Welcome back, dear readers, to my little corner of the internet, Pink-Tutu.com! This month's post marks Number 1174, and my trusty steed, the magnificent Magic Meg, and I have travelled right back to the heart of the 18th Century, landing precisely on October 10th, 1758. Now, you might be wondering, "What could possibly be happening in the world of ballet way back then?" Well, hold onto your tutus, my dears, because this period holds some captivating, even revolutionary, insights into our beloved art form!
Magic Meg was a bit reluctant to leave our usual 21st Century hustle and bustle behind, but after I bribed her with a whole sack of sugar cubes and whispered promises of an early evening snack of extra juicy apples from the orchard back home in Derbyshire, she relented, her golden hooves stamping a tiny pink footprint in the dusty courtyard before launching us back in time.
Landing with a soft swish in the cobbled streets of Paris, I had to stifle a little giggle. Everyone seemed to be wearing the same shades of brown, beige and grey - oh, the boredom! Thankfully, Magic Meg was looking particularly fabulous, her bright pink coat contrasting gloriously against the monochrome landscape. Even with a giant pink tutu fluttering around my ankles, I was certain no one was staring because my dazzling attire was nothing compared to the magnificent spectacle Meg presented!
The Parisian streets buzzed with the anticipation of an upcoming performance at the Opéra Garnier. Can you believe it? In 1758, this incredible venue was still under construction! I have to confess, I almost died of envy, wondering what it must be like to have a whole new, shiny building dedicated to ballet, while back in Derbyshire, we only had a quaint little hall with wobbly floors and questionable acoustics! The ballet was set to be a very grand affair, with music by one of the era’s most popular composers, Jean-Philippe Rameau. Now, I must admit, I haven't had the pleasure of hearing one of his compositions in its original form yet, but from what I have gathered, they are absolutely magnificent. Full of intricate melodies, delicate rhythms, and powerful dramatic chords – perfect for ballet! I imagine a room full of extravagant costumes and graceful dancers performing on a grand stage, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight – it almost brought a tear to my eye.
But how did I know this? That’s where my fabulous vintage-loving rucksack comes in! I can’t travel through time without filling my rucksack with snippets of history and stories, and this trip is no exception!
Here’s a fascinating fact, my darlings: did you know that the first real ballerinas started to emerge in this era? We are talking about those stunning female dancers who revolutionised the world of dance with their graceful movements, technically challenging performances, and elegant stage presence. It was an absolute explosion of talent! Sadly, before this era, dance was mostly considered the domain of men and male dancers dominated the stage. Thankfully, this changed and thanks to the skill, talent, and perseverance of incredible dancers such as Marie Camargo, Mademoiselle Sallé and the ever-fabulous Madame Montansier, who all played instrumental roles in reshaping the landscape of ballet, women started to claim their place on stage and be celebrated for their artistry and passion!
Just thinking about this incredible time in dance history makes my pink heart throb. The way I see it, ballet, like fashion, evolves and flourishes! And wouldn't it be fabulous if I could have a quick chat with these incredible pioneering ballerinas, wouldn't it be a treat to learn their secrets of grace and elegance? To understand what inspired their groundbreaking performances?
Now, I confess, even as much as I enjoy a grand theatre performance, I also find pure joy in ballet class. You see, I believe every ballerina needs a moment of quiet, of connection with her body, and nothing beats the joy of a solitary dance session.
I’m so excited because the latest craze in Parisian ballet classes in 1758 was La Bourrée. I absolutely adore learning different ballet steps from all eras, and la bourrée seemed to be everyone's favourite at the moment! It's this beautiful, bouncy step that starts with a little flick of the toes. Just imagine it! It adds such a playful, joyous vibe to the dance, and the way it incorporates turns and little skips, oh, it's absolutely heavenly! Just the perfect balance between elegance and vigour! This was just the step that was capturing the imagination of Parisians, and I've decided that for the next month, every class I take in Derbyshire will have this captivating step! Imagine, me leading all the students in la bourrée! What fun, my dear readers!
Of course, when thinking about the ballet scene of 1758, one can’t forget fashion! While the everyday attire in Parisian streets was so sombre, you wouldn’t believe the fashion spectacle that graced the stages and danced its way into the hearts of audiences! Oh, my dear readers, let me tell you, the colours were just as vibrant and luxurious as my very own pink tutu, and each outfit boasted the most incredible, elaborate detail! Imagine layers of silk and velvet, intricate embroidery, stunning feathers and bows. Honestly, it was a complete feast for the eyes. And they say that pink was a big hit in the era. My dear readers, don't worry, my dream of getting everyone into a pink tutu might actually be a dream come true, especially considering what I'm seeing and hearing in this incredible time period.
One more interesting tidbit from my rucksack about Parisian Ballet during this period is that a fascinating dance called La Forêt Noire had captured the hearts and minds of audiences. Just the name sets off my imagination! Do you think it was filled with woodland creatures and dancing fauns, all wearing beautiful mossy green costumes and elegant pink tutus? My imagination is really running wild! Sadly, this was long before cameras and recordings, so my dream of seeing it performed, at least for now, will have to wait. But that just gives me more motivation to keep my rucksack packed, my saddle strapped, and my pink tutu pristine for another grand adventure!
But before we set off again, my lovelies, I want you to remember this: every era has its own special story to tell, every dancer has a unique way to interpret it, and every ballet has a particular way of touching our souls. Just like in the 1758 era, it's the dancers who truly bring ballet to life!
So, my dears, whether you're perfecting your pliés in a ballet studio, dancing with your friends in your living room, or just admiring the artistry of professional ballet dancers, remember to find joy in the beauty of ballet, in every time period and every interpretation! Until next month, may your leaps be high and your tutus be pink!
And do visit my website, Pink-Tutu.com, for exciting ballet fashion news, historical discoveries, and upcoming ballet performance dates, plus all the latest on how I am changing the world one pink tutu at a time!
