Hello fellow ballet lovers! Emma here, back with another tale from the pinkest timeline imaginable! As you know, it's all about the tutu here on pink-tutu.com. Whether it's pirouetting in the present or flitting through history, the iconic ballet garment remains my constant companion.
This month, Magic Meg and I are trotting back to October 10th, 1738, to the glorious city of Paris, the heartbeat of ballet. I must say, my dear readers, the French fashion scene is positively dazzling! All the elegant ladies are adorned with stunning silk gowns and feathers, and the gentlemen are sporting elaborate wigs that make me yearn for a good hairspray. The Parisian air practically buzzes with an air of elegance, but the highlight for me is definitely the world of ballet!
Now, I’m a firm believer in a bit of ballet history – who needs time travel if you can't brush up on your balletic roots, right? Well, in 1738, the Paris Opera was at its peak. The royal court adored ballet, and the great choreographers and dancers of the time were attracting audiences from far and wide. Can you imagine being in Paris back then, watching the world-renowned stars of the Parisian stage twirl and leap, all in those gorgeous costumes!
I made my way to the Salle de l’Opéra – oh, to have seen it in all its original glory – where Louis XIV's beloved ballet master, Jean-Baptiste Lully, left an indelible mark. He brought theatre and music together to create a spectacle fit for a king, and even as we travel through time, his influence is clearly felt. The operas of Lully, particularly his Atys, a theatrical opera ballet, captivated all, with the vibrant performances showcasing dazzling displays of choreography and music.
And speaking of performances, this trip was overflowing with exciting ballet happenings! My heart thumped with excitement when I saw the premiere of "Le Prince Charmant" a ballet featuring some of the most sought-after dancers of the era. It was an absolutely captivating show, with gorgeous costumes, enchanting sets and choreography so intricate it made my head spin. As you know, I’m a big fan of supporting dancers in all forms, whether they are the superstars or up-and-coming ballerinas – everyone starts somewhere, and in Paris, the dancers were absolutely sensational. I wish I had a spare rucksack just to carry all their stunning costumes back to my dressing room, though I imagine the modern-day cleaners wouldn't be too pleased.
Now, it wasn't just ballet performances that got me spinning. Oh, dear readers, let me tell you, 1738 Paris is a haven for a ballet aficionado like myself! The shops were brimming with the latest fashion trends – all the finest silk, lace and ribbons just begging to be turned into magnificent ballet attire. The ballet world is definitely intertwined with fashion, so my rucksack is full of beautiful sketches and ideas for costumes and tutus that I hope to implement in my own performances.
You’ve got to believe me, ladies, that fashion sense in Paris was ahead of its time. Just imagine – we are talking silks, lace, velvet and those breathtaking headpieces! I am going to be dreaming of that lace, velvet and pearl trimming for a while, that's for sure. Maybe I can find a costume maker who can create my dream tutu with these very fabrics - they do say dreams can come true, right? Perhaps if I take them my sketchbook, I can bring the world of ballet fashion from 1738 to my stage!
I also stumbled upon the most amazing shoe shop filled with the most exquisite ballet slippers! These tiny beauties, with their intricate details and the finest leather, were absolutely inspiring! Who knew slippers could be so exquisite? Of course, it goes without saying I acquired some beauties to adorn my very own shoe collection - the ones with delicate lace trims will definitely be finding a place on my vanity.
On this particular time travel adventure, I did have one peculiar observation. The lack of tights! It’s crazy to think about performing ballet in 1738 – in full-length gowns, elegant slippers, but without tights! As much as I love fashion and the historic elements, I wouldn’t swap the practical comfort of a pair of modern tights for anything.
My little notebook is filling up fast, dear readers, filled with exciting details of the Paris ballet scene in 1738, stories I can't wait to share! I can't wait to put together a spectacular show to showcase the incredible details I’ve learnt this month! Of course, every show wouldn't be complete without an outfit made with fabrics, styles and designs of the times, I can't wait to present the first tutu inspired by this historic adventure to the world – pink and dazzling of course.
But that's a tale for another blog post. In the meantime, let’s all go out there, be bold, be confident, and wear those tutus with pride! Pink, of course, but feel free to experiment with other colours, After all, every single one of us is a star.
Remember, dear readers, pink tutus for everyone, because ballet is about letting your creativity soar and inspiring a love for dance in everyone's heart.
Until next month, dance on!
-Emma, pink-tutu.com
