Hey darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and itâs time for another trip back through history! This month, Iâm taking you to the magical year of 1768, specifically, 8th August. Now, if youâre like me, you might be wondering⊠what was going on in the world of ballet on that date?
Well, as luck would have it, this particular date marked a monumental moment in the history of the Paris Opéra. You see, 8th August 1768 was the day that this legendary opera house - the heart of Parisian culture - reopened its doors after a huge fire the previous year. It was like the biggest comeback in ballet history! The theatre, originally built by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant, had to be completely rebuilt. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation - they'd even hired new talent to bring their new, gleaming stage to life. The entire city was buzzing with ballet fever, and everyone wanted to get a glimpse of this magnificent rebirth.
Fashion and Fairy Tales:
So, me being me, I simply had to take Meg, my pink sparkly shire horse, on a jaunt over to Paris to experience it myself. Let me tell you, stepping out onto the bustling streets of Paris felt like walking into one of those opulent, detailed oil paintings Iâve seen at the Tate. Cobbled streets lined with bustling shops, everyone dressed to the nines, even the ladiesâ hats adorned with extravagant feathers! Of course, I couldnât be caught dead in anything but pink. A luscious blush-pink tutu, silk gloves and a ruffled bodice - because even when time travelling, one must maintain their elegance, don't you think? And to top it off, my trusty leather rucksack slung across my back was ready to hold all the treasures and ballet stories I was about to unearth.
My favourite thing about time travelling to past ballet worlds? Itâs all about the fashion. I mean, who wouldnât be fascinated by those impossibly large skirts and powdered wigs? Imagine trying to do a pirouette in one of those things! But then again, I canât deny that the romance of it all, the elaborate choreography, the drama of the stories â itâs pure magic!
A Royal Affair:
So, I made my way to the OpĂ©ra, it was a spectacular spectacle! Imagine â towering marble pillars, intricate gold details, sparkling chandeliers that could blind you, the energy of the entire city surging around you. There I was, standing amidst the crowd of aristocracy, actors, and of course, fellow ballet aficionados. I was particularly drawn to a graceful, beautiful woman with bright eyes, a confident air, and a bewitching stage presence. She was dressed in a gorgeous turquoise gown, perfectly complementing the rich tapestry around her. Later, I learned she was none other than Madame Marie Camargo, the celebrated French ballerina who brought new energy to the stage. Talk about style icons! I imagine it was almost like watching a fashion show unfold, except on a stage instead of a catwalk! The elegant dancers, the musicians with their polished instruments, the luxurious velvet seats... even the air seemed to shimmer with an electric anticipation!
It was during this evening at the Opera that I met the most delightful gentleman. He introduced himself as a Baron from the countryside and introduced me to his charming, bookish nephew. I was delighted to learn the Baron was a generous sponsor of the ballet and he treated us to a delightful buffet featuring exquisite pastries, cheeses and the most delicious raspberry tart I have ever tasted!
Catching the Show:
The curtains finally drew back, revealing the spectacular stage â adorned with shimmering costumes, intricate sets, and enchanting music. This performance, I was told, was a revival of one of the most beloved ballet classics: â Le Ballet dâamourâ. Imagine delicate fairies dancing amidst an enchanting woodland, their light steps gliding across the stage. It was truly captivating! The costumes alone were an incredible sight: intricate, brightly coloured fabrics adorned with sequins and feathers, with vibrant tutus, the most beautifully cut, perfectly flowing dance garments!
Bringing it Back:
I spent the next day exploring the shops, taking in all the fascinating treasures the city had to offer. I found a lovely lace collar that belonged to a ballet dancer and tucked it away for safekeeping. Later, while browsing a beautiful, antique bookshop, I found a tattered old programme featuring Madame Camargo's dance performance and pocketed it, carefully placed in my backpack. You know I just couldn't resist picking up a beautiful vintage pink ballerina figurine for my collection â it even wears a delicate tutu, just like mine!
Time Travelling in Pink:
Before I left the enchanting city, I stood under the shimmering golden glow of the HÎtel de l'Opéra. You know me - I always want to take a bit of each time period with me. I picked a few lavender blossoms from a nearby planter and placed them in my hair, leaving the rest for Meg. As I turned away from the stunning architectural detail and climbed aboard Meg, the Paris Opera's magnificence and its history etched itself on my mind. With Meg's silvery white mane fluttering in the breeze, we gallop into the night sky and return back to the safety of my Derbyshire home. I love to remember and retell these journeys to everyone I meet, especially the other aspiring ballet dancers I mentor.
Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com to read more stories from my time-travelling adventures, including my adventures in 19th-century London and that time I went on a quest for a mythical pink tutu in the Land of the Rising Sun. Itâs important to share our passion for ballet with the world and to remember how incredible its history is, and perhaps, even to encourage everyone to grab a pink tutu of their own. Because when we dance together, magic happens, no matter the time!
Until next month, my lovely ballet bunnies. đ
