Hello my fellow twirling enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, ready to take you on another magical journey through time! Buckle up, grab a handful of confetti and hold on tight because this month we’re travelling back to 1733, a truly fascinating period for ballet.
I'm standing in my trusty stables, a gentle breeze caressing the silks of my latest pink tulle masterpiece, feeling that familiar, excited tingling in my toes. Today is the day! My beautiful pink shire mare, Magic Meg, stands patiently, her golden hooves twinkling in the sunlight as she snorts softly, ready to transport me through the annals of time.
Meg’s a true princess – all white mane and tail, with a dazzling pink shimmer running through her coat, and her hooves? Don’t even get me started, they are the most gorgeous, shimmering gold, as if they’ve been dipped in liquid sunshine. Her pink sparkle matches my favourite tutu, which just happens to be my outfit of choice for today’s voyage. There's nothing more magical than feeling the soft silk brushing my skin, and I wouldn’t dare be caught dead in anything else whilst time travelling, even though it does cause a few puzzled glances.
I feel that you're curious as to how I make my living, right? Well, it’s a bit of a whirlwind! My income, as you may have guessed, is generated by performing. I regularly give dazzling, high-energy shows featuring the most exquisite and flamboyant tutus. Think ballet with a side of spectacular fashion – a show that sparks joy and reminds everyone about the magic of dance! My audiences love the dramatic flair and are always so kind, encouraging me to spread the love of tutus, which makes the entire venture worthwhile.
However, with every step, my focus is always on spreading the pink tutu message. It's the most joyful, expressive, beautiful, feminine outfit imaginable. Imagine: an ocean of shimmering pink swirling across the stage – it's a dream come true!
As we set off, the gentle sway of Magic Meg’s walk is rhythmic and calming. My mind is brimming with thoughts on the 1733 ballet scene, its societal influences and fashion. This period in dance history is so important to understanding where we are today. It was a time of burgeoning experimentation with what dance could achieve, breaking new ground with artistic exploration and evolving ideas.
Okay, buckle in, darling! Let's dive in!
On April 4th, 1733, in the French capital, a truly captivating spectacle took place. In the Parisian Theatre du Palais Royal, "Le Ballet des Fées, ou la Mascarade" – a whimsical ballet – was making its grand debut.
The show was a truly ambitious work – full of breathtaking beauty and imagination. It was a theatrical extravaganza that demanded a large stage, elaborate sets, a large ensemble and dancers trained in a specific choreography that pushed the boundaries of dance and theatre at the time.
*"Le Ballet des Fées, ou la Mascarade" * wasn’t simply a dance; it was an explosion of theatrical performance! It's considered an integral turning point for ballet. And we're going to unravel the magic of that moment, so keep reading!
Now, where is a ballet enthusiast to find their favourite Parisian ballet fashion, in 1733 you ask? Well, my dearest, a Parisian stroll through Rue Saint-Honoré is a must, it's simply bursting with exciting shops showcasing the most exquisite fashions. We're looking for those delicate satins, light chiffons, lace trimmings and those beautiful, beautiful jewels, the very same that graced the stages in Parisian theaters. I even grabbed a gorgeous pair of pink satin shoes for my personal collection! They'll go beautifully with my pink collection. Oh, I just can't wait to display them back home in Derbyshire.
*Oh! What else? *
A true testament to its legacy is how "Le Ballet des Fées, ou la Mascarade" inspired other influential ballet productions. It served as a pivotal step forward, forging new ground and inspiring the development of "Les Fêtes" (French court ballets) – elaborate dance performances of lavish elegance, rich in theatricality. The tradition lived on through works such as "Les Indes Galantes," a multi-act dance piece. These are examples of truly significant events in the history of ballet. It’s in these early days where ballet became truly elevated – both in terms of its artistry and its popularity.
You see, darling, these 18th-century performances were unlike the elegant and delicate ballets we adore today. Back then, there was no strict technical training or formalized ballet system like we have nowadays. Dancing wasn't solely the domain of skilled ballerinas but involved musicians, singers, dancers and actors performing in these spectacles.
Ballet has come a long way! Think about how much we have to celebrate and to embrace. From these simple, grand spectacles with their mix of dancing, music, and performance came the sophisticated ballets that grace the world’s stage today. Every graceful step, every graceful twirl - we can thank these early creations!
Today’s adventure is not just about exploring 1733's Parisian ballet scene – it's about understanding how those early steps paved the way for our modern world of dance!
And of course, it's a constant reminder about the power of a pink tutu. Every time I step onto that stage or prance down a dusty country lane in a flurry of pink tulle, I’m bringing back a touch of those grand spectacles, those dreams of dancing. My journey isn’t just about seeing ballet – it's about ensuring ballet's timeless, exciting spirit continues.
Keep twirling, darling, and never let your love of ballet dim.
See you in another month on www.pink-tutu.com!
Love,
Emma xxx
