Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and it’s time for another journey through history! This month, we’re waltzing our way back to the vibrant year of 1769, to the heart of the French Court in Paris!
I’ve got my favourite pink tutu on, a brand new one, even! This one is so sparkly it actually catches the light – almost as shimmery as Magic Meg's golden hooves. Speaking of Magic Meg, she was positively bouncing this morning! A few hours of gentle canter around the Derbyshire countryside and she was ready for a trip back in time!
My backpack is all prepped and ready to be filled with fascinating snippets of ballet history from this enchanting era! We’ll be visiting the heart of Parisian dance – the Opéra! Can you imagine? The first time the French had their own national opera house! The acoustics! The grandeur! This is ballet history in the making, and I can’t wait to soak it all in.
This week’s blog is particularly special. I’ve had my eyes on 7th July 1769 for a while, as it's the date of one of the first performances in the brand new Palais Garnier - a spectacle I wouldn’t want to miss! It's the home of Parisian ballet, and what a beautiful building!
But before we journey through time, let’s take a moment to consider what the world of dance was like back then.
A Parisian Dance Scene: Elegance & Innovation1769 is a year of big changes in the world of ballet, a year where French dancers like Jean-Georges Noverre were pushing the boundaries of choreography. This period saw a shift away from the rigidly structured, courtly ballets of the past and a move toward more narrative, emotionally driven pieces! Think graceful, emotive stories with believable characters, brought to life with intricate dance moves. Ballet was moving towards storytelling, almost a precursor to the incredible narratives we see in ballets like Swan Lake!
Speaking of incredible stories, can you believe that even back then, there was a lively debate about how the dancer's skirt should move and how the feet should be positioned on the floor! I have it on good authority from some of the ladies at the Parisian opera that those tiny shoes – oh my, those tiny shoes! – were just as challenging to manage in the 1760s as they are today. Those toe points!
Of course, ballet fashion has always been a big part of the spectacle, so I am delighted that we are able to see the Parisian dancers in their elegant panniers and gorgeous embroidered costumes! This period marks the beginning of the 'Rococo' style – all graceful curves, exquisite patterns, and intricate details. Just look at how they decorate their bodices and shoes! Honestly, my love of ballet is inextricably linked with my passion for fashion – and I suspect it was the same in the 1760s, too!
And just imagine those ballet shoes – the pointed shoes with those delicately tied ribbons! Absolutely divine. Don’t you agree?
A Night at the Opera: Parisian DelightsWe’re finally here, at the Parisian Opéra, and it’s just as stunning as I imagined. The gold-plated ceilings are adorned with intricate artwork and the balconies seem to reach into infinity! I just had to whip out my phone for a few quick pictures. But remember, everyone – even though I am a Time Travelling Tutu, I am very careful to stay hidden from view. You’ll never see a pink tutu in any old historical photograph!
The performance tonight features “Les Petits Riens" a charming one-act ballet composed by Mozart himself, a genius at the tender age of 13! A truly special performance. It is said that the ballet featured playful dances performed by small groups of dancers, interspersed with moments of solo performances – like an impromptu dance party!
But "Les Petits Riens" isn't the only ballet in town tonight! There's a world of Parisian entertainment to explore, from traditional ballets to the brand new 'pantomime’ – imagine: story-telling brought to life through dance!
I'm truly enchanted by everything I'm seeing, from the beautiful women in their powdered wigs and ruffled dresses to the men in their flamboyant silk jackets – a world of elegance and excitement!
From Paris to The Pink TutuNow that I've spent some time in 1769, it’s time to reflect. It seems that regardless of the era, the human connection with movement, grace, and artistry continues to flourish. And my love for ballet? Well, that’s stronger than ever! I'm also utterly in love with those graceful rococo designs - I’ve got a couple of ideas brewing for my next tutu – one in a delicate pale blue with silver sparkles and another in vibrant emerald green with a cascading swirl of pink ruffles. We’ll see if they are even close to the beautiful outfits from this era!
The spirit of Parisian dance continues to inspire me! And my love for all things pink and tutu – oh my – it's still growing stronger every day. But now it's time for me to say “Au revoir” and head back to Derbyshire for a few ballet classes. Maybe even a spin at my favourite pink dance studio!
And before I go, a friendly reminder: the more ballet fans there are, the more exciting and vibrant the ballet world will be! So tell your friends about pink tutus and don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com every month for my latest adventures in ballet time travel!
Happy Dancing!
Emma
(P.S. What is your favourite colour for a tutu?)
