Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, I'm whisking you away to a beautiful Parisian soirée on 3rd March, 1723. Grab your favourite pink tutu, your trusty cup of tea (or a lovely glass of champagne, perhaps?), and get ready for a whirl through the annals of ballet history!
It's a frosty morning in Derbyshire, but Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire horse, knows the secret to a successful time travel. A little nudge on the bit, a sprinkle of glitter dust, and whoosh! We're whisked away from my little cottage to the elegant streets of Paris. It's charming! Imagine, cobblestone streets, wrought iron balconies, and grand, opulent buildings! The city hums with life, and even though we're about to journey back in time to a period that still didn't have a dedicated ballet company in Paris, it’s already a captivating experience!
Before I whisk you away, darlings, let me introduce the pièce de résistance: the most amazing, shimmering pink tutu! Imagine layers and layers of silk, shimmering with pearl beads and tiny pink feathers, cascading in perfect symmetry from my waist to the floor! It is absolutely stunning! As usual, I have carefully planned my wardrobe for this trip, complete with matching satin gloves, blush-pink shoes, and a delightful ribbon to adorn my hair! A little Parisian chic with a touch of pink sparkle - because, let’s face it, one can never be overdressed, can we?
Let me give you a peek into my leather rucksack for this journey: I have a copy of Louis XIV's famous 'Ballet de la Nuit' in hand. Yes, darlings, 1723 is already a fantastic era for ballet, albeit without any dedicated Parisian companies! It is important to remember, at this point, we still see a focus on the Académie Royale de Musique - founded way back in 1669. I’ll be sure to tell you all about that when we return, as I'll have a wonderful account of the French ballet's illustrious beginnings and early developments, a truly exciting part of history!
For now, back to Paris! The streets are lively with chatter, bustling merchants, and ladies in exquisite gowns – a beautiful picture indeed! We've arrived in a grand salon of a Parisian noble, a dazzling array of chandeliers reflecting off golden gilded surfaces. Oh, to have such a salon!
Everyone is here: diplomats, dignitaries, merchants, artists! Music begins, and my oh my, darlings, it’s an orchestra! The melody drifts around the salon, and what should appear before our eyes but a group of exquisite dancers! They’re moving with a grace and fluidity that almost seems unreal – each pose so refined, each gesture a language in itself!
But, what are we seeing exactly? You've guessed it, not yet ballet in the truest sense. While the Académie Royale de Musique is still strong and active in France, ballet companies are yet to be found in Paris itself. That said, it doesn’t stop us from seeing extraordinary dancers perform their exquisite art! They move with a grace that only centuries of refinement could bring to fruition, every arabesque, every jump - the very embodiment of elegance! It’s a beautiful performance. There's something very powerful about seeing such beauty brought to life, and seeing the audience mesmerised by every step, every expression, every gesture. This is truly an immersive experience, a peek into the world of art, entertainment, and passion for the art form of dancing, that exists long before any real structured Parisian companies took their place on the world stage.
Oh, how my heart yearns for a chance to perform! Imagine me on that grand stage, surrounded by the shimmering chandeliers and with the warm applause echoing in the space – simply heavenly!
I'll be adding some of the incredible stories and images of these talented dancers to my blog soon, darlings. I’m eager to share all about the early French ballet with you! After all, how else will we learn about these pioneers who laid the foundation for our beloved ballet? But let's not forget our beloved tutus - a symbol of our love for the dance! After all, my aim in life is to inspire the world to wear a pink tutu - to express oneself and revel in the beautiful artistry of movement!
And finally, darlings, before we return home, let’s visit a Parisian fashion house! What other way is there to indulge a passion for pink than with some elegant fabrics, flowing silhouettes, and those ever-so-pretty pastel shades, which can inspire the pink tutu creation of the future, just like the magnificent dance inspired the past!
Magic Meg is waiting outside! Time to return to Derbyshire with a suitcase full of Parisian flair and stories to share! I will be back next month with more exciting ballet time travels, darlings! Remember, until then, keep dancing, keep sparkling, and embrace the magic of a pink tutu! Until next time, bon voyage, and always remember: never be afraid to #LiveLifeInThePink !
