Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things twirling, fabulous and pink! Today we're hopping on Magic Meg's back for another whirlwind adventure, this time back to the 1st of January, 1746. Buckle up, because this journey is about to take us to the very beginnings of ballet as we know it!
This month, I'm really excited to be diving into the fascinating history of ballet, particularly exploring what was going on in the world of dance back in the 18th century. It’s mind-blowing to think about the steps that led us to the ballets we love today, right?
So, put on your favourite pink tutu – mine's my shimmering sequined one with the delicate lace edging – grab a cuppa, and let’s embark on our journey!
Riding Back in Time… on Magic Meg!
The air crackles with excitement as we take off! The world blurs into a colourful whirl of emerald fields, cobbled streets and the imposing silhouette of ancient castles. It's so exciting to be a time traveler! And what’s more exciting than this incredible time machine of mine - Magic Meg?
Her pink mane gleams like spun sugar, and her golden hooves leave a trail of glittering sparkles, dazzling everything in our wake. We’re like two pink twirling rainbows on our way back to the past! And believe me, you’ll be the envy of everyone we pass! 💖
Arriving in… 1746!
After what feels like just a flutter of a feather, we find ourselves in a world that’s a little… rougher around the edges than the ballets we see now. It's like stepping back in time into a ballet performance straight out of the 1700s – no big, grand theaters here. I bet there's an amazing story behind every step, behind every twirl. So much for me to find out and write down in my leather rucksack for you to enjoy!
As we gently ride along a dirt path – let me tell you, this path could do with a little twirl of its own – we stop outside a small theatre called “The Opera-house”. It doesn't look much like a theater now – more like a little white box tucked in amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.
But it was HERE that the world's most famous ballet composer, Jean-Philippe Rameau, first showcased his work. Can you believe it? And imagine all the little ballets and performances, even perhaps in simple little boxes like this one, that had been happening all around the world, before this point!
Now, you may not be thinking of “dancing horses” in ballet, but back in this time, you might have been! Ballet companies, including the Paris Opera Ballet, would include horses as props or symbols. So it wasn’t so much outlandish to think of Magic Meg making her entrance on stage, perhaps twirling and leaping before the amazed crowd! Just imagine the cheers!
I can already picture it in my head – the audience's heads held high in excitement as they take in the grandeur of such a spectacle. The ladies, resplendent in their most extravagant gowns, gasp at her magnificent pink coat, sparkling golden hooves and graceful movements. It’s a vision that must have stopped people in their tracks!
Finding Treasures in the Past:
Now, I have to be quick about this, but do you know what? Inside The Opera-house they've just unveiled an entirely new piece.
I must have gone completely bonkers for it! All frills, frills, frills! So much detail!
Now, what I’m thinking is... it just might be worth a little twirl or two! But first, I have to make sure I don’t miss this incredible discovery:
Rameau's Masterpiece: Castor and Pollux:
Here’s the deal, everyone. The story of ballet itself started in the 1500s in Italy. But it was Rameau who put ballet on the map back in 1746 with his exquisite masterpiece: “Castor and Pollux.”
And guess what else?! I saw a glimpse of the original costumes worn in that first performance. Think lavish, theatrical costumes! Imagine – delicate, frilled, flowing fabric, and maybe, just maybe, a dash of pink… because I just have a feeling the time travelers will be showing up with lots of inspiration in tow for our modern ballet world!
Think long, cascading robes – you know the kind – made for dramatic twirling – with elaborate embroidery, feather trim… It’s the most beautiful thing! It was like stepping into the actual ballet – a true slice of ballet history right there, in front of my eyes.
It’s almost enough to make you think that this 18th-century fashion could become our modern day "Ballet Fashion”! How stunning would we look dancing on stage with those fabrics in a whole new light, right?
You can already picture me – dressed up in one of those beautiful costumes, maybe with a hint of modern-day flair. I’d take it to the dance floor in a heart beat!
Pink Tutu Style Tip:
The next time you’re at a ballet performance, take a minute to admire the details of the costumes. Maybe you'll spot a detail you can take home to your own pink tutu collection – perhaps a sparkly jewel or a frilly lace ribbon to bring some 1700s fashion to your personal collection!
Now, let me just tell you about something exciting I've just discovered.
Imagine, a dress adorned with little, little sparkly dots – in a deep, velvety pink! The idea! How amazing! A timeless classic that makes even me, the ultimate pink tutu fanatic, green with envy. (But maybe I'm just picturing myself wearing that pink with a long white satin tutu over the top! Can you even imagine the effect?!)
It is my absolute delight to say that in my journeys, I have seen firsthand, a little piece of the 18th-century ballet fashion that inspires me every day! It is so cool to find out where these looks came from, so we can take those amazing designs to the future and make them even more incredible!
But let me not spoil any more secrets from my rucksack right now, my lovelies, because it would take us a million years to even think about sharing all of it!
Leaving Our Mark on Time... with Pink Tutu Power!
After our glimpse of Rameau’s masterpiece, it's time to jump back on Magic Meg's back! We leave a bit of magic behind as she takes us forward into the future with that same graceful twirling flair as those costumes on stage. And now we've had such an amazing journey, don’t you think?! 💖
Before I sign off, I have to admit – I left my little magic touch of pink on the door of “The Opera-house.”
That’s right, everyone. There’s now a little shimmer of pink sparkle left on the very spot that it all began! That little reminder, in all the glory of ballet fashion. A legacy of pink… in a little corner of time travel, forever!
Your Thoughts and Pink-Tutu Journey:
Let me know in the comments, which ballet company will be putting a Castor and Pollux piece in their show next year?! How exciting would that be? It’d definitely make this month’s time travel extra special! And remember – we’re on our journey to get everyone wearing pink tutus, and you’re all welcome to join the dance! 💖
See you on the next pink-tutu journey! And keep an eye out on the website for all the latest fashion tips!
Until then, stay sparkly, and remember, “there’s magic in every twirl.”
With all the love,
Emma
Post No. 1021 – www.pink-tutu.com
