Hello, my dearest tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to my pink-filled time travels, where history and ballet intertwine. Today, we're taking a magical ride on Magic Meg, our shimmering pink shire horse with hooves that glitter like gold and a flowing white mane and tail, to the year 1725.
December 12th. It’s a rather special day, as it marks the first recorded performance of the opera ‘L’Amour de Diane’ in the Theatre Italien, Paris, in which ballet took centre stage. Isn't that just marvellous? I'm positively bouncing in my pink tutu just thinking about it!
The opera's story was woven around a myth: Diana, the goddess of the hunt, and Endymion, a young shepherd. Of course, you know that ballet is my absolute passion. But I’m also rather smitten with history and stories of the past. Can you imagine how glamorous Parisian society must have been, dressed in silks and brocades, filling the theatre with laughter and murmurs of anticipation, ready to see the dancers take to the stage?
Now, as a dedicated dancer and tutu-obsessed traveller, I must say this time period wasn't exactly a time when the ‘ballet tutu’ we know and love today really existed. They were far more frilly, more like layers of fine fabric with intricate designs, almost a distant cousin of our present-day ballet dress. Imagine something light and floaty, more in line with an ornate and opulent ball gown - but with just the right amount of structure to allow for graceful movement!
It must have been such a sight to behold. The Parisian ladies, bedecked in their finery, would have swooned as the dancers spun, leapt and twirled with an elegance I can only imagine! I bet they'd have been whispering amongst themselves, "Quelle grace! What a wonderful show!"
But let's not just focus on the ballet! This date was brimming with exciting cultural events around the globe. I imagine stepping into a London theatre to see 'The Beggar's Opera,' a witty and satirical piece that captivated audiences across the social spectrum. Imagine that, my darlings - the story of a charming but poor young man who must choose between true love and the lure of money.
Over in Florence, we find the world premiere of the enchanting 'The Emperor's New Clothes!' Can you picture yourself witnessing this ingenious satire as a lively debate sparks between a cunning tailor and a foolish emperor? You simply must believe that laughter would have filled the theatre!
I think it’s truly inspiring to know that the love of performing arts is a common thread that weaves through all of our historical journeys. It's what drives us, as it does our predecessors, to seek out the stories, the emotions, and the artistry in each fleeting moment.
Speaking of stories, I am adding ‘L'Amour de Diane' and the ‘The Beggar's Opera' to my ballet-inspired collection in my leather rucksack! My rucksack is an absolute treasure trove, you see, overflowing with stories and beautiful ephemera that reflect the amazing world of ballet throughout history.
Speaking of treasure troves… just this week, my little world of ballet came alive in my hometown, Derby! I twirled and leapt in my favorite pink tutu on the grand stage of Derby Theatre. There's simply no place quite like the stage, with the vibrant lights and the electrifying energy that flows between the audience and the dancers.
Later that night, my family joined me at the theatre to enjoy a splendid ballet performance by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and my heart danced with joy seeing such brilliant talent in my own town. I splurged on some delightful ballet shoes, sparkling and shimmering like the finest jewellery. It’s these little indulgences that keep the ballerina spirit bright and shining!
Oh! My darlings, don’t forget to pop by www.pink-tutu.com to check out our wonderful collection of tutorials on how to sew a beautiful ballet tutu! If you’ve ever felt the thrill of seeing dancers move effortlessly on stage, and longing to add a bit of tutu magic to your own life, we're here to guide you through every stitch of the process! It's all in our pursuit of bringing the joy and wonder of ballet into every heart and wardrobe.
I must away now. Magic Meg awaits, and who knows what adventures lie in wait on our next journey through time? Perhaps we’ll be soaring through the centuries to catch a glimpse of a ballet in the bustling streets of Victorian London!
Until next month, may your lives be filled with pink tutus, beautiful moments and inspiring journeys.
Much love, Emma
(Your ever-so-fabulous pink tutu wearing ballerina)
