Hello my darling dance devotees,
Welcome back to another adventure in the captivating world of ballet history, from your very own time-travelling tutu enthusiast! This month, I've journeyed back to 3rd March 1733. And believe me, there's plenty to pirouette about!
I'm sure you're all wondering, what could possibly be so exciting about 1733? Well, my dears, it's the day we celebrate the birth of a ballet legend! - Marie Allard - who was the little mouse in a certain famous ballet story you may know about! It was this production in 1789 which would make her known to the wider world, and in which she performed alongside her famous dance partner, Charles Didelot.
But, let’s step back for a moment, before the bright lights, the applause, the big premiere… and before her tutu! Because, little Marie was just that - a child! - a daughter, a little girl, born into a family of dancers! In fact, both her father and mother, Pierre and Rose Allard, were already renowned performers and choreographers in their day!
Marie’s family home in Paris buzzed with rehearsals, costume fittings and all things dance, a constant symphony of twirling, leaping and tapping…it's no wonder that Marie would also be smitten by the stage. Just think, dancing, a life that involved travel and all kinds of performances; a wonderful life full of music, beautiful dresses and the magic of the stage. Just magical, my dear reader. Just magical! I wonder if the young Marie dreamed of spinning and swirling across the stage like I do… or what sort of performance outfit she may have wished for!
Anyway, this is how Marie learned from the very best; it was pretty much a hands-on ballet training from the moment she was old enough to walk! There she was, watching, learning, absorbing everything. Imagine how lucky it is for any child, never mind a dancer, to be immersed in such an incredible, artistic world… and as the youngest of six, you can bet she got all of their undivided attention!
That little family were very dedicated and extremely ambitious; by the age of ten, young Marie was a seasoned performer, and ready to follow in her family's footsteps. I'm sure it wouldn’t be long before she got her own tutu, oh, I imagine it would be a soft and pretty shade of pale pink, with frilly ruffles around the edges… perfect for all those beautiful ballets she performed with her family.
Then, time passes. Imagine those magical moments when Marie found herself on stage in Paris’ most revered theatres, surrounded by admiring audiences and applause! Her passion and natural talent certainly came to the fore. All those hours of rehearsals were bearing fruit!
And it was the Parisian theatres that hosted many productions including her famous role of the little mouse. It's an inspiring story for any little ballerinas, just think - Marie is showing everyone what incredible talent can come from hard work, practice and family love! But there was more…
It’s true! We all know the mouse; she would have to be quick and agile; an absolutely enchanting dance in the ballet La Fille Mal Gardée which would go down in history, an almost mischievous character who would become a firm favourite. It wouldn't be long until her performances were watched and admired by audiences worldwide. That little girl in Paris was showing us all what determination can do.
She's known for her beautiful style and her elegant performance, something we all adore when watching any ballet. She may have been the 'little mouse', but her spirit on the stage was that of a fierce ballerina; graceful, precise and delicate movements… just breathtaking to watch! Now, Marie certainly deserves the appreciation for what she accomplished and what she showed the world: if you’re young, there's nothing you can't achieve! You just have to find what you truly love and embrace it with all your heart. I believe, in my heart, that Marie really lived that.
In time, Marie, married into another ballet family, one of great importance and skill, which took her ballet career onto even more grand stages. We see her in Paris and then Milan; performing for Emperors and Emperesses and travelling the world!
How she loved what she did - Marie loved dancing so much that, despite having children of her own, she carried on dancing. She carried on teaching…she passed on her passion and love to others, sharing her story and encouraging more generations of ballerinas… And now? Her legacy continues to influence today’s choreographers and dancers, reminding us to stay curious, committed and never let go of our dreams! Her dedication, hard work, determination and artistic talents really make a wonderful legacy to behold.
If I’m being honest with you, my darling dance devotees, sometimes I think that if we have that strong a passion for something… a passion we nurture from childhood and give all our time to… we’re capable of anything!
Of course, when I hear those little tippy taps as the Mouse in La Fille Mal Gardée or watch any elegant ballerina perform, I have to thank those like Marie Allard… the ones who paved the way and created something very special in our ballet world; a dedication to dance which deserves recognition. She may have been the Little Mouse on the stage… but she certainly took on the grand ballet world with all of her might! You can bet that Marie is the inspiration for my journey through time! After all, a dancer who can make the ‘Little Mouse’ truly iconic and leave her mark on the world… well, what’s not to admire and learn from?
Well, as much as I could say about this iconic figure, my dearest devotees, it’s time for me to say, for now, adieu! But don’t worry; we’ll be travelling to even more captivating times! Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com each month and join me for more of Pink Tutu Travels!
Oh, and do make sure you don’t forget your pink tutu to wear at the ballet; after all, a ballerina can’t be without hers!
Now, I must run… my next journey to the ballet is calling! And what shall I be taking with me? Oh, maybe a little silver charm with a tiny pink mouse on it… a momento of Marie, which will keep safe in my special rucksack alongside my other treasures I collect from these historical times! I do have so many wonderful things from all the times I’ve visited - I even have an authentic pair of pointe shoes! Just magical…and what memories these things hold. Maybe, one day I’ll be brave enough to let you see some of the precious items!
Until next time!
Yours truly
Emma x
