Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, back from another thrilling time travel adventure! June the 6th, 1739 - it's a date that's just sparkling with ballet history! Grab a cuppa, settle in your comfiest armchair (or even a tutu-clad armchair if you've got one!) and let's dive into the magic of this fabulous day.
This month, Magic Meg whisked me to a very special place - Paris! Imagine the bustling Parisian streets, cobblestone pathways underfoot, and the air alive with the music of life. As I rode past in my shimmering pink tutu (the perfect Parisian shade!), the scent of fresh pastries filled the air, making my tummy rumble for some croissants. But there were more exciting things to be had in Paris today - ballet!
Now, imagine my delight! Not just any ballet, darling, but one at the famed Théâtre de la Salle des Machines! Picture this, a grand hall fit for royalty, with intricately painted ceilings and opulent decor. This was the setting for a ballet called "L'Amour vainqueur", the title meaning "Love Conquers All". How perfectly romantic, isn't it?
This ballet wasn't your usual dramatic affair with swirling stories. It was more about showcasing intricate choreography and showcasing the skills of these remarkable dancers. Can you picture it - graceful movements, intricate steps, and delicate jumps - the essence of ballet, distilled in one elegant spectacle. It was absolutely enthralling!
Of course, being the fabulous time traveler that I am, I had to pop into the theatre. My shimmering pink tutu, I believe, did rather attract a bit of attention. People in the 18th century, especially in Paris, loved their colours! But let's be honest, pink is always on trend. The ladies gasped, and some even curtseyed! The gentlemen, I believe, looked quite smitten (and maybe a tad jealous that my pink tutu didn't come with a little "I'm Taken" note... ha!).
My dear Meg was a good girl and stayed patiently outside with my leather rucksack full of little ballet treasures. You'd be surprised what you can find even back in 1739! There were little hand-painted figurines of dancers in that era's attire - and of course, I snatched up a gorgeous pair of satin slippers! It was hard to choose as the selection was simply delightful, but these ones are a very delicate shade of lavender. A good ballerina always keeps an eye on her shoes!
The Parisian streets that evening were abuzz with chatter. Everyone was talking about the "L'Amour vainqueur". I found a lovely little cafe, sipped a hot chocolate, and soaked up all the gossip and excitement surrounding the performance. Even the Parisian locals seemed a little less serious after a visit to the theatre. It was delightful!
Speaking of fashion, even back then they had their own form of ballet style. Think rich fabrics, exquisite lace trims, and elegant shapes. It made me think of modern ballet shoes! I even managed to find a gorgeous silk scarf adorned with little ballerina figures - an absolute steal, I assure you. This little gem will definitely go into my "Vintage Ballerina Collection", alongside the beautiful panniers (which were basically those lovely skirt-holding contraptions that ladies wore) I collected on my last trip!
The most delightful part of the day was the atmosphere. The people of Paris, despite their busy lives, held an undeniable passion for dance and theatre. It reminded me of how we still flock to see our favourite performers - it's a beautiful, universal language that transcends time.
After my Parisian ballet extravaganza, Magic Meg galloped us back to my cosy Derbyshire cottage, a familiar haven after such an incredible journey. And now, I’m back in the comfort of my own home, reflecting on all the wonder and joy of that ballet-filled day in 1739. I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading about it as much as I did experiencing it!
Oh, and for all my beautiful pink-tutu wearers, you simply have to get out there and experience ballet. Let's make ballet fashionable together!
Don’t forget, dear readers, you can find my upcoming ballet performance dates at the bottom of this post, along with my ever-expanding “Vintage Ballerina Collection”. Until next time, keep dancing and spreading the pink-tutu love!
Love,
Emma x
