Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballet enthusiast and time-travelling tutu aficionado. Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of history, ballet and (of course!) pink! Today we're whisking you back to 11th November, 1733.
As the frosty November air nipped at my cheeks, I nestled into Magic Meg’s soft pink mane. Her golden hooves shimmered with the morning light, the perfect sparkly touch to my journey back in time. We'd be taking a trip to Paris, my darling! The City of Lights, the home of the beautiful ballet. It's 11th November, 1733, the day after a truly magnificent performance by the talented and extraordinary Marie Sallé. I can’t wait to delve deeper into her artistry!
With a giddy smile, I tightened my pink satin ribbon around my tutu, making sure it was perfectly symmetrical. I packed my leather rucksack with my sketchbook and quill, eager to soak up the ballet atmosphere of the day.
Now, where do I start with the absolutely divine Marie Sallé? I mean, let's face it, she was a revolutionary force in the world of ballet. Not just for her artistry and beauty – although both were certainly top-notch – but for daring to push the boundaries. She broke free from the restrictive, overly formal dance style of the era. She wanted movement to be fluid, expressive and, above all, inspired by nature and the human form. This is something that really resonated with me; my dancing, like hers, should tell a story, create an image, transport the audience!
Sallé didn't just speak with her movements, she wore her attitude on her sleeve, or rather, on her costume! That's right, darling! This woman was a true innovator. Forget the stiff, extravagant court costumes. Marie preferred simpler attire that allowed her to move freely, which usually meant flowing gowns or light tunic-style outfits, often paired with a simple, but very elegant, head scarf. She would often dance barefoot or with light, Greek-inspired sandals and use accessories like scarves to enhance her movements, all for a more natural and expressive feel. A real "less is more" approach to dressing, much like how I love to style my tutus with minimal accessories to let the intricate design shine!
This day in Paris, I would witness the legacy of Marie Sallé in its entirety, seeing her bring a new, invigorating vision to the stage! I watched as she brought mythological figures to life with her fluid grace and I found myself truly in awe.
Here are some of the iconic ballet performances which have stood the test of time:
"La Griselidis": She created this ballet and embodied the legendary woman's tale. Dressed in simple grey and barefoot, her performance truly embodied humility, perseverance and the spirit of the story itself! Her every movement seemed to radiate the emotional weight of the character, something that I strive for in my own choreography!
"Pygmalion": Sallé truly captured the beauty and passion of love with this story about a sculptor who brings his statue to life. Her movement captured the awakening of life itself, with her flowing gown becoming an extension of her emotional expression! I know the sheer elegance of her style would have been breathtaking to witness!
Imagine the joy of a ballet filled with passionate leaps, graceful glides, and flowing expressions of emotion! These aren't simply steps and movements – it’s storytelling. This is the legacy of Marie Sallé, the legacy that made her the most famous female dancer of her time and one of the greatest ballet stars in history!
Later in the evening, the salon of Madame de Pompadour welcomed its guests in the luxurious elegance that defines the French elite. This lady wasn't just a mistress; she was an influential figure in French culture and a huge supporter of the arts! As a true ballet lover, I was overjoyed to imagine the conversations about the magnificent performance of Marie Sallé! Oh, how I longed to join them in their chat, adorned in my own pink tutu, sharing my love for the dance and everything it represents!
After the day’s adventures, I gathered up the sketches I had filled with her poses and expressions, stories of the people who witnessed her talent, even a sketch of the beautifully adorned box that held Madame de Pompadour’s pink feathered fan, the epitome of fashion and femininity!
And, yes, darling, before I hopped back into my pink tutu for the trip home, I found the most adorable tiny shop that had the most delicate ribbons and jewels for my tutus! And, as always, they were the most delightful shades of pink! It’s always lovely to have a new treasure to show off, and I’m sure these sparkling jewels and luxurious ribbons will enhance my future performances, adding just that little touch of enchantment I’m famous for. My collection is growing by leaps and bounds – it’s one of the best things about my job, apart from, of course, meeting incredible people from different time periods!
And that’s a wrap for this month’s blog, darlings! Stay tuned for the next journey into ballet history, coming to your screen next month.
And remember, my dear ballet lovers: let’s all live a little pink!
Don’t forget to check out my website at www.pink-tutu.com!
