Hello darlings! It's Emma here, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of ballet history and glamorous escapades. July, my absolute favourite month, is here, and Iâm just bursting to tell you all about my most recent adventure, a trip to Paris, that most fashionable of cities, in 1726!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, the most gorgeous pink shire with a mane and tail like spun sugar and hooves that sparkle gold, carried me back in time, just like she always does. Megâs got an extra spring in her step this month, I think itâs the beautiful new saddle I got for her at a vintage shop in Covent Garden - sheâs just as much a fashionista as I am, don't you think?
My leather rucksack, brimming with ballet books and my little notebook to record all the fabulous details of the era, was strapped on my back, ready for an exciting new journey. You know me, I adore nothing more than slipping back through time and exploring the rich history of our beloved ballet!
And let me tell you, 1726 in Paris was simply divine. The City of Lights is just as dazzling then as it is today. Cobbled streets were alive with bustling crowds, the air thick with the scent of pastries and perfumes.
I decided to head straight for the OpĂ©ra-Comique on this particular day. It was 7 July, you see, the date of the very first performance of what we call âballet d'actionâ â a real landmark in the evolution of ballet.
Can you imagine the excitement in the air? The anticipation before the curtains rose on this brand-new concept? I can just picture it, all the stylish ladies and gentlemen of the court gathered, gossiping about the latest costumes and choreographies, just as we do today!
It wasnât your typical ballet we see today. The stage was adorned with elaborately decorated scenery, mimicking a garden setting. Instead of abstract movements, this performance featured a story â an allegorical tale called âLâAmour Vainqueurâ about, as the title suggests, love conquering all! Imagine how intriguing that must have been in an age of romantic ideals and intrigue. Iâve been studying ballet d'action ever since, and let me tell you, this groundbreaking genre sparked an explosion in theatrical artistry.
Of course, a day in Paris without some delightful shopping would be utterly criminal! I visited a charming little boutique on Rue Saint-HonorĂ©, where I purchased the most delightful silk fan, painted with intricate floral designs. The woman who sold it to me, a lovely lady called Madame Marguerite, shared a wonderful piece of ballet history â the exquisite ballerinas of the time often incorporated fans into their routines, enhancing the beauty of their movements.
There's a lot more to discover from this trip to 1726. From exploring the lavish fashion of the era - corsets and powdered wigs, oh my! - to the birth of this groundbreaking theatrical art form, it was a treasure trove for a ballet enthusiast like me.
You know what else makes this period in ballet so interesting? This was the time when French and Italian ballet traditions began to fuse together! The French ballet had its structured, courtly style with grand gestures. Then came the Italian influence - flamboyant, athletic movement, a contrast that really energized the stage. Thatâs why ballet began to move away from pure court entertainment, toward narratives with true drama and emotional power.
After an evening of swirling waltzes at the opera house (donât forget to follow my "Ballet Attire Through Time" series on my Instagram! The dresses and headwear are to die for!), I bid farewell to the enchanting City of Lights. Itâs days like these that make me wish I could simply wear my pink tutu and leap into the past full time! But for now, Iâll continue to visit the past through the wonders of Magic Meg and her incredible magical journey.
Join me next month, dear friends, when we take a time-traveling hop over to the Italian Renaissance! The stories I have to share, the beauty and passion I witnessed â I can hardly wait!
Until then, keep your eyes sparkling, tutus fluttering, and dreams of dance alive!
Your friend always, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
PS: Do you have any suggestions for the most wonderful ballet shows and time periods I should visit next? Drop them in the comments below - Iâm always up for new adventures!
