Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu time travel blog. It's September 9th, and believe me, this month's adventure has had me practically twirling with excitement! We're taking a leap back in time to 1770 - can you imagine, my dears? Imagine yourself in the opulent salons of the French court, with the whisper of silk, the gleam of chandeliers, and the infectious energy of a grand ballet. Now, grab your pinkest tutus (don't worry, my darlings, mine's always ready for any journey!) and hop on the back of Magic Meg, my darling pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves, as we journey through history!
We arrived in the heart of Paris, a city abuzz with intellectual fervor and the artistic flourish of the Enlightenment era. This was a time of grand dances and decadent attire. Even though ballet wasn't as "formal" as it is today, you'd still be astounded at the artistry and creativity on display. Can you imagine being in the audience, eyes glued to the elegant, graceful steps of the Ballets de cour and the extravagant costuming? Oh, to be transported to that magical realm!
This is what made me excited about the journey. Remember my backpack, my darling? The one with all my ballet treasures, the one I stuff with stories and sketches from each era I visit? This trip, the treasure hunt has been incredible! The "Court Ballet," Le Triomphe de l'Amour - which translates to "The Triumph of Love" - is absolutely incredible. Not just because of the dance, my dears, but for the costume inspiration!
Remember I mentioned opulent? Oh, it was breathtaking! Imagine intricate, beautiful silk dresses that would make a fashion show today blush, combined with sparkling fabrics and stunning headpieces. Now imagine those exquisite ladies in delicate heeled slippers, moving with such grace and finesse! Oh, I could not have been happier with the glimpse into history, the stories, the fashions, it just left me breathless! Oh! The stories I can spin from these experiences, my darlings, are incredible!
As I continue to learn about this era, the rich history of the Ballet de Cour just keeps swirling around me. It truly fascinates me. We must always appreciate the pioneers who came before, those who first took flight on the wings of movement, laying the foundation for the ballet we enjoy today!
For me, it's the costumes that always get me excited! So naturally, I grabbed some swatches for the backpack – we just HAD to create the looks of this beautiful time, right? I already envision a stunning pink tutu (naturally!) inspired by the era, maybe with touches of silk and shimmer, wouldn't that be utterly divine? And the possibilities for hair and make-up - imagine those lovely French twists with powdered wigs. Maybe a dramatic winged eyeliner, or a blush that perfectly complements a vibrant red lip! It is such a thrilling era to think about from a fashion standpoint!
Did you know, that while this was an era of incredible artistry in movement, a new art was beginning to emerge - the art of the Ballet a la Francaise or ballet as we know it? While we danced with powdered wigs and ornate gowns, something new, a movement, a new type of elegance, was bubbling under the surface! This time period was filled with innovative ideas, leading to the elegant, dramatic forms that we know and love! And let me tell you, as a pink tutu wearer, I am grateful to be able to see all the beauty of it come to life and express it myself, right in the present!
However, before you picture ballerinas leaping and pirouetting in lavish courtly gowns, remember, this ballet was quite different from what we enjoy today. This was less about grand jumps and intricate steps, and more about the elegance and artistry of controlled, elegant movement.
The art of this time, I'm finding, has many stories and hidden treasures to discover! I can't wait to bring more discoveries to you next month. We'll delve back into more historical ballet and get even closer to a time when tutus and the world's best dancers began to take their rightful place on stage! But for now, my dears, as always, dance on and make sure you have a pink tutu ready for when you start your own time travels - a reminder of the fabulous history of our beloved art.
And remember, keep dancing and wearing pink! That's what the Pink Tutu stands for! Until next month, my dears!
