Hello, darling dancers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, where we shimmy through time and discover the beautiful world of ballet throughout history! It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, and this month I'm twirling back to a very special date – 10th October, 1735! Buckle up your ballet shoes, grab your favourite pink tutu, and let's embark on a journey through time!
Now, 1735, you ask? Why that particular date, darling? Well, this time travel wasn't just a random hop - I was chasing a whisper of a rumour, a tantalising tidbit that sent shivers of excitement through my ballerina soul! There was talk of a grand ball at the Court of Louis XV, in glorious Versailles! Could this be where I'd finally see a true example of 18th century ballet courtly fashion, those elegant steps and the very beginnings of that regal, refined ballet that we know and love? My rucksack was packed with anticipation! And let's just say, Magic Meg was eager for a trot!
Magic Meg, as you all know, is my darling pink steed – a magnificent shire horse with a dazzling white mane and tail, golden hooves, and a sparkle that outshines any diamond! Just the colour pink, really! Her magnificent, shimmering coat reflects every hue imaginable, creating a vibrant display that draws all eyes! Of course, my tutus must match her fabulous coat – this time, a shimmering tulle delight with delicate rose-petal detailing, so vibrant and pretty! And you just KNOW this pink is an absolute dream against that beautiful backdrop of Versailles.
We galloped through the misty dawn, reaching the grandeur of Versailles as the sun began its glorious ascent. Now, for someone who lives and breathes ballet, Versailles is a dreamland! You know I adore seeing the shows themselves, and ballet during this time period was more about the intricate, formal choreography and the breathtaking costumes than the leaping we associate with ballet today! Think slow, deliberate movements, and lots of elegant poses and expressive gestures – utterly captivating!
But oh, the ballet costumes! Imagine opulent silks, exquisite satins, sparkling sequins, and exquisite embroideries, all with elaborate headdresses and lavish masks. My rucksack began to overflow with sketches, fabrics, and snippets of information. A true inspiration for my own tutus, and perhaps even my next performance! After all, what would a Pink Tutu blog be without a fashion showstopper?
As I mingled amidst the Court, whispers of a 'new ballet' called ‘Ballet d’Action’ reached my ears. This was something different! The dancers used less ornamentation and a lot more natural expression in their movement. It felt so wonderfully real, as if their movements actually told a story, conveying emotion! I felt it was truly the start of the dramatic narrative approach that still enthralls us today!
But this trip wasn’t just about ballet! I also went on a magnificent shopping spree for fabrics – think sumptuous silks, breathtaking brocades, and beautiful embroidery threads in every shade imaginable. There was also some absolutely stunning lace – oh, my dreams of designing! It was the most inspirational shopping experience. This is how tutus come to life! My fashion muse is alight! I have visions of flowing fabric, romantic tutus and gorgeous designs in the making! My next tutus will have everyone gasping!
Of course, we have to make room for a delectable Parisian feast of croissants, pastries and café au lait – my favourite treat when travelling! After all, even the best ballerina needs a little bit of sweetness!
And finally, as dusk settled on the French landscape, Magic Meg and I galloped back to Derbyshire. My mind was brimming with ideas for new ballet pieces, new tutus and new adventures. There's nothing like a dash through history to spark a creative fire, darling!
This time trip to Versailles was a whirlwind of fashion, artistry, and the true evolution of ballet – a ballet history lesson I won't forget.
I hope you've enjoyed this little trip with me. Don’t forget to join me for my next adventure on www.pink-tutu.com! Keep an eye out for my posts! And, oh, don’t forget, it’s never too late to find the pink tutu that best expresses you!
Until then, keep twirling, darling!
Yours in pink,
Emma xx
