Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here from Derbyshire, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballet enthusiast!
Welcome back to my monthly Pink Tutu blog post! It's June 1727, and, well, you know what this means! We're soaring back in time, naturally, riding my lovely, shimmering, pink-sparkling Magic Meg to discover more ballet treasures hidden throughout history!
My blog posts have taken you on fabulous voyages to France, Russia, Italy – and the best part? This incredible journey started with my passion for ballet! Now, this isn't your average history class – no boring lectures here! I'm talking glamorous dresses, shimmering shoes, and some fabulous, historic figures you'd never believe danced!
Today, June 1727, my pink tutu fluttered as I landed in Paris. As you know, I'm always up for some fabulous Parisian fashion, and I am absolutely obsessed with Parisian ballet, with its grand operas, intricate costumes and, well, just everything about the French ballets!
Remember how the very first opera ballet, 'Le Ballet Comique de la Reine', premiered in 1581 in France? Yep, that's the origin story! Fast forward 146 years, and well, ballet in Paris had blossomed beautifully. Today, we are exploring this stunning period, where ballet was a high art enjoyed by everyone from kings to ordinary folk.
Dancing Through 1727: Parisian Charm
Just picture this: it’s a balmy June day in Paris. We are approaching the magnificent Salle des Machines. Did you know it was used as the theatre for a performance of the play, ‘Les Festes galantes de Parnasse’, complete with stunning ballets within the performance. These productions showcased beautiful costuming and breathtaking choreography. How I wish I could be back in time for a performance!
Remember how ballet in this period blended with opera, a delightful mix of dance and music? This blending of disciplines was fascinating!
You might also remember Louis XIV’s legendary ballets in the 17th century. In those glorious times, he even personally participated in performances and, well, that's the kind of ballet inspiration I live for! In fact, I was completely thrilled to discover that a ballet masterpiece named 'La Princesse de Navarre', based on a very real Princess of Navarre from this historical time, was performing at this Parisian Opera. And guess what? Magic Meg and I enjoyed a delightful performance! Oh, the beauty of the elegant costuming and the masterful choreography was enough to make any ballet fan swoon.
Imagine the ballet costumes! Think layers upon layers of silks, gorgeous embroideries and luxurious jewels. Just incredible, isn’t it? This was such a beautiful way of dancing - it made me think of how lucky we are today, to still be celebrating ballet with its vibrant heritage!
A Touch of Pink Glamour: Shopping for the Tutu!
Of course, what's a visit to 18th Century Paris without a little ballet-themed shopping spree? And let’s face it, you know my passion for pink. This era is an absolute paradise for pink tutu-lovers. In fact, I found some exquisite fabrics at a French drapery store - so many stunning shades of pink silk, each with shimmering details, fit for a princess. You know I had to snap up a length to use for my future costume creations, and it wasn’t cheap, darling. I mean, the exquisite embroidery and details were beyond gorgeous, and it definitely deserved a special place in my pink tutu wardrobe.
Fashion Favourites for a Time Traveller: 18th Century Flair
One of my favourite ballet dresses I found here in 1727 Paris? It was this dreamy, cream silk, ruffled number that, guess what, had hints of delicate pink throughout. You know I couldn’t leave that Parisian treasure behind, it is just fabulous. It would definitely look chic, graceful and perfect with a soft pink tutu! This stunning ensemble had a wide skirt - almost a kind of French bouffant that perfectly resembled a tutu, and, that was one I just couldn't resist for my personal Pink Tutu Collection back home in Derbyshire.
After a fabulously exciting Parisian ballet day, I rode Magic Meg through the cobbled streets. I packed a collection of stories, memories, and, well, let's just say I purchased some treasures I cannot wait to share with my beloved ballet fans! You know how much I adore collecting stories and costumes and sharing them in my little blog. And so much more besides! And so, I leave you, dear readers, with this final thought. Remember, it’s never too late to be a ballet dreamer – regardless of age, size, or background. Find your passion, share your story, and perhaps you’ll find a magnificent pink tutu in your heart. It is a colour of hope, fun and femininity that we can all use a little of, right?
Keep that passion for dance in your hearts, dear readers, because we have a whole world of ballet out there! As I said, keep dancing with grace and joy – because there’s magic everywhere! See you next month on Pink-Tutu.com. And don’t forget to share your love of ballet on your own socials – share the magic!
Lots of love and twirls! Emma
P.S. Did I forget to mention my favourite new purchase in 18th Century Paris? You might have seen on my Instagram posts that I discovered a very stylish, pink silk fan – with matching pink ribbon! It even has a sparkling detail. What a perfect touch of colour, elegance and, well, that pink. A perfect touch for a ballet dreamer in 1727 Paris, wouldn’t you agree?
