Hello my lovely readers! Emma here, back from another breathtaking adventure through time with my beloved Magic Meg, my sparkling pink Shire horse with hooves that could rival Cinderella's glass slippers! This month we're waltzing back to the 1730s, to a time when ballet was taking its first graceful steps towards becoming the captivating art form it is today!
As always, my faithful pink tutu has travelled with me, bringing a dash of vibrant colour and whimsical flair to this historical adventure. Oh, how I love to see the look on people's faces when they see my flamboyant outfit - it's like I've transported a sprinkle of the future onto their unsuspecting, cobbled streets!
The Ballet Buzz in 1735
So, what's on the ballet bill in 1735? Well, it was the year that the very first ballet academy opened its doors in Paris! Imagine! Dedicated spaces to learn the art of ballet! A time for aspiring dancers to truly blossom. It's almost like witnessing a budding flower unfurling its petals for the first time, right?
The famous choreographer Jean-Georges Noverre was also working on some fabulous pieces this year. His visionary work pushed ballet towards its theatrical heights, paving the way for the grand stories we enjoy today. This man truly was a pioneer! He focused on storytelling within the dance and brought dramatic emotion to the fore. Can't you just see a ballet where the costumes and dance moves reflect the emotional journey of the characters? Pure magic!
My Pink Tutu Takes Flight
We landed near the Jardin du Luxembourg, a beautiful park where Parisians gathered for a stroll or to simply relax in the sun. Now, while the Parisian fashion wasn't exactly "pink tutu" approved in 1735, let me tell you, I still made quite a splash. Imagine me - a vision in pink against the backdrop of those elegantly adorned ladies, their elaborate skirts rustling like silken leaves in the breeze! I felt like a single vibrant bloom in a formal rose garden!
The leather rucksack I always carry on my back (for safekeeping, you know - a dancer has to protect her souvenirs!) is currently brimming with incredible discoveries from 1735:
- A sketch of a ballet set designed by the artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement. Just imagine the beauty of his vision - imagine lighting on stage to bring the scene to life. I am so going to recreate this at my next ballet performance!
- A hand-stitched ballet slipper, incredibly tiny but crafted with such artistry. You can imagine how much love and precision went into each tiny stitch. I feel truly privileged to hold it!
- A faded copy of a playbill, with a dance announcement for the Opera Ballet at the Palais Royal. Just reading it gives me goosebumps. To be part of that world, to witness a performance that sparked the heart of a new genre – well, it’s all truly inspiring!
Shopping, Dancing, and Spreading Pink Tutu Love
You know me, my darlings, my time travel adventures are never just about exploring the past; it's about living life to the fullest, savoring every moment! Of course, a trip wouldn't be complete without a little indulgence, right? I mean, we gotta stay chic, right?
Now, while 18th century French fashion was a world away from our modern looks, there was still an elegant charm about it! Think beautiful brocades, satins, and velvet in rich colours, and don’t even get me started on the exquisite lace! I even found a little boutique where they hand-painted fabrics! What a stunning sight to see! I just had to purchase a few gorgeous ribbons for my tutu and a beautiful silk scarf with delicate flowers woven into it - perfect for a ballet performance in Derbyshire!
Naturally, my trip to 1735 wouldn't be complete without indulging in a bit of ballet! As it turns out, there was a dance performance at a private salon in a Parisian mansion. Let me tell you, it was mesmerizing. They performed elegant dances based on stories from Greek mythology. It felt as though the dancers were leaping out of a fresco in the Louvre, each move flowing gracefully into the next. And guess who had the best seat in the house? My sparkling pink tutu, of course!
Of course, it wouldn't be an Emma trip without a bit of inspiring everyone to embrace the power of the pink tutu. Now, I couldn’t exactly expect a group of 18th century Parisians to waltz into the streets in pink tutus, but I certainly showed them how beautiful and liberating it can be. And who knows? Maybe my influence will sprout and blossom into a whole new fashion movement!
I bid you adieu, my fellow pink-tutu-loving friends! See you next month for another exhilarating dance through history!
Until then, remember – let your passions inspire you to dance! And always, always, embrace the magical power of the pink tutu!
Love,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
