Hello, darling readers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's your girl, Emma, back from another fabulous adventure through the annals of ballet history. Today's trip, my 1051st post for www.pink-tutu.com, takes us to July 7th, 1748 - the very day a tiny dancer was born, destined to change the face of ballet forever!
Can you guess who it is? Itās none other than the iconic Marie-Madeleine Guimard, one of the most famous dancers of the 18th century. This little bundle of joy, born right here in Paris, would grow up to captivate audiences across Europe with her virtuosity and grace, making history with her own company and becoming a true style icon.
Now, my darling dears, letās get ready to go! Iāve got my favourite pink tutu on, of course, and my trusty Magic Meg, the most fabulous pink shimmering Shire horse youāve ever seen (golden hooves and a flowing white mane and tail - she truly is a princess!). She's patiently waiting at the stables with my leather rucksack, ready to hold all the wonderful ballet stories I collect on my travels.
Firstly, letās think about what's going on in the ballet world in 1748. It's an exciting time for ballet in Paris. The French royal court is a haven for talented dancers like Guimard, with grand performances and opulent costumes in dazzling royal opera houses. There's even the birth of "le ballet d'action," which breaks away from the traditional courtly style and takes ballet in exciting new dramatic directions - imagine, my lovelies! Stories, passions, and incredible costumes! Iām ready for a performance, but right now, I have to catch up with Guimard.
I'm just getting into my carriage, which Magic Meg pulls with an elegance only a horse of such refinement could manage, when the carriage door is flung open, and a young woman rushes in, a look of excitement on her face. āWait, wait!ā she says, holding out a pink and white tutu and a crown with pearl-like embellishments. "You have to see this!" she gushes, āit's so perfect for the little Mademoiselle Guimard."
She proceeds to tell me about how the theatre is buzzing with the arrival of this child, who's already been hailed as a miracle and the hope of balletās future! The city of Paris has never been so captivated by the potential of a dancer, and thereās even chatter of an āenchanted" birth, surrounded by light and blessings! Imagine, my dears, this is where weāre headed, a ballet universe waiting to embrace its star, and Iām just giddy to meet the little one!
We're already flying down the road to Paris, past stunning palaces, gardens blooming with roses and fountains tinkling merrily. Paris, my loves, has never been so charming, the whole city practically bathed in a delightful pink glow. My own tutu seems to catch the colour of the moment, adding a touch of whimsy to this elegant Parisian journey.
Here we are at a magnificent chateau, built with exquisite stones and draped in ivy like a royal tapestry. As we make our way into the house, we're met by a scene straight out of a dream. The air is alive with laughter and the gentle chatter of families and friends. And then, in a cosy room adorned with exquisite, hand-painted silks and soft pastel lighting, nestled in a crib fit for royalty, is a tiny baby with large eyes that spark with promise. This, my lovelies, is the very image of hope! I hold back tears of joy.
You wouldn't believe the adorable little pink costume and pink tulle bonnet Iāve acquired, with the help of our fashion fairy godmother! Imagine, she's already surrounded by pinkness, just like me. And as we whisper to this little one, a tiny pinky hand reaches out towards us, as if to say "Oh, my! A fellow pink enthusiast!"
And, as we leave her nestled in her soft crib, bathed in love, the chatter and merriment intensifies, and everyone seems to be wearing pink, like we've inspired the entire household to join our pink tutu party! You see, darling, you're never too young or too old to appreciate a pink tutu.
We leave the chateau with our hearts full, feeling like we've met not just a little dancer but a true embodiment of all that's beautiful about the ballet world - artistry, passion, and grace, just like my own life as a ballerina! The thought of Mademoiselle Guimard, already capturing hearts even before her first pirouette, is heartwarming.
Itās been a beautiful trip. Magic Meg is patiently waiting for me outside the chateau, ready to whisk us back to the present. Itās time for me to share the stories Iāve gathered, add some enchanting pictures from my leather rucksack and publish the most extraordinary pink tutu travel blog on www.pink-tutu.com. Maybe a few tutus will find their way onto the world, one by one, as more people are inspired by our journey together, a little pink step at a time. Until next month, darlings, and keep shining!
Yours,
Emma
PS, don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more amazing adventures in the world of ballet.
