Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballerina. It's that time of the month again - time for another exciting adventure with Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling Shire horse. This month, we're taking a trip to 1738, specifically to 11th November. It's all thanks to a captivating article I stumbled upon in my ballet history reading, and I can already feel the excitement building!
Fashionably French, A Touch of Scandal
This particular date, dear readers, marks a landmark performance by the iconic Mademoiselle Sallé. Now, I can’t imagine a ballerina without a perfectly-constructed tutu, can you? But you'll be surprised to learn that in 1738, Parisian ballet stages were more familiar with the ‘à la française’ style – full skirts and panniers! Think puffy and voluminous. Mademoiselle Sallé, a revolutionary spirit in the world of dance, decided to shock the audiences. Imagine – a ballet dancer in a fitted, figure-hugging costume, a leotard! The boldness, the liberation!
It’s said she danced a piece called ‘La Danse de la Furie’ where she was even accused of scandal for wearing a bodice that showcased her lovely bust. Can you imagine? Honestly, this was ground-breaking! It was all about the movement, the grace, the sensuality of the female form, just as we do in modern ballet.
This Parisian escapade feels a bit like going to a theatrical extravaganza with the backdrop of Parisian chic! And just like we have the coveted shows at the Royal Opera House in London, this was their equivalent - a grand theatre with glittering chandeliers.
Parisian Whirlwind
Now, for a real dose of that 1738 energy, I must tell you about a tiny but wonderful discovery! It was while I was shopping for fabrics, imagining myself designing a new pink tutu in keeping with Mademoiselle Sallé's groundbreaking style, that I found a precious, embroidered pouch at an antique store!
Inside? You guessed it – a dance programme! The cover, a delightful blend of pale blue and gold, tells the story of the Parisian opera house back then, mentioning some pieces that are so familiar, it’s uncanny! And guess what? They actually performed an original ballet named ‘The Triumph of Time’ – sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Pink, Paris, & Perfection
As we strolled through the heart of Paris, a vision of pink swirls against the backdrop of beautifully worn cobbled streets and quaint shops, I got a delicious taste of how it felt to be there in that pivotal moment. Now, you see, while 1738 wasn't a time where the concept of a "pink tutu" might have existed (though if you could see how well a pastel pink fabric with a touch of gold embroidery would fit into the Paris fashion!), we can appreciate the revolution of a groundbreaking dancer and how her legacy echoes in every plié, every pirouette we see today.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if I got to meet Mademoiselle Sallé, alas, it's a tale for another day! She seems to be busy in a rehearsal, but the whole thing was as glamorous and exciting as a pink tutu party in a castle! And trust me, when I return, I'm ready to design a ballet ensemble fit for a queen - with a nod to Mademoiselle Sallé's daring style. Because a girl has got to follow her passion, you know!
Don’t forget, keep checking in on www.pink-tutu.com! And I promise to share the full details of the story of this fabulous French journey with you in next month's blog!
