already utterly smitten with ballet? Well, it wouldn’t be a proper time travel adventure without a little dose of French flair! 😉
I just love France, especially in this era. Everyone is so elegant and well-dressed, from the King to the gardeners! It truly is a feast for the eyes.
The Palace itself was decked out in a dazzling array of silks and satins. The walls were alive with artwork and ornamentation, reminding me of my favorite antique shops back home in Derbyshire. And the whole place practically echoed with the tinkling of music, the rustling of silk gowns and… oh yes, the tap, tap, tapping of ballet shoes, as the ballet dancers took center stage.
What was the big ballet event that day you ask? Why, the very special performance of the ballet “La Princesse de Navarre” which, trust me, was every bit as dramatic as it sounds!
The French were absolutely besotted with these mythological, often romanticised, historical stories told through dance and I, of course, couldn’t resist seeing it for myself! Now, you see, what was different about this production was that it was specifically created to honor Louis XV's beloved queen, Marie Leczinska - the most fashionable and adored queen in France.
And here's the really interesting part: Marie, my lovelies, *had actually requested for herself a part in the performance! Imagine that, having a Queen actually *onstage with all the other dancers, all adorned in the finest silks and jewels! What a power move! The dancers, and even the musicians, were all thrilled to be included in the Queen's celebration! Imagine the buzz and the excitement backstage – my heart truly melted.
I even spotted a familiar face - a young, charming dancer, Charles-Louis d'Aumont de Rochefort. He was quite a prodigy, and I suspect, destined for great things, just as he, no doubt, had ambitions to entertain and enchant with his grace. I loved how passionately he performed, just as if every step was a love song in itself, telling a story of a young man enamoured by dance!
And wouldn't you know, in my time traveling, it’s this very ballet, La Princesse de Navarre, that inspired me for a real treat. It was then and there I was suddenly transported with the most fabulous idea. Why not make *"La Princesse de Navarre" * into a modern-day ballet?!
A fresh take, using contemporary costumes, inspired by those magnificent period costumes I saw, but with my own *Pink Tutu touch! Imagine it, all the colours and swirls! A real *fairy-tale production* to make it modern but respect those historical roots and beautiful art and style! I just know this would be the most magical, inspiring ballet to share! I shall write a blog about it all later and do some sketches...
Of course, no trip back in time is complete without a little ballet fashion shopping! I found the most gorgeous shop just a stone's throw from the Palace. My oh my! The silks, the lace, the embroidery - all exquisitely beautiful. They even had a little selection of what could pass as early forms of "tutus"! While it was not the flamboyant, billowing tulle we know and love today, it was a truly delightful collection nonetheless. Imagine my delight when I found a gorgeous piece of fabric that I just had to have - a pink silk satin, perfect for my next creation! (Think a little "La Princesse de Navarre" themed costume for my performance next week in the English countryside! 😄)
Oh my, dear readers! The shops just called out to my inner fashionista. A trip through 18th century Paris really never gets old.
Before leaving that day, I grabbed the most amazing pair of dancing slippers – hand-stitched silk! They’re a must-have for any dance enthusiast. These slippers were so well-made that I simply had to get a few to take back to my ballet shoe collection – just imagine the gorgeous collection I am accumulating on my time travels! The colours, the styles... such artistry! I plan on having a showcasing event at the end of the year, open to the public - pink tutu only dress code!
As always, I'm just bubbling over with excitement to share my love for ballet with all of you! Join me on this time travel adventure every month, as we journey through history, learning about ballet’s incredible evolution.
Next month, dear readers? A truly spectacular journey to the other side of the globe... more about that later!
Happy dancing! Lots of love, Emma 🩰 Pink Tutu Blog | #743 www.pink-tutu.com
