Hey Ballet Buddies,
February the 2nd, 1734! That's where my sparkly pink tutu took me this month. Imagine, 290 years ago! And you know what? The world was abuzz with ballet even then!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg (a truly magical Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as snow) galloped through time, her coat gleaming under the February sun. You wouldn't believe the number of ballet classes going on around the world! From London to Paris, everyone was twirling!
I tucked my pink feather boa around my neck, and, armed with my leather rucksack and a longing for some seriously glamorous 18th century ballet fashion, we set off on our time travelling adventures.
Stepping Back in Time
It was in Paris, at the Palais Royal that I first caught sight of ballet's majesty. Now, Paris wasn't the heart of the ballet world just yet – London still reigned supreme – but that was about to change. A certain, very special man called Jean-Georges Noverre was making waves in the world of dance. He was the 'father' of ballet d'action – the storytelling style of ballet we see today.
He believed that ballet wasn't just pretty poses; it was about expression, about the dance itself telling a story! And that's why he was revolutionising ballet – moving away from the overly ornate steps of the French Baroque era and embracing a more dramatic and natural form. You can actually still see his influences today in many classical ballets. I wonder if he would like our Giselle, for instance? It definitely follows the line he was laying down in the 1700s.
Finding My Inner Ballerina In Paris
I slipped on my pink tutu and took a sneaky peak inside a bustling ballet class at the Palais Royal. Imagine, beautiful women in silks and satin, twirling and leaping with such grace and elegance. I almost couldn't help but join in!
There were lots of colourful tutus and fancy costumes around! But nothing pink yet... I suppose pink is a modern thing, innit? Although some people claim the use of pink comes back even earlier to the Egyptians – you never know what secrets the history books hold.
A Peek at the Paris Opéra Ballet
As the day grew shorter and shadows crept across Paris, I decided to take in a show at the prestigious Paris Opéra. It was here, just a few years earlier, that an English ballet dancer, Mary Slater, found herself caught in the web of intrigue and drama that often accompanied life at the Opéra.
Now, I wouldn't say my rucksack contained any thrilling or controversial information, but just the idea of being in Paris where history was made gives me goosebumps. Imagine! So many incredible ballerinas dancing here, in this historic building, right in front of me! It's like walking through a book!
My First Pink Tutu Appearance? (Almost)
Now, you won't be surprised to know I went ballet-shopping in Paris! I mean, it’s like stepping into a magical world! All the beautiful colours and intricate designs and the fabric! It’s such a feast for the eyes! There were dresses and corsets and tutus in shades of lavender and blush… I even found some beautiful pink silk – imagine the dresses it could make! And some delicate pink lace... but alas, they weren't tutu shaped!
Don't get me wrong, I loved the opulence, but honestly, nothing beats my pink tutu! It’s like my good luck charm. It’s been with me through every adventure – every ballet show I’ve seen, every dance class I’ve taken, and every time travel journey with Magic Meg.
London’s Royal Ballet Company Takes the Stage
From the glamorous streets of Paris, we journeyed to the heart of London, the home of ballet's rich heritage. Back then, the city was bursting with creativity and the theatre was alive with dancing and music.
The Royal Ballet Company was born, but their true fame wouldn't be until a hundred years later – but the world already knew they were a force to be reckoned with. It was just so exciting! All this ballet energy - swirling in the air! It made me want to leap across the cobbled streets of London and start dancing, just like a character from a Charles Dickens novel!
Shopping For Ballet Goodies In 1734
London always delivers on the fashion front, especially when it comes to ballet! I spent hours exploring the bustling streets, poking my nose into tiny shops and bustling markets, sniffing out those rare and fascinating finds for my rucksack.
Imagine, velvet gowns trimmed with intricate embroidery and satin slippers so exquisitely made! There were also the stunning ballet slippers, beautifully stitched and made in delicate colours. I couldn't resist a few pairs – one for the collection and one, maybe, just maybe, for a twirl through time… (It is really not as much fun in the rucksack!).
Sharing The Magic with the World
Back home, safe in my Derbyshire cottage, I couldn't wait to share my ballet adventures with the world. Magic Meg had travelled thousands of miles and I've collected some fabulous tales and items, not to mention some seriously impressive photographs!
After all, we wouldn't want you, dear readers, to be missing out on any of the magical moments we had during our journey. My ballet world will have to wait until next month to be filled again!
I'll post on www.pink-tutu.com next month to tell you about our next grand ballet escapade, and remember, if you see me on the streets in Derbyshire wearing my pink tutu, do say hello – we can talk about our favourite dance moments. Until next time!
Lots of twirls,
Emma
