Hello, my dearest ballet bunnies! Emma here, back with another dazzling adventure from the pink-hued pages of my time travel journal! This month, we're taking a twirl back to February 2nd, 1758 – a date that may not be instantly recognisable in the world of ballet, but trust me, darling, it's brimming with stories that will make your toes tap!
As always, I'm arriving in style, perched atop my darling Magic Meg, my pink sparkling Shire horse. Meg, bless her heart, has the most fabulous white mane and tail and those shimmering golden hooves are quite the sight to behold, you know? She loves a good gallop through history, and the countryside was absolutely breathtaking in this era! I do wish you could smell the fresh air – just a hint of wildflowers and, dare I say it, a whisper of horse manure – completely delightful!
My trusty leather rucksack was filled with the essentials: my diary for scribbling down all the fascinating bits, and my signature pink tulle scarf (it doubles as a dance ribbon, and let me tell you, the countryside was absolutely begging for a pirouette or two!).
Oh, the sheer delight! This particular journey, we found ourselves in the bustling heart of Paris. This was the time of the Royal Ballet – the king was quite the patron of the arts you see. It's fascinating to think how ballet has evolved, how it went from this formal court performance to the contemporary styles we see today!
Now, you're probably wondering what was on in the world of ballet in 1758. Well, hold onto your tutus, darlings, because this year was the première of the famous Ballet de la Comtesse d'Egmont! Talk about an epic production, you know. Now, this was a true historical moment. A bit of gossip for you – this ballet starred the one and only Mademoiselle Camargo! Can you believe it, my lovelies? She was absolutely captivating, so quick and energetic – not your typical dainty, swaying ballerina at all. Now that was real talent, darling!
Now, the most surprising part about the 18th-century ballet scene? They didn't wear pink tutus. That's right, my loves. I mean, it's an injustice, a real tragedy! I just know if they'd been around then, it would have taken the world of ballet by storm.
And let me tell you, it wouldn't just be pink tutus! You can picture it, darling: the whole production with a splash of the colour pink! The scenery, the costumes, even the lighting… All dipped in shades of rose! Think of how spectacular that would look under the glow of the chandelier in the opera house! Oh, the artistry, my loves! We are a tad more modern now, and as the dance world progresses, so too does my personal obsession with all things pink.
After a truly divine afternoon enjoying the ballet, I made a quick detour to the finest silk merchant in the city. I couldn't leave without adding a new fabric to my collection – an exquisite peach silk, perfect for crafting a stunning pink tulle accessory. Imagine my delight – the merchant offered me a vintage ballet slipper that was going to be used for, wait for it... trash. I saved it, of course, it now graces the ballet wall in my study. And how it's possible I had time to add new treasures to my rucksack is beyond me, but my travels always bring back new, glorious, fabulous items.
This evening was truly unforgettable, dear ballet bunnies. And it goes without saying, I had my dancing shoes on for this little trip! Can you believe I ended up meeting an actual duchess, quite a high-society event, and she loved the little pink bow in my hair.
Before you think my heart is filled with vanity and love for pink (which, of course, is totally true!), remember that my travels are always about understanding the historical significance of the dance. I always go looking for stories, secrets, and maybe a little gossip that gives me a new insight. Oh, how I wish I had been there to see those breathtaking ballerinas in their exquisite gowns, even if they weren’t rocking the pink tutu yet.
So, my little dance devotees, I hope this journey into the past inspired you. Until next month, remember to dance, twirl, and always dream in pink! And keep an eye out for my new pink inspired, handmade tutu tutorials that will be coming out in my next blog post.
Sending you all love and pink wishes, Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
