Hello my dearest Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, back with another whirlwind of a ballet adventure! Buckle up, darlings, because this month we're stepping back to 1730 - a time when powdered wigs were the height of fashion and the first steps towards the ballet we know and love were being taken.
This time around, my trusty steed Magic Meg and I journeyed to Paris, the City of Lights! Now, imagine the cobblestones beneath our pink-hued hooves (oh, how Meg loves her pink glitter!) and the scent of pastries wafting through the air as we make our way to the esteemed Palais Royal. There, on this very day in history, a spectacle was unfolding. The Ballet Royal was presenting a charming three-act performance, the very first ballet d’action, named “Le Prince De Carnaval."
Now, I couldn't resist, could I? I snuck into the Palais Royal – a touch of pink magic never hurts! I slipped into a theatre box discreetly (thank goodness for tutus and their swirling possibilities) and was absolutely mesmerized! The story was quite something: a fantastical tale of the Prince of Carnival battling with a rival to win the heart of a princess. This new ballet form was certainly enchanting - the costumes, the story, the music! Such vibrant choreography and grand sets! And those dazzling masks... it all whispered a hint of the theatrical wonders to come!
Speaking of costumes, my dear tutu-lovers, wouldn't you just adore the colours and finery of the time? Picture this: shimmering silk, brocade, jewels, plumes... the opulence was positively overwhelming. And what about the ladies? The ladies wore these magnificent courtly gowns, voluminous, with hoops to make them even more impressive, often with delicate ribbons cascading down their skirts. They would have given my own little pink tutu a run for its money! But it all feels a touch formal for me, don't you think? It just doesn't scream "tutu!" like my vibrant, flowing tulle masterpiece does!
The Royal Ballet wasn't just dancing its way into the hearts of the French people, you see, it was paving the way for the modern ballet scene we know today. "Le Prince De Carnaval" marked a shift from the courtly ballets of yore, moving away from the courtly steps to embrace storytelling. It was all about expressing emotion and narrative through movement - pure artistry! It certainly made me reflect on the dedication and passion of those who came before, for their steps lead us to the world of balletic wonder we have today.
Back at my London base, I always like to keep myself up to speed with the contemporary ballet world, so imagine my delight at spotting the following in this month's Ballet magazine. Did you know the English National Ballet are presenting “Giselle” in the grand style that it deserves? Imagine, swirling gowns, flickering torches and heart-wrenching tragedy - it’s right up my street! And in the world of modern dance, it appears that London's Royal Opera House are showcasing a world premiere from the talented choreographer, Wayne McGregor - how exciting! This sounds like the perfect mix of classical and modern styles. If you get a chance, do make sure you pop down! It's a fab way to support our artistic endeavours and experience a captivating world of movement.
My ballet rucksack, I’m pleased to say, is slowly filling up with ballet trinkets. I’m still a little obsessed with these beautiful dancing dolls that are making their way back into fashion! I managed to snag a charming, pink-tinged one at the Paris market for a bargain. I also got my hands on a pamphlet for "Le Prince De Carnaval" from a Parisian stall owner. How brilliant to have something from that magical evening tucked into my backpack, ready to show off back home in Derbyshire!
The air is buzzing with excitement for this month's grand ballet show! To fund my next Time-Travel, I’ll be performing “The Firebird” for the local dance club! It's all to benefit the ballet school in our village, a charity close to my heart. Why not pop over and watch my ballet debut in all its feathered finery, my tutu-loving lovelies?
Until next time, my sweet Tutu-lovers, remember: life is a dance, and pink is always the perfect colour! And if you haven't already, don't forget to check out our wonderful ballet world. There is something for everyone, a little touch of magic around every corner!
See you on the other side, with even more sparkly tutus, magical times, and ballet magic.
Yours, Emma (from pink-tutu.com)
