Hello my gorgeous ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, your trusty Pink Tutu Time Traveller, and today I'm whisking us away to the 18th Century - and it's not even April Fool's Day, just a normal day on Pink Tutu Travels! Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com every month for my next time travelling adventures!
Today we're back in Europe, taking a delightful little skip back in time to the 4th of April 1750, where we find ourselves amidst the excitement and elegance of the Royal Court of Louis XV, the magnificent Palace of Versailles to be precise.
Now, let's just say, when I hopped off the back of Magic Meg, the trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow (don’t tell her but I really think her favourite colour is pink, she just hasn’t got around to saying it out loud), I immediately wished I had packed my biggest, fluffiest, most outrageous pink tutu - the one with all the feathers and frills, a real statement piece for sure! We were definitely surrounded by opulence and extravagance today! The fashion in this time period, you guys, absolutely steals the show, let me tell you.
Imagine delicate silks in exquisite pastels, shimmering brocades that shimmer like moonbeams dancing on a lake and the gentlemen – they were simply breathtaking in their richly coloured coats, knee-length breeches and those oh-so-swanky lace ruffles, which were definitely having a major fashion moment back then!
It really was a spectacle, like something straight out of a lavish opera. But the best part of my time-travelling adventure this month, aside from that delectable French pastry I snagged for my journey (yes, you've guessed it, it was pink!) was the ballet.
You know I’m always on the hunt for the best shows and today, well today my little ballet darlings, was just perfection.
We had The Paris Opera Ballet, an institution that's as old as ballet itself! In fact, The Paris Opera Ballet was one of the most prominent and respected dance troupes in Europe in the 18th Century, known for their dazzling virtuosity and their exquisite theatrical performances, and today I had the good fortune to witness them in action. And guess what, darling, it wasn't a mere ‘pas de deux’ we were lucky enough to be treated to, oh no - they put on an entire grand ballet - the type that gets those goosebumps prickling down your arms and those tears forming in the corners of your eyes, I swear I was utterly entranced.
But, if we're being honest, there weren't any pink tutus in sight. Sadly, fashion had other ideas and we were a little more preoccupied with lace, silk, satin, and those pretty ruffles (remember what I said earlier? Big statement). In fact, what I actually noticed were these delicate little slipper-like dance shoes with flat heels. They really had not had much chance to catch up with the modern innovations, it would be another few hundred years until dancers started perfecting their leaps and turns with the support of those heavenly pointed toe shoes. But, they were magnificent, their skill was exquisite, with a level of control and agility I have never witnessed in the world of dance, their performance mesmerising, leaving the whole court breathless with admiration.
Oh and speaking of amazing performance skills, our beloved French court actually has the most wonderfully talented young dancer – Mademoiselle Marie Sallé - whose talents were impressive even amongst a ballet company overflowing with beautiful dancers, so skilled, so talented – all of the gentlemen here were simply smitten with her. The ballet master in those days was an enigmatic figure by the name of Pierre Beauchamp – and I heard whispered gossip that he may even be creating a new role for Mademoiselle Sallé - I shall let you know how it unfolds in a future post!
If I wasn’t back at The Pink Tutu Blog, I would happily be taking on my new role as a dance historian. What fascinating stories and details emerge!
The other most remarkable element of 18th century ballet I have noticed on my little time-travel adventures has got to be the music. Such joy, and beauty – the use of the violin, harpsichord and flute has just blown my mind. A combination so utterly dreamy - and perfect for those flowing movements and grand gestures on display in the era of ballet I love to explore so much.
And it’s no surprise really because even back then people loved to dress up and head to the theatre, I hear people talk of the ‘opera’ and ‘comedies’ so I wonder what is the role of ‘ballet’ here in the world of performance? How much does the artform fit in to this time, what stories are they telling and are there many talented dancers looking for opportunities, like a certain talented young ballerina in Derbyshire I may have a few ideas about helping… (sorry, I do love a bit of a theatrical whisper of my dreams. sighs dreamily and then remembers where she is I mean it would be absolutely fabulous, yes! A big dream I've always held!
Oh, did I tell you that there were people, men and women dancing together in these French court balls and a really interesting element, just whispered about, that even the king himself is keen on a jig – not just waltzes, or a minuet. And all the way back in this early 18th Century it's clear people are loving the elegant style and spectacle of these performance arts in France - it seems to be a really thriving world to be part of – though a rather privileged world and those costumes are no walk in the park for dancing. It must take a true dedication and artistry to perform on those exquisite, beautifully crafted and heavily decorated stages that the dancers would have to navigate – quite a spectacle to behold, darling.
Talking of a spectacle, let's talk fashion! Today in Versailles the dress code was definitely elegance and elaborate embroidery, with ladies rocking beautiful satin gowns and lace embellishments. We've definitely got those pretty pastels in place – those powder pinks and delicate blues and some deep greens, but let me tell you darling, no pink tutus yet but I’m working on that one, you see, it’s in my destiny!
That’s me away from the magnificent Palace of Versailles, back to my trusty Magic Meg, I'll catch up with you all soon. Oh, and if you ever want to come along, just follow me!
Let's dance, my pink tutued ballet darlings, and see you in a month!
P.S don’t forget to subscribe to the Pink Tutu Blog, you know how it works – just hop over to www.pink-tutu.com
Lots of Love,
Emma xx
