Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! November has always been my favourite month - crisp air, warm fires, and the exciting promise of the festive season ahead! But this November is extra special because I’ve been on an adventure… drumroll… back to 1747! Oh, the wonders I saw! I practically danced all the way back to Derbyshire.
This time, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire horse with golden hooves (how absolutely divine is she!), took me to the very heart of Paris. 1747 Paris? Yes, darling, a veritable ballet haven! Think of all the grandeur, the swirling silk gowns, and the most exquisitely crafted tutus! The costumes back then were truly divine - a little more opulent than the modern minimalist look we see on stage these days, don't you think?
My backpack is brimming with sketches I’ve made, you wouldn't believe the detail of some of the fabrics I saw. I even found an old playbill – a veritable treasure trove of ballet history! – showcasing "Les Fêtes Chinoises", an opera-ballet extravaganza, and the whole city was abuzz with excitement about the new theatre at the Palais Royal – a true masterpiece of Parisian architecture, if you ask me. It was a perfect blend of history, fashion, and the elegance of ballet, my darlings!
A Royal Ball:
As the wind whipped around our flanks and we rode through the Parisian streets, my heart soared with every Parisian bell-tower’s melodious chime. Magic Meg was, of course, utterly graceful, navigating the bustling cobbled streets with the ease of a ballerina performing a pirouette.
One of the most delightful moments of this trip? Witnessing a grand, lavish royal ball in all its splendor. Imagine waltzing in a glittering ballgown beneath the flickering candlelight of a chandelier. And the gentlemen! My, oh my, the elegance of the powdered wigs and knee breeches! Their costumes are the true testament to the timeless elegance of the dance.
As the night deepened, and the ballroom throbbed with the melody of a beautiful waltz, I found myself sketching a new ballet tutu design in my notebook. Imagine this, darlings, a stunning creation made of the most exquisite ivory satin with the tiniest delicate pink ribbons dancing around the hem. A little blush of pink amongst the opulent, white silks, oh my, wouldn’t it be divine!
Fashion Inspiration:
There's something about a royal ball in the 18th century that just fills you with fashion inspiration, darling. Think corsets, intricate floral embroidery, and an abundance of silk, the epitome of elegance and glamour. Back then, they really knew how to craft a costume – think bold colours, dramatic lines, and embellishments that could stop a carriage in its tracks! Oh, and the shoes! Exquisite slippers adorned with rosettes and ribbons!
But the real magic of the ballet was seeing how the dancers themselves carried themselves. Imagine them, their bodies as supple as willow trees, swirling and gliding in their beautiful gowns. There was a grace and fluidity about them that transcended any movement. And let's not forget the choreography, darling, it was as elegant and intricate as the tapestries hanging on the walls of the ballroom.
Learning the Art:
After attending a ballet class in the beautiful Salon de Danse, I picked up some brilliant tips that even a veteran like me can appreciate. Did you know they placed emphasis on using a soft wooden pole to build strength and develop grace? They didn't have ballet barres back then! It is absolutely inspiring, you know.
What I learned from this journey? We’ve got a lot to learn from the elegance of the past. In a world obsessed with fast-paced, contemporary trends, the simple beauty of classic lines and luxurious fabrics is something we should cherish.
The ballet world has come a long way since then. Imagine! We’ve now got dazzling technological marvels for staging shows and more dance forms than ever before. The future looks vibrant, exciting, and utterly fabulous!
Speaking of vibrant, don’t forget my beautiful blog www.pink-tutu.com - keep an eye out for my latest photos, travelogues, and my ever-expanding ‘pink tutu fashion line’ - it's getting quite a bit of buzz around Derbyshire! It is the only way you’re going to look truly elegant!
Until next month, stay fabulous!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma xx
