Hello darlings! Itās your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another adventure! August, ah Augustā¦ the month of sunshine, picnics, and, of course, the latest in Parisian ballet! Today, Iām whisking you all back to the 1750s, specifically August 8th, 1751, to witness a momentous event in the world of ballet - a premiere!
Magic Meg, my shimmering pink Shire with hooves that gleam like gold, was practically pawing at the stables to get going! She loves these historical journeys as much as I do. And believe me, thereās nothing like a grand Parisian ballet premiere to stir the soul.
As I rode through the bustling streets of 18th century Paris, I had to adjust my perfectly pink tulle tutu. Just a tiny nip and tuck here, a bit of a fluff there, and I was ready to take on the theatre! My leather rucksack was already brimming with excitement, waiting to be filled with Parisian ballet history and perhaps even a costume piece or two for my ever-growing collection.
Tonightās premiere, āLes FĆŖtes de lāAmour et de Bacchus,ā (literally āThe Festivals of Love and Bacchusā) was the debut of the French composer, Jean-Philippe Rameau. Now, dear readers, Rameau wasn't just some random composer, oh no! This man was a maestro, a legend, a master of melody, rhythm, and creating ballet music that practically begged you to twirl.
The theatre itself was quite spectacular ā ornate, gilded, and dripping with the essence of 18th-century grandeur. I imagine itās quite similar to the Royal Opera House in London today, albeit a tad less sparkly and a little more... opulent. The orchestra, all perfectly powdered wigs and velvet coats, were tuning their instruments, and the air was filled with the excited chatter of patrons. I practically bounced on the balls of my feet! My own tutu may have been slightly modern compared to their heavy silks and satin, but thereās no denying the universality of that magical, pre-show anticipation!
The performance began with the dramatic, flamboyant choreography that defined the era. It was all elaborate jumps, sweeping gestures, and a dramatic use of stage space that showcased the incredible artistry of the dancers. Their steps were like graceful birds in flight, their expressions eloquent stories woven into the music.
My goodness, how I love to get lost in these bygone worlds! And the costumes, darlings! Imagine silks and satins so intricately embroidered and adorned with plumes and ribbons, they looked like works of art. The gentlemen were dashing in their silk breeches and brocades, with their perfectly coiffed wigs, and the ladies were adorned in elaborate, frilly skirts, and extravagant gowns. I even spotted a little something in their style that inspired my own pink-tutu design!
After the final bow, a hush fell over the audience, the rapturous applause like waves of pure joy and admiration. Thereās something undeniably magic about sharing the emotion of art in this way!
Now, dear reader, you must know that I couldnāt resist trying my hand at some ballet steps backstage. Of course, with Magic Meg happily munching on a carrot outside. Thankfully, some of the dancers were gracious enough to show me a few of their trademark moves ā imagine! Emma in 18th-century ballet ā wouldn't that make a wonderful Instagram post!
After a rather splendid Parisian evening, Magic Meg and I set off, carrying within us the enchanting memory of the performance. My rucksack was filled with notes on Rameau's score, and a sketch I made of the exquisite choreography! I'll be adding them to my website, Pink-Tutu.com, soon, so you can enjoy them, too.
The journey home was magical as always. The night sky above England was scattered with twinkling stars, and even Magic Megās hooves made a sparkly trail on the cobbled roads. Itās just as wonderful being home as it is being away ā thatās the magic of a time travelling ballerina, darling!
And while I love travelling through time and finding new fashion and beauty inspiration for my Pink Tutu look, I want you to embrace your own love for ballet too! Donāt be afraid to twirl and leap! Take a class, go see a show, find your own little bit of ballet magic! You might just discover a passion for it that burns brighter than a thousand tutus!
Until next month, keep twirling and spreading joy,
Emma xx
