Hello darlings! Itās Emma here, back from another breathtaking time travel adventure, and Iām simply bursting with excitement to share it with you! Today, Iām taking you all the way back to August 8th, 1743, to a time when powdered wigs and delicate fans were the height of fashion, and, of course, to experience the world of ballet!
Now, as you know, Iām absolutely obsessed with tutus - anything from the classic tulle masterpieces to the most modern, innovative designs - but today, my dears, my heart truly skipped a beat as I stepped into a world where the tutu was just starting to bloom!
You see, it was on this very date in 1743 that Jean-Georges Noverre, the true 'father' of ballet, published his ground-breaking book āLettres sur la Danse.ā Now, imagine, if you will, my joy at getting a sneak peek at this ballet revolution in the making! Noverre, oh how I love his visionary spirit, envisioned ballet as a theatrical spectacle that combined elegant movement with dramatic storytelling. He called it āballet dāactionā!
Before I even set foot in the past, I knew that this date would be special. My darling Magic Meg, the most exquisite pink, sparkly Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane of white, snorted and pawed the ground in anticipation, a clear sign that an incredible ballet adventure awaited us!
We arrived in Paris, a vibrant city abuzz with activity, a melting pot of creativity and extravagance. It was a city buzzing with energy, an artistic hub where ballet was steadily becoming a popular pastime. And in this setting, amidst the chatter and the elegant dress, the first thing that struck me was the lack of pink tutus!
But I wasn't about to be discouraged! As I hopped off Magic Meg, adjusting my own perfectly pink, poufy tutu (donāt worry dears, itās made from an exclusive fabric that magically transports between times!), I was ready to inject some much-needed colour into this era.
My first stop was the beautiful Opera de Paris, an opulent spectacle that made me feel as though I had walked right into a fairytale. You could just sense the magic hanging in the air, ready to erupt in the form of stunning performances. Now, sadly, the actual ballet performance wasnāt due for a couple of days, but just stepping into that historical theatre sent shivers down my spine! I can imagine the hushed awe as the audience settled, the chandeliers sparkling, ready for the grand curtain to rise.
With a wink, Magic Meg whinnied softly, letting me know she was ready for some shopping fun! We rode through the cobbled streets of Paris, where the perfume of freshly baked bread and a hint of smoke from nearby bakers filled the air. The scent of old Paris mixed with the fragrance of delicate, handcrafted perfumes carried on the breeze.
Now, Iām not usually a person for history books, darling, I prefer the thrill of experiencing history firsthand. And thereās no better way to do that than to visit a historical ballet rehearsal! Itās fascinating to watch these early ballets evolve. While the elegant costumes were a delight ā the powdered wigs were so impressive! I mean, who needs a hair salon when youāve got those beauties?
The dancers in their beautiful white costumes and slippers (not tutus yet, dear!), moved gracefully and gracefully as the maƮtre de ballet demonstrated the steps. I just knew, in that very moment, that those steps would become a part of the fabric of the dance world, and here I was, a witness to it all! It was truly an honor to stand there and admire their dedication and artistry.
And letās talk fashion! I've collected a delightful array of dance treasures to bring back to Derbyshire, where I'll curate a display for the grand ballet exhibition that my family and I organize annually. This year, of course, I'm showcasing the ballet fashion of 1743! Imagine, silk ribbons, elaborate embroidery, intricate embellishments ā the possibilities were limitless, even with the lack of the glorious pink tutu!
However, even though there werenāt many tutus (except my fabulous, always on point one, of course!), I felt a shift happening. Noverreās influence was already being felt in the elegant movements, the passionate story-telling. This period was paving the way for the grand ballerinas, the stunning tutus and the dazzling dance routines we cherish today.
So, darling, do keep that thought in mind as you explore the ballet world today, in any period of history, or as you find yourself enthralled at a local performance. Ballet is an evolving art form, one that has grown and transformed over centuries, each generation building upon the last. Itās a testament to human artistry, resilience, and sheer passion!
The ballet performance ended late that evening, the applause deafening. Stepping out into the starlit Parisian night, a rush of emotions swept over me. It was exhilarating, humbling, and exhilarating! A deep sense of gratitude settled in, that I was given the privilege to travel through time and share this little glimpse of balletās early development. Iām filled with joy and an even stronger determination to continue my work, to spread the message of beauty and artistry through dance and my ever-so-important pink tutu, one graceful leap at a time!
Join me again next month, as we set off on another grand adventure, exploring more dazzling moments in ballet history.
Until then, stay twirling and remember to embrace your inner ballerina, wherever you are in the world. You can check out all my ballet time travels at www.pink-tutu.com. Love always, Emma!
