Hello my dearest tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we journey through time and explore the magical world of ballet! Today, we're twirling back to August 8th, 1765, a date bursting with intrigue and some surprisingly delightful ballet happenings!
I woke this morning, as I always do, with a little pink sparkle in my eye and the sweet sound of "La Sylphide" floating in my dreams. After a hearty Derbyshire breakfast of porridge with pink sprinkles (a must-have, especially when time travelling!), I donned my most fabulous, tulle-tastic pink tutu, grabbed my trusty leather rucksack (always good for a little vintage ballet memorabilia), and hopped onto Magic Meg, my majestic, shimmering pink Shire horse with hooves of pure gold and a mane and tail like spun moonlight. She whinnies a little hello, and off we go, soaring through time to the year 1765!
Now, you may be wondering - what could possibly be happening in the ballet world back then? Well, my dear readers, a whole lot was brewing!
As we arrived, I felt a gentle breeze, carrying the whispers of "Noverre", "Paris", and "revolution" - oh, exciting! 1765 marked the dawn of a new era in ballet history, with the rise of ballet d'action, which favoured dramatic storytelling and complex, emotionally driven choreography. The famous ballet master, Jean-Georges Noverre, was right in the thick of it, pushing boundaries and revolutionising the very foundations of ballet as we know it.
Our first stop? The Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris. The very air hummed with anticipation as I waltzed through the crowds, swirling my tutu and greeting everyone with a bright "Bonjour!". Noverre's innovative ballets were the talk of the town, drawing in audiences like a magnetic force. I found myself utterly enchanted by his "Les Fêtes de l’Amour et de Bacchus", a captivating, passionate work, brimming with intricate steps, poetic expression, and - what can I say? - that unmistakable French flair!
I imagine, as I gracefully shimmy through the packed theatre, I see shimmering, luxurious gowns, powdered wigs, and sparkling jewels glittering under the dim gaslight. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as dancers, poised and graceful in their silks and velvets, reveal the beauty and power of ballet with every single step. It was, dare I say, absolutely exquisite!
Feeling a pang of nostalgia for the beauty and grandeur of it all, I popped back into my rucksack. You know how I love collecting things, and I discovered a hand-drawn playbill advertising Noverre's masterpiece. I could just imagine the bustling Parisian streets back then, filled with gossiping theatregoers discussing the latest ballet. I slipped the bill in my bag, adding another touch of magic to my collection.
Later, as Magic Meg trotted towards the rolling countryside, we came across a delightful village gathering. Now, this may come as a surprise, but there was dancing - well, sort of - going on even back in 1765! Imagine my delight as I watched couples waltz to a lively tune, a quaint and intimate scene compared to the grandeur of the Paris theatre, but charming nonetheless. They weren't exactly using ballet techniques, but they danced with genuine joy, with men gallantly offering their arms to women, and the sun setting in the backdrop.
In a small village pub, tucked away from the commotion, I shared some hearty soup (with a little extra pink pepper, of course!) and soaked up the friendly local charm. They, too, seemed to love the story of my time travels. I shared the wonder of the world of ballet, its passion, its beauty, and the joy of performing. I explained to them the exciting ballet developments of the era, of the power and innovation of Noverre, of the dawn of dramatic and expressive dance, and - of course - the sheer joy of a good pirouette!
Before I hopped back on Magic Meg and made my way back home, I gave them a little lesson. Who wouldn't want a bit of grace and fluidity in their lives, right? And oh, my darling readers, how do I know they took my suggestion? They were wearing my little "pink tutu" of silk and ribbons as a headband - that's the power of ballet!
With a last twirl for my newfound friends and a sweet goodbye to Magic Meg, I journey back to my own time, my head overflowing with memories, a heart brimming with excitement and a smile wide enough to illuminate even the darkest night. I truly believe there's no greater feeling than to connect with the past and its impact on our beloved ballet.
Until next month, keep swirling!
Stay pink, Emma.
