Welcome back, fellow tutu-lovers! This is Emma from Pink-Tutu.com, your go-to source for all things ballet and a little bit of time-travel magic. I'm so excited to be here, especially today, as it's time for post number 1003 ā a milestone in my ballet time-travel chronicles.
As always, let's jump straight into the whirlwind that is my life. You see, I just can't get enough of history, fashion, and, of course, ballet. And, the best part? Combining them all into one magnificent adventure. Today, it's all about that wonderful, fantastical, slightly ludicrous (but always fun!) concept: travelling through time on a pink, sparkling Shire horse named Magic Meg. Yep, she's a beauty. Pink mane and tail flowing in the breeze, golden hooves clicking rhythmically as we gallop through time. Itās just a tiny bit of Derbyshire magic.
But why July 7th, 1744, you ask? Well, on this date, a special little ballet took place at the OpĆ©ra in Paris. "La Poule," or "The Hen," created by the legendary Jean-Georges Noverre. And guess what? It's one of the oldest ballets we have record of. Now, I know, some might say that a ballet about a hen doesn't sound very glamorous ā but trust me, my dearest tutu enthusiasts, it's full of intrigue, comedy, and pantomime! This ballet even predates the more formal 'Romantic Ballet' which would blossom from the late 18th century onwards.
This era, my friends, is the golden age of ballet. Ballet was starting to really take centre stage in the world, leaving behind the earlier, courtly traditions of just a few decades before, when ballet was almost a form of theatrical entertainment with dance at the forefront. Now, we're seeing stories unfolding, characters interacting, a real emphasis on technical skill. I canāt help but think itās the reason I feel drawn to this time period, seeing the origins of what would evolve to the ballet of today.
The OpĆ©ra in 1744 was an incredible place ā the scene of both social gatherings and brilliant theatrical presentations. The first opera house to be specifically designed for opera (and yes, ballet!). You can just picture it: galleries decked with splendid boxes and intricate carvings. A shimmering crystal chandelier casting its soft light down on a vibrant, stylish crowd, elegantly dressed in their finest attire. I can almost hear the murmur of polite conversation and laughter intermingling with the melodic symphony that rises from the orchestra below.
Speaking of style, oh the glamour! The ladies in their beautifully embellished panniers, shimmering gowns, and lavish hairstyles! Itās a vision in shimmering fabrics and colours that rivals any red carpet event. My heart almost stops when I imagine what it must have been like! Thankfully, I came equipped with my trusty leather rucksack. Itās my personal ballet time travel treasure box, full of sketches, notes, snippets of stories, and even some original fabric samples from the era. Today, I added an intricately beaded shoe ornament from a shop near the OpĆ©ra ā how fabulous is that?!
The ballet "La Poule," as I said, is truly special. It's not just about a simple, ordinary hen. Oh, no! It's about a magical hen, an intriguing plot about deception, trickery, and love that unfolds as a fantastical allegory. This, to me, is pure theatrical magic! No wonder Noverre was hailed as a āballet innovatorā - the pioneer of story-based ballet and dramatic dance expression. You've got to love a good dance drama!
Think of this ballet as a sneak peak at the future ā a bridge to the evolution of narrative-driven ballet, a premonition of whatās to come. That is one of the amazing things about this kind of time travel. I can feel that thrill of history unfolding right before my eyes!
As a ballerina, nothing makes me feel more alive than stepping onto the stage. I think of my ancestors ā these ballet pioneers and revolutionaries of the past. "La Poule," "La Fille Mal GardĆ©e," "La Dansomanieā - ballets that built the foundation of what ballet would become. Itās that feeling that connects me to this history ā the passion, the beauty, the emotion, the grace and skill ā all culminating into those special, thrilling, and magical moments in time.
I do admit, however, that it isnāt just the historical value of ballet that enthralls me. As I mentioned earlier, the era is bursting with sartorial elegance. Weāre not just talking about fancy ballgowns. This was an era when the dance costume started to break free from the traditional heavy, ornate and constricting layers, revealing beautiful shapes and body lines.
One thing I adore is that this era is a sort of crossroads. From the lavish ornamentation of the past and moving towards a more form fitting aesthetic. A little glimpse into how ballet costuming became what we see today. As always, my mind was racing! A vintage style tutus, designed after a style of 1744 but for the modern age? Hmm. Maybe I could collaborate with a vintage seamstress, maybe from the period! The time travellerās mind never stops!
Back at my studio in Derbyshire, Iām making my own "La Poule" tutus for the upcoming dance performance I have at the theatre. Maybe I can weave in a little bit of the story? A nod to a time traveller ballerina! Of course, it'll have a touch of pink - every performance, a chance for the pink tutus to take over the world!
You know what? Thereās one thing that truly gets me about being a time-travel ballerina. This constant need to bring history to life, to make it real for others. It's a passion to spark the imagination and inspire the dance lovers of the present, the future generations of tutus. It's all part of my grand plan: pink tutus for everyone!
Don't forget, you can follow my ballet journey, get inspired by my dance moves and my style at www.pink-tutu.com. I'll be back with another adventure in a monthās time! Until then, happy dancing!
Remember, you are beautiful and you can wear a pink tutu if you want!
Stay fashionable! Love, Emma x
