Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to my monthly dose of pink-tastic ballet history! This time, I've taken my trusty Magic Meg, the most stunning pink-sparkling shire horse with golden hooves and a magnificent white mane and tail, right to the heart of the French court - a trip I’ve been wanting to make for ages!
October 10th, 1749 was a date that marked a truly glamorous occasion. This was the night that a young, rising star, Marie Sallé, graced the stage of the Paris Opera with her interpretation of "Pygmalion." Now, if you're not familiar with Marie, let me tell you, she was the absolute QUEEN of innovative ballet. Her graceful movement and expressive artistry turned heads across Europe. She was known for her natural and dramatic style, shunning the overly rigid choreography of the time and preferring movement that felt real, relatable and, most importantly, beautiful.
Can you imagine, darlings? This evening was overflowing with fashionable French ladies, gentlemen in exquisite suits, and even royalty looking down from their balconies! All to witness this incredible performance. This was the golden age of ballet, a time where artists were free to explore, create and innovate - just like me, you know!
Now, to make this trip extra special, Magic Meg whisked us through the Parisian streets towards the majestic Opéra Garnier, a grand opera house that was yet to be built. But even without the opulent Garnier, this Opera house was legendary! I snuck into the side balcony to get a perfect view of the stage. Can you believe it? Marie Sallé, that remarkable woman, was a vision in a delicate silk dress, no cumbersome tutus to weigh her down! (Of course, a little pink trim wouldn't have hurt, I mused) but it was beautiful! She was light, she was ethereal - and that was precisely what this performance needed.
The choreography of the piece itself was revolutionary. Marie broke from the tradition of formal steps and incorporated expressive pantomime and drama into her dance. You could see every emotion written on her face, in every flick of her wrist, in every move she made. This was ballet at its most pure and passionate!
Of course, a trip like this isn't complete without indulging in a spot of shopping. Now, while Parisian boutiques back in 1749 might not have carried pink tutus (though I wouldn't put it past a few Parisian designers!), I managed to snag a darling hand-stitched embroidery of a pair of ballet slippers in a shop run by a lovely little lady, Madame Lucille. Imagine, hand-sewn silk shoes, complete with delicate ribbons! My embroidery collection for my back pack is nearly full now - I must start searching for a bigger pack!
Afterward, we wandered the Parisian streets, mesmerized by the charm and history around us. Just picturing the hustle and bustle of those days, with ladies in beautiful gowns and carriages clip-clopping through cobblestone streets - and that feeling! So incredibly inspiring, darlings.
Before we hopped onto Magic Meg for our trip back home to Derbyshire, we stopped at a tiny café near the Opera House for a hot chocolate. A woman sitting next to us in a charmingly simple gown began telling a fascinating story of how ballet in France had blossomed in this time! She told me of the rise of theatrical dance, of ballets that took stories from Greek mythology, and of the power of storytelling that resonated through the graceful movements of dancers. The conversation ended with us swapping little trinkets - I gave her a beautiful pink satin ribbon, a lovely, light and delicate ribbon, perfect for tying up that era’s fashion. It was the least I could do to thank her for the inspiring chat. I now carry her little hand-painted, painted, wooden charm, depicting a beautiful fairy with flowing, silken wings in my embroidery backpack - one that I must one day stitch up on my ballet skirt for all to admire!
I truly believe, darlings, that time travel is the perfect way to understand our art. It shows us where it comes from, its power, its story, and, most importantly, it keeps that creative spark alive. As for you, my lovely readers, I hope my adventures inspire you to explore your own ballet passion, embrace your own unique style, and never be afraid to put on a pink tutu!
Until next month,
Your very own,
Emma
(P.S. Don't forget to check out our www.pink-tutu.com blog. We have articles about ballet history, interviews with ballerinas, fashion advice, and even fun DIY projects! I want everyone to embrace their own ballet passion and put on their own unique, beautiful, pink tutu!
This blog is just the first step of your journey. The future is all about YOU. )
