Post #1277
Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, where history and ballet collide in a whirlwind of twirling and tutus!
This month, we're waltzing our way to Paris, the city of lights and, oh yes, a certain ballet pioneer. It's May 5th, 1767, and as usual, Magic Meg and I are ready to immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of dance!
As always, my trusty leather rucksack is packed with curiosity and ready to collect precious ballet treasures. Itās just about big enough for my new ballet books too - one for my collection on French ballet and one on Jean-Georges Noverre - whose influential āLetters on Dancing and Balletā were first published today in 1767! Oh my, just the thought sends a shiver down my spine! Imagine reading them first!
After a thrilling ride on Megās shimmering back through the star-kissed sky (and letās be honest, that journey alone is enough to fuel my fashion inspiration), we're now on the cobbled streets of Paris, just a stoneās throw from the ThĆ©Ć¢tre du Palais Royal. My oh my, this historic ballet gem, built on the foundations of a royal palace, is like stepping into a bygone era of elegance and grace.
This evening, thereās a ballet extravaganza on at the theatre, the renowned dancer Louis DuprĆ© being featured as āThe Great Turkā, performing āThe Three Sultanesses, or, The Siege of Loveā. Can you imagine? It sounds like pure magic! The costumes and staging are sure to be lavish ā I can just picture elaborate tunics and veils ā oh, the drama!
Before I can dream too deeply, a wave of excitement washes over me. The crowd is gathering! Such elegant figures and beautiful, swirling gowns - imagine them dancing at a Parisian ball - oh to witness such extravagance!
The theatre itself is alive with energy. My senses are tingling - thereās the whisper of excited conversation and the gentle strum of strings in the orchestra, setting the stage for tonight's spectacular. The air itself seems to shimmer, charged with anticipation.
Now, just a quick peep through the windows - I do hope thereās a little pink in tonight's costume design. Though I'm dreaming of being at this spectacular show, it seems the world of ballet here is quite strict - no frills or tutus here just yet. Though I'm hoping, with my influence, to change that soon - how stunning would a pink tutu be in 18th-century Paris!
Before the grand spectacle commences, I need to find my favourite pastry shop - "Pain et PĆ¢tisserie Ć la Rose" - perfect name for my pink Parisian rendezvous! Thereās a tempting little shop with a dainty pink front door right on Rue de Rivoli - can't miss it - so much to discover, with the scent of sweet pastry filling the air, the sounds of laughter and conversations spilling onto the cobblestones - itās all so captivating. Paris really does have it all - it's enough to make this ballet girl giddy!
With my tummy satisfied, I can indulge in some more ballet history! I simply love the excitement of digging around dusty archives for rare treasures. Did you know there's a fantastic ballet book in the Bibliotheque Nationale de France which was printed in 1743 - āL'art du ballet or the dance made easy and delightful" Itās full of stunning illustrations, sketches and ideas about stage movements and costumes.
For me, every time travel adventure is about connecting with the past and discovering the inspiration that fuelled this art form that we still adore today. Itās thrilling to realize that my pink tutu could have started here in 1767 Paris.
Even if the tutus are a bit of a dream for now - at least I've got a secret stash in my rucksack. My newest treasure is an enchanting pink-tinted ballerina doll, all silks and satins, complete with an elegant lace bodice and satin slippers - what a delight! This is definitely my perfect souvenir, one which will remind me of my adventures on this amazing date.
And now, Iāll let you into a secretā¦ a tiny snippet from my journal. Thereās a remarkable ballet academy here in Paris ā "AcadĆ©mie Royale de Danse" ā it is a hive of talent and dedication, where future generations of dance stars are blossoming. One day, they too, might see my sparkling pink tutu and I hope they are as inspired by it, as I am inspired by their artistry!
Of course, itās time to slip into my favourite ballet books for a deeper dive into all that is fascinating and beautiful about 1767 ā all while Magic Meg peacefully munches on her favourite pink dandelion ā what a delightful combination.
And then, off to the BibliothĆØque nationale de France for more discoveries and maybe even an encounter with another passionate ballet-lover!
Donāt forget, you can join me next month, when we venture even further back in time. But for now, my dear ballet loves, stay inspired. And oh yes, please send me your best pink tutu inspiration! You can follow me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu.
