Bonjour mes amies! Welcome back to another pink-tutu time-travelling adventure! This month, I'm whizzing you back to the 1740s, specifically 4th April 1747! And guess who's joining me on this fabulous journey? You guessed it, my dear Magic Meg! With her gleaming golden hooves and a mane and tail like a swirling cloud of whipped cream, Meg always adds a touch of enchantment to our trips.
This month, we're hopping on Meg's back, soaring through the Parisian skies to land smack bang in the heart of the city. 18th-century Paris? Now that's a tutu-worthy sight! Think lace, think ribbons, think bouffant hairstyles and enough powder to rival a baker's sugar bowl!
I've donned my most exquisite pink tutu for the occasion - a soft cloud of tulle trimmed with the finest lace and sparkling with iridescent sequins, it's fit for a queen. You know I love a good twirl and a show, and what better way to celebrate arriving in the City of Lights than with a glimpse at what the Parisian ballet scene had to offer?
Now, 1747 was a pivotal time for ballet. The art form had blossomed in France under Louis XIV, and by the 1740s, ballet was all the rage! Even though it wasn't quite the dazzling spectacle we know and love today, it was a dance with a sophisticated elegance all its own.
Back then, Parisian dancers weren't just flitting across stages - they were the talk of the town, the darlings of the aristocracy, adored by all. And their tutus? Oh my! They were, dare I say, slightly less… pink-tutu friendly, but nonetheless impressive! The era saw dancers adopting more intricate costumes - think rich brocades, delicate lace, and long, flowing skirts - the perfect backdrop for graceful and intricate choreography.
I’ve slipped my bag – you know, the one I collect all my precious ballet history treasures in – onto Meg’s back and we’re ready to step back into 18th-century Paris! First, we're going to visit the grand Palais de l'Opéra! Can you imagine all the powdered wigs and elaborate costumes flitting around the theatre? I’m itching to see what ballet brilliance they’re offering today!
As we gallop through the Parisian streets, I can see all kinds of carriages bustling past. Meg’s sparkling pinkness makes her stand out like a candyfloss unicorn against the backdrop of dark, cobbled streets and elegant horses.
After an hour of riding, we’re finally at the grand opera house! And what a sight it is! I’ve never seen such intricate carvings and gilded arches - the Parisian opulence just drips from every corner! The air is filled with the whispers and chatter of elegant Parisians. They all have this lovely Parisian swagger about them - all sharp suits and elaborate ladies. I've spotted a group of men, decked out in ruffled shirts and fine breeches, engaged in heated conversation. I can’t hear what they’re discussing but I think one of them is making a bold statement about a particularly fetching lady… Perhaps the current sensation of the Parisian stage?
As we stroll towards the grand entrance, we pass a beautiful woman dressed in silk and lace. She has her hair powdered in such a way that it looks like a cloud of snowy mist! As we get closer, she notices my pink tutu. A huge smile spreads across her face. "Mon dieu, but that’s beautiful!" She gushes in an accented whisper. "So bold! So chic!"
A little girl runs out, catching her mama’s skirt in alarm as the carriage behind her gives her a fright. “Mommy! Mommy!” she cries, eyes wide as saucers. As we pass by, she points a tiny finger at Meg. "Ooh!" she shrieks. “She’s a real fairy pony!”
We reach the door to the opera house, and I’m nearly knocked over by the crowd of chattering people bustling their way inside. The smell of freshly lit candles mixes with the aroma of a dozen perfumed women.
Stepping inside, I’m overcome with a wave of warmth and chatter. It’s packed with a lively mix of theatregoers. Even though we’re back in the 18th century, I see men and women alike – a testament to how ballet was beginning to reach across all corners of society!
There are gentlemen with elaborate lace collars, ladies in gorgeous gowns with full skirts, their shoulders decked in a mountain of lace. They all seem so excited to witness a spectacle of beauty - a true dedication to the arts that is still evident in ballet audiences today! I pull out my notepad to record everything about the show in case I need inspiration for my future tutus!
A gentle hand taps me on the shoulder. “Excuse me, madam, is that a horse you have brought into the theatre?” A slightly harrowed looking woman in a voluminous gown with more powder than an entire flour mill looks ready to scold. I blush as she smiles.
"Why, yes it is! My name is Emma. It's Magic Meg! We love coming to the theatre - she's a big fan of tutus too." I flash her a smile.
“A horse?" The woman’s brow furrows for a minute, then breaks into a smile. "Such whimsy! I do like it. So very... dramatic!" The woman laughs lightly, “Ah, well, please tell me, do you know Madame [name of prominent dancer/choreographer] ? Her movements are a joy to behold, so precise yet expressive. So dramatic! The ladies do go wild!” She nods approvingly as we move into the theatre together.
The theatre is beautifully lit, warm, and buzzing with energy. As we walk down the red velvet aisle towards the seats, the scent of freshly brewed coffee tickles our noses and a melody, so enchanting, drifts out to welcome us.
With every step, I’m transported back to the past, and I have to hold myself back from rushing out into the aisle, to pirouette as a tribute to the ballerinas I see gracing the stage.
As I watch the opening of the performance, I'm mesmerized! The story is one of lovers and heartbreak, jealousy, betrayal, and triumphant passion – so romantic, just what a good Parisian ballet should be! The ballerinas wear intricately designed dresses - and I’m thrilled to see some subtle hints of pink amongst the white and peach hues! Oh how I wish I could hop onstage with them!
As the evening ends, Magic Meg waits for me, bathed in the ethereal glow of the opera house. The magic of this journey, I tell her, will forever be a cherished moment in my time-travelling scrapbook of ballet stories. The passion for the art form shines so brightly - you can feel it all around you.
Before we go, we visit a Parisian dress shop! They have some truly fabulous outfits on show, so many sparkling jewels, rich brocade fabrics. I imagine myself on a stage in the most beautiful costume. With Meg's help, I add the best snippets to my ballet bag - the newest dance step, the newest dance stories, the newest pink fashions to share with the readers of Pink Tutu.
Meg’s white mane glitters in the moon’s reflection as we gallop through the silent Parisian streets. As we glide back through the skies to the comfort of Derbyshire, my mind is racing, thinking about what ballet marvels lie hidden in future trips. My heart already skips with anticipation, yearning for another journey with Magic Meg! And you can bet, I'll be sure to post all the details for you here, at Pink Tutu!
*À bientôt, my sweet pink tutu sisters! Until next month’s adventures… *
