Hello my darling ballet-loving lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-traveller from the rolling green hills of Derbyshire. November has swept in, bringing with it the crisp air and the promise of cosy evenings spent dreaming of tutus and twirls. Speaking of twirls, I have an absolute treat for you this month – we're jetting off to Paris, the city of love and the birthplace of modern ballet!
Now, you may be thinking: Paris, ballet… why November? Hold on tight because we're going to take a little detour back to the 11th of November in the year 1751. Imagine cobbled streets, elegant carriages, and the air alive with the rustle of silks and satins – Paris is the place to be. You might just see a famous face too, maybe Voltaire, Madame de Pompadour or even Louis XV himself! But, we’re not here for the Royals (although I’m sure I'd make a magnificent court jester with Magic Meg’s assistance) – our destination is the Parisian Opera. And my dears, trust me, this is one evening not to miss!
Why? Well, we're talking the premiere of "La Fille Mal Gardée", a ballet so groundbreaking and funny it changed ballet forever. This charming story of a headstrong farmer's daughter trying to escape her unwanted marriage, full of colourful characters and lively, energetic dancing, set the stage for future generations of comedic ballets. Just imagine! No longer were dancers confined to stiff and regal courtly movements - the ballet world had embraced something truly fun and expressive!
Speaking of expressiveness, I'd say "La Fille Mal Gardée" is a perfect ballet to introduce to anyone – even those who have never even considered venturing into the wonderful world of ballet. It’s full of such warmth and humour, and it really helps showcase the wonderful versatility and skill of the dancers. Trust me, this one will have you humming the music and tapping your toes long after the curtain falls.
Of course, I simply had to join the throngs of the Parisian society that evening, decked out in my finest pink tutu. After all, this is the city of fashion, so I knew I had to look my best! (Magic Meg had a fabulous time munching on sugar cubes and admiring all the gorgeous carriage horses while I got dressed. Let's be honest, she has impeccable taste.)
The Parisian Opera House, built just over 60 years before, was resplendent – adorned with exquisite detail, it practically whispered of elegance and sophistication. You can't deny, these French really know how to create a stage fit for a ballet goddess, am I right? I found my seat nestled amongst the whispers and rustling of silk dresses, just ready for the show to begin. As the curtains rose, my heart filled with excitement, not just for the performance, but also the stories it would tell, the costumes I would witness, and the snippets of 18th century Parisian ballet culture I’d be able to take back to Derbyshire!
Oh, and of course, I'd be on the lookout for a new tutu! You simply can't travel to Paris and not peruse the shops for the most exquisitely designed and stylish tutu! There’s something quite magical about the way each individual layer, the layers upon layers, just combine into this breathtakingly elegant piece of art. Imagine, dancing in one of these masterpieces under the dazzling glow of a Parisian chandelier… pure enchantment!
Now, before I share with you all the wonders of 18th century Paris, I do want to say this - if you are considering stepping into a dance studio, whether you’re just starting out, or if you’re returning to your dance shoes, or simply need a new kind of inspiration… "La Fille Mal Gardée" is absolutely worth your time. Don't be intimidated by the age! This is ballet for the soul - uplifting, vibrant and pure joy!
Now, where was I… Ah, yes! Paris, 1751! I took meticulous notes on every aspect of that fabulous evening. Let me tell you, a true ballet enthusiast always carries a sketchbook and pen for just such occasions. As the evening ended and I packed my rucksack (my rucksack's even in pink, of course! You can’t imagine a pink tutu with a non-pink bag!) with snippets of stories and observations from this wonderful historical moment, I could already picture myself sharing my discoveries in the warm glow of a Derbyshire fire with you all.
So, stay tuned for the next edition of my Pink Tutu Travels, where I will share my observations and adventures of "La Fille Mal Gardée"! Until then, let’s all aim to have the elegance, grace, and fun of a true ballet dancer in our own everyday lives, and always, always remember: wear pink!
Keep on twirling,
Emma
(p.s. Check out www.pink-tutu.com to join me in my ballet adventures!)
