Hello, my darling dancers! It's Emma, back again with another enchanting adventure from the world of pink tutus and time travel. Today, I'm galloping back in time on Magic Meg, my beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse (who has golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun clouds!), to a very special date ā May 5th, 1749. This was a big day in ballet history, marking the first ever public performance of Noverreās Lettres sur la Danse in Lyon. Can you believe it, my dears? Ballet was just starting to truly blossom!
As we arrived in Lyon, I couldnāt resist donning my prettiest pink tutu ā a lovely tulle confection adorned with delicate lace and twinkling sequins ā perfect for this historic occasion. Just picture it: Cobbled streets, charming old buildings, and the excitement bubbling under the surface of the city as the French theatre opened its doors to the world of ballet.
Let me tell you, my lovelies, Jean-Georges Noverre, the man behind this innovative ballet, was truly a revolutionary. He was determined to make ballet something truly expressive and dramatic ā forget rigid steps, he wanted dancing to tell stories and stir the emotions! His Lettres were like a ballet manifesto, a call for reform, advocating for natural, expressive movements that would truly captivate audiences.
Imagine my joy as I stepped inside the theatre! The scent of candlelight and anticipation was so heady, and the air crackled with the thrill of a new era dawning. And wouldnāt you know it, Lettres was quite the spectacle! The dancers were so graceful and dynamic, they seemed to dance in a whirlwind of movement and emotion. The choreography was groundbreaking for its time, the costumes vibrant, and the music truly magical. It was a night of sheer beauty and invention!
Of course, no trip to a French city would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. I savored delicate macarons with my favourite creamy rose tea ā divine! And then, a little window-shopping! I discovered a charming boutique with the most elegant silks and satins ā just perfect for creating a beautiful new pink tutu! The owner, a charming Parisian lady with sparkling eyes and a delightful giggle, was so kind. She even helped me choose some exquisite fabrics and trim, which I carefully tucked away in my leather rucksack to take back with me as inspiration for my next creation!
Later, we made our way to a nearby market, bustling with locals and overflowing with fragrant produce. It felt like stepping back into a historical painting, the vibrant colours and bustling activity were simply delightful. As I wandered the stalls, my eye caught the flash of beautiful blue and green feathers ā just perfect for embellishing my pink tutu! I couldnāt resist adding a few to my collection!
On the evening of my time travel adventure, I sat in the back of the theatre watching the dancers take their final bows. As the applause faded, I couldnāt help but feel a surge of joy for all that this new era in ballet promised ā more drama, more storytelling, more connection with the audience. Noverre had laid the foundation for a whole new world of ballet. It was a magical moment!
*Speaking of magical moments, my darlings, this month I've got a real treat for you! A special ballet performance happening right here in Derbyshire. The wonderful Derbyshire Ballet Company are putting on a production of Tchaikovskyās "Sleeping Beauty" and you'll never guess the main colour of the costumes! * Drumroll * ā Pink, of course! We're talking tulle, weāre talking sparkle, and oh my dear, weāre talking *princesses! Donāt miss out! Details will be posted on www.pink-tutu.com! **
And remember, my darlings, it's never too late to put on your pink tutu and dance your way into the world! Until next time, dance with joy and let your heart lead the way!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. Did you know, May 5th, 1749 was a Friday? How delightful! What a perfect day for a little dance. Just think about how much you can do in a week! You can wear pink tutus, shop for fancy feathers and ribbons, learn ballet steps, and inspire your friends to dance! Don't forget, www.pink-tutu.com is my online home where I share all my adventures in ballet and fashion! Iād love to hear your stories too, my darling dancers! What do you dream of achieving in a week, wearing your pink tutu? Leave me a message, I'm waiting to hear from you!
P.P.S. Just a little tip for you fashionistas ā Iāve always been a huge fan of velvet. Itās so luxuriously soft and adds a touch of glamour to any garment. For a particularly special pink tutu, I might even embellish it with delicate velvet ribbons or appliquĆ©s. But, be warned, it's easy to get carried away with all those fabulous fabrics and decorations! Just keep the dance floor in mind, darlings!
P.P.P.S. Itās going to be quite a journey back to my time on Magic Meg. But who can resist a dash of time travel and a trip to the past? I love seeing what kind of treasures the world of ballet has to offer in each time period! Perhaps on my next trip, I'll even bring back some historical ballet steps and incorporate them into my own pink tutu routines! After all, as they say in Derbyshire, "Everything is better with a dash of sparkle!ā And as for a dash of inspiration? There's plenty of that in the world of ballet. Just take a look back to see how things used to be, and how they've evolved over the centuries. It's fascinating to see how ballet has embraced innovation and change!
