Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to another adventure in time with your favourite pink-tutu clad blogger, Emma!
This month, we're jetting off (or rather, galloping) back to the glittering, dramatic world of 18th century France.
You know how much I love a bit of history, don't you? Especially when it comes to the history of ballet! Today's date marks a truly exciting moment: a spectacular ballet performance at the Court of Louis XV. Imagine it - the sumptuous costumes, the grand ballroom, the hush before the curtain rises, the music swelling... It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it!
As always, Magic Meg, my darling pink-sparkling Shire with her golden hooves and glorious white mane, is ready for our little jaunt back through the ages. We've packed my trusty leather rucksack, filled with a charming assortment of vintage ballet shoes, costume swatches and notes - and yes, of course, there's a little pink sparkle sprinkled in just for good measure.
Our journey begins at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, just a little south of Paris. We're making our way to the grand Palais du Roi, a truly opulent place. Think sweeping staircases, shimmering chandeliers, and a whole lot of powdered wigs and courtly grandeur!
This particular date marks the premiere of a new ballet entitled "La FĆŖte de Flore" by the incredibly talented Jean-Georges Noverre. Now, Iāve always said, the key to a good performance is good choreography, right? This ballet was praised for its groundbreaking innovations, with a dramatic plot, beautiful costumes, and incredibly dynamic choreography. Can you imagine what it must have been like for those who saw it live? Talk about a privilege!
Noverre wasnāt just a brilliant choreographer, you know, he was a visionary too! He wrote an influential treatise called āLetters on Dancing and Balletsā ā and guess what? Itās all about improving ballet by using mime, character development and storylines, making the performances more expressive and engaging. Genius! Noverre was the master of bringing emotion and depth to his ballets, something that is so important to a performance and is absolutely something I always aim to convey in my own work.
Speaking of my workā¦ what I love about traveling through time is seeing how dance and ballet have evolved over the centuries. Imagine the elegance of a courtier's minuet or the beauty of a ballerina in a grand ballgown, flowing like a flower in the wind! The history of ballet is rich with creativity and artistry, and it's just plain inspiring to see how far we've come. But thereās a little bit of me that wishes for those old-world ballets to have just a dash of pink! And, just for a little fun, my lovelies, imagine the shock to those powdered wig-wearing gentlemen if I were to take the stage in my signature pink tutuā¦
Now, imagine strolling through the cobbled streets of Paris, maybe with a little pink-hued croissant for a treat, and finding a little ballet studio tucked away in a quiet corner. Or perhaps finding myself drawn to the swirling melodies of a street musician playing a sweet little waltz!
Ah, itās always such a treat to feel the rhythm of history, the flow of the city, and of course, the thrill of seeing how the fashion of that era, with its lace, silks, and feathers, inspired so much of what we see on the ballet stage even today.
As the sun begins its descent, and the sky over Paris shimmers with a kaleidoscope of pink and gold, I find myself yearning for those exquisite ballets of yesteryear.
My darling readers, there is so much history to be uncovered and so many inspiring ballets waiting to be explored! As you know, my motto is āpink is power!ā Perhaps, when we next meet, we'll find ourselves waltzing in a pink tutuā¦
Until then, don't forget to embrace the rhythm of life and sprinkle your own unique magic into every moment, like the enchanting sparkle that coats Magic Meg.
All my love and wishes for graceful moves and twirling times,
Emma xoxo
P.S. Head over to www.pink-tutu.com to share your thoughts and stories from your favourite ballets! And be sure to look out for my latest pink tutu design ā itās a true masterpiece of swirling sequins and satin ribbons inspired by the exquisite gowns of the French Court.
P.P.S. If you haven't caught one of my shows lately, make sure to book your tickets! My latest piece "A Waltz Through Time" pays tribute to the history of ballet and includes a stunning new pink tutu that would surely make those 18th century courtiers swoon! See you at the theatre!
