Hello darlings, and welcome back to my Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, we're waltzing back to the 7th of July, 1738! Oh, how I just love a bit of history, don't you? I can't imagine life without ballet! Can you? It's the ultimate form of artistic expression! Anyway, I'm positively giddy to share this adventure with you all. Grab a cuppa, and settle in - we've got a whole lot of dancing to do!
The air is crisp and fresh as I arrive at the stables, a glorious blush of dawn creeping over the Derbyshire countryside. Magic Meg, my dear shire horse with a shimmering pink coat and a mane like spun moonlight, is already pawing the ground, ready for our grand escapade! Isn't she just a darling? It's always a sight to behold, with her glistening hooves leaving little sparkly trails as we go!
My trusty leather rucksack is packed full of excitement - you see, I love to gather stories and treasures from the past, like a miniature ballet museum. This time, I'm particularly eager to find a forgotten ballet score or perhaps a precious hand-sewn tutu from this era. Isn't that a wonderful idea? Imagine the delicate stitches, the forgotten colours, the dreams sewn into every layer!
Now, a little tidbit of historical fun, darlings: Back in 1738, Paris was positively buzzing with the grand Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris, founded in 1669. The French ballet was so very much a part of high society, much like it is now. Isn't that thrilling!
The scene? We arrive at a beautiful little Parisian courtyard, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. There, amidst cobbled streets and bubbling fountains, stands a stunning theatre with painted cherubs peering from its gilded doors!
You just know something fantastic is going to happen!
Today's grand affair, a spectacle for the senses! "Le Triomphe de l'Amour," by Jean-Philippe Rameau! Can you imagine, ballet being a big deal in Parisian society in 1738, much like it is now! I’m always delighted by ballet's lasting impact on society, it just keeps inspiring and fascinating people across the globe, like me!
We sneak inside the grand theatre, and there, the dancers are warming up. Oh, how beautiful! All billowing silks and elegant postures, as the music fills the space with the air of joyous passion!
And you know what's absolutely charming about ballet history? It’s such a wonderfully social event! Ballet doesn't simply take place on the stage. In the lobby and the courtyard, people were mingling in dazzling silks and powdered wigs, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation, just like at any grand gala today.
Even though fashion has changed so dramatically over the centuries, there's this enchanting constant, this magic of people gathering together for the joy of ballet, sharing in the stories and the artistry! The world seems a bit brighter in the presence of graceful ballerinas and a good dose of dramatic storytelling!
Back in the grand theatre, the music begins, an uplifting flourish that fills the hall and electrifies the air. The ballerinas emerge in dazzling costumes, all swirls and sashes, with graceful ribbons dancing with each turn. You see, ballet hasn’t just stood still through time! It's like the dancers are weaving magic into the air!
The audience is transfixed! In those candle-lit shadows, the dancers tell a story, the tale of a young lady fighting for her heart's desires, just as ballerinas today. It's that enduring appeal, a love story woven into the music and movements, a touch of fairytale amidst the grandeur of the French courts, you can't resist falling in love with ballet, it’s just beautiful!
And the highlight of this time-travel ballet trip? A chance to watch Rameau's "Le Triomphe de l'Amour"! Isn't that a delight? It’s been so wonderfully reinterpreted in ballet form - a beautiful story about triumphing over challenges to find your happiness. Such a joy to be here!
It's that spirit of joy that fills the space. After the curtain closes, we head out to wander the streets, the moonlit Parisian cobblestones twinkling under our feet. A touch of magic still lingers in the air - it seems that every city in history had that something special, even this tiny Parisian street, all these years ago!
I often find myself mesmerized by the history of ballet and how it transcends time! Isn’t it just wonderful? It's a love story, a fight for dreams, a touch of artistry that sparks an emotion we can all share!
That’s what I find most lovely about our world. No matter where I travel, ballet unites everyone, you can tell I’m smitten! You see, when it comes to ballet, we all share a passion.
This little corner of Paris is a snapshot of a time frozen in time. This time, Magic Meg whisked us through a whirlwind of Parisian flair, and, with a nod of my head to the starry sky, we're off on our journey back to the present.
Until next time, darlings, remember to embrace the beauty that dances within!
Emma xx
(Emma continues to dance around the world each month and encourages all readers to wear a pink tutu and post pictures on www.pink-tutu.com and instagram at @PinktutuTT to show off your passion for ballet too. All this time travelling and blogging, means she often performs and puts on special ballet shows at various dance studios in her spare time to fund her next ballet history time travels. Her dancing can be seen across various parts of England. For more updates, you can visit www.pink-tutu.com )
