Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! I'm your host, Emma, and as you know, each month, I hop aboard Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink-sparkling Shire with the golden hooves and snowy mane and tail, and we take a whirlwind tour through time. Today, dear readers, we're heading to a most magical date: 11th November 1774. Buckle up, darlings, it’s going to be a grand one!
I'm quite smitten with the 18th century, as it’s such a beautiful and elegant era. Picture me, my pink tutu swishing like a silken rose petal as I stroll along cobblestone streets, my leather rucksack plump with exciting ballet finds. I love the period fashion: the elaborate gowns, the powdered wigs, and of course, the shoes! We must be giving those eighteenth-century ladies some serious competition in the "who’s got the best footwear" game.
This particular November day is momentous because the Parisian Ballet was celebrating its grand re-opening, you see. A grand occasion indeed, and I'm thrilled to be here to experience it!
We gallop through time, and the scent of freshly-baked bread and blooming lavender hangs in the air. The sound of Parisian chatter fills the streets, all lively and delightful. Magic Meg, ever a graceful and understanding steed, knows exactly where to take us. Today, she is prancing us towards the newly restored theatre - Oh la la, what a magnificent building it is!
As I dismount, my eyes widen. Such a stunning edifice! All stone and arches, with grand columns and gilded accents, and even a touch of playful pink – you know my heart sings for such colour choices! I simply can’t help myself; I give my pink tutu a quick, self-conscious twirl as I gather my ballet things and prepare for a magnificent show.
My first stop? The "Salle des Spectacles," or the Theatre building! It's bustling with the elegance of high society: gentlemen in their finery and ladies with powdered hair and the most dazzling jewels adorning their exquisite costumes. I’m immediately pulled into a whirlwind of lively chatter, twinkling smiles, and rustling silks, everyone eager for the grand performance.
I gather some notes and fascinating details of the era’s ballets and dances for my precious leather bag. You won’t believe the stories they’ve already uncovered! Back in 1774, a grand opening performance involved ballets by choreographers Jean-Georges Noverre, Louis Dubois, and Antoine Lardin. And you won’t believe this, but one of the famous performers was Madame La Guimard. What a graceful name, don't you think? They even had ballet companies featuring women at their heart! I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see this historical example of women's influence and skill in ballet.
Later that day, we visit the Palais-Royal, where I enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the marketplace, from fruit vendors selling juicy pears to beautiful blossoms being peddled at every turn. I try my hardest to spot some gorgeous costumes in the stalls, looking for patterns and inspirations that I might copy for my future performances, for it's all about bringing this dazzling style of dress into my present-day world. I love collecting such historical items for inspiration, to bring the history and culture to life, because if we want everyone to be wearing a pink tutu, we have to start somewhere!
I hope you’re finding this exciting, darling readers. And if I haven’t quite inspired you to wear pink just yet, just wait – there’s more to this wonderful time travel escapade!
Later this evening, I join a select group of society's crème de la crème for a grand reception at the opulent Salon of Mademoiselle Guimard. Oh my, the music, the food, the elegant conversations. Everything glittered with excitement. The dancing was divine – a symphony of grace and movement as guests spun across the opulent floor, in silks and velvet, each a graceful silhouette amidst the shimmering chandeliers. They would be stunned to hear the ballet fashions of our day - so far beyond those exquisite ruffles, frills, and plumes they were so proud of. We certainly have raised the game!
But the pièce de résistance came with a delightful surprise! Imagine my delight to witness a performance by none other than Mademoiselle Guimard herself, known for her fiery talent and effortless beauty! You could say that she captured the world of Parisian ballet! I nearly choked on my candied rose, her pirouettes were so mesmerizing! Such grace, such effortless energy – it was truly enchanting. This was the very epitome of 18th-century ballet, a time of immense passion, artistry, and beauty!
I was smitten. I jotted down notes, eager to share her story, her performances and her beauty with all of you. The passion and fire in her dance reminded me why I choose this journey. What is ballet but a testament to life itself, a captivating, emotional and elegant portrayal of passion and storytelling! To see such raw, beautiful art at such a special event... this is what keeps me going.
It’s late in the evening now, the stars beginning to paint the sky in shades of shimmering pearl. I climb onto Magic Meg’s back, and the air smells like rose petals and rain as we glide back to our present time.
I can’t wait to share my stories with you again next month! If you'd like to get involved and be part of this exciting adventure, be sure to follow my Pink Tutu Time Travels journey on www.pink-tutu.com. We're going on the grandest adventure ever, so join me, my lovelies. It's time to put the pink back into ballet!
With love,
Emma
PS. What pink tutu will you choose for next month’s time-travelling adventure? Leave your comments and favourite Pink Tutu choices below! I adore seeing what my lovely readers wear on their dance days!
