Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where ballet, time travel, and a whole lot of pink reign supreme! This month, Magic Meg and I are galloping back in time to 10 October 1724 – a date that's absolutely bursting with excitement! Let's grab our pink tutus and dive in!
This time around, we’re in Paris, my favourite city for all things fashion and dance. This date happens to coincide with the birthday of Jean-Baptiste Lully, a towering figure in French dance history. If you love ballet, you’ll know his name! He was a genius composer who revolutionised ballet as a true art form. I’m picturing him, a handsome gentleman in a powdered wig, writing down those stunning, intricate ballet scores that must have absolutely captivated audiences!
What's more, October in Paris in 1724 was alive with activity! The Opera-Comique – imagine, ballet and theatre rolled into one – was in full swing! My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when I saw a performance of "The Misanthrope"! A satire filled with dancing, singing, and, I’m told, the very best Parisian gossip!
This isn’t just a glimpse into the past, my loves! This is a reminder that ballet is a journey, an evolution of artistry and emotion. It’s why I’m always on the lookout for new ways to explore and celebrate its history. My backpack’s overflowing with treasures this month: a programme for "The Misanthrope" with exquisite drawings of the dancers (all dressed in the most delightful colours, I tell you!), and a book of "Le Ballet Comique de la Reine" – a gorgeous historical ballet play – to read over with a cup of hot chocolate.
And my oh my, I’m bringing you some utterly divine Parisian inspiration! Imagine, darling, wearing a gorgeous silk gown with beautiful ribbons cascading down your bodice – and, of course, the pièce de résistance, a pink tulle skirt, fluffed and layered to create the most enchanting dance-ready silhouette! Now that’s what I call Parisian chic, my lovelies!
You know how I adore discovering the forgotten tales of ballet. Here's one from this time: the emergence of the ballet "divertissement", a small dance spectacle interlude inserted into the theatre plays of the time. It’s fascinating how the dancers became more central, bringing joy and movement to every production. It reminds me of how even today, small but beautiful performances often light up the stage and touch the heart.
Parisian fashion is one thing, but what I really admire is their spirit, their joy, their embrace of life's artistic moments. It’s something I try to carry with me whenever I jump back on Magic Meg and head off on a new time travel adventure. And who knows, perhaps next month I’ll be riding to the glittering courts of Italy, or to the romantic city of London!
As always, my sweet ballet enthusiasts, remember: dance is a language that transcends time. I urge you to go out there, find a dance performance, maybe try a class, and let yourself get swept away by the beauty, grace, and joy of movement. And most importantly? Put on a pink tutu and feel the power! It truly makes all the difference!
Until next time, keep dancing, keep exploring, and keep the pink tutu magic alive!
Your dearest, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
