Hello my lovely Tutu-lovers!
Welcome to the 1237th edition of Pink Tutu Time Travel! It's January 1st, 1764, and as you know, a brand new year means a brand new adventure! 🥂 Magic Meg is all polished up, her golden hooves sparkling like the snow falling in my beloved Derbyshire, and I'm ready to step into another time in ballet history! Today's destination: Paris!
You see, 1764 was a year of real change in the ballet world. The French Academy of Music had just become the Opéra National de Paris, which is kind of a big deal. A real sign of how much ballet was taking off as a major art form! Now, there’s no denying Paris has always been a fabulous fashion city - I mean, we're talking about the birth place of Haute Couture! But back in 1764, danseurs weren’t just performers; they were fashion icons.
Imagine strutting into the Salle des Spectacles, the original Paris opera house (a building that now sadly no longer stands!) - you'd be surrounded by beautiful ladies and gentlemen, all clad in opulent finery, enjoying a new production! Think intricate lace, lavish jewels and delicate silk, all in shades of pastel pinks, peaches, and even silver. And then, bam! onto the stage come these incredible dancers. Imagine graceful jumps and beautiful turns all carried out with panache, in breathtaking, if a bit, well, maybe a little too heavily decorated costumes.
The Salle des Spectacles itself was a sight to behold, an architectural masterpiece adorned with rich tapestries and gleaming chandeliers. Talk about making an entrance! I'm so happy my Magic Meg has taken me right into this extraordinary time.
Now, let's talk fashion!
Back in the day, danseurs were quite the trendsetters! And believe me, their costumes were just as dramatic as the performances themselves. Lots of layers, brocade, feathers, and even masks! Not quite the simple tutus we know and love today - though there's an elegance in their costumes, don't you think? Maybe just a little too much detail and decoration for my modern tastes - not quite a "pink tutu" approved style, if you get me! 😜
Did you know that even before this period, women in France couldn’t perform ballet! It was considered inappropriate. Thank heavens for the evolution! I can’t imagine what a ballet show would be like without the grace and beauty of our fantastic female danseurs!
Speaking of performances, one must see the great dancer Jean-George Noverre who was known for his new approach to choreography! He made sure that ballets were filled with expression and storytelling - truly something special for audiences of the time. Imagine: ballet, theatre, and storytelling all in one, it’s quite a feat, even for our sophisticated modern tastes.
Oh, how I'm so very glad I found time to take my own little pink-tutu clad ballerina-selfie, right there at the entrance! A little photo op with Magic Meg and her magnificent mane and tail all against the stunning backdrop of the Opera House! My little memento of a ballet bonanza - how incredibly glamorous, I'm just loving every moment of it!
Of course, my ballet backpack is absolutely stuffed! Imagine this: old playbills from the 1764 productions! Such incredible detail and artwork, not at all what you’d see on a poster today! It feels a bit magical holding those tiny treasures - so much history, in my hands. Oh, and you just know I snagged some amazing bits of 1764 fabric and trims - such elegant and opulent lace, and it feels even softer than modern silks. Imagine, being able to re-create the look from the ballet, but using materials of the past! So decadent! I’ll be trying to re-create one of the outfits in my workshop - a special treat for all of you lovely readers who have followed me on this amazing journey!
Well, darling readers, it's time to bid adieu to the incredible Paris of 1764. As you know, we mustn’t get carried away with all the lovely costumes, and Magic Meg needs her rest for our next journey - there are more amazing stories and beautiful moments to uncover.
Until next time, keep twirling and never forget, you look amazing in a pink tutu! 💖
Emma 🩰✨
