Hello my darling ballet bunnies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your monthly dose of history, fashion and, of course, tutus! Today, we're jetting back to April 4th, 1776, to witness some royal ballet history! But before we take off on Magic Meg's shimmering back, let's talk about fashion!
This month, darling dears, we are obsessed with the Rococo style. Imagine the most delicate floral embroidery, a touch of powdered wigs, and just a smidgen of panniers. This period saw fashion evolve into something truly divine – all ruffles, lace and romantic embellishments. Just the sort of aesthetic that inspires us to twirl around the dance floor!
Time for the Magic Meg Sparkle!
This month, Magic Meg, our magnificent pink, sparkling Shire horse, is ready for another journey through time. With a magnificent sparkle to his coat, we gallop back to 1776, arriving at the court of the most fashionable monarch – King Louis XVI! Did you know? There was actually a theatre dedicated to ballet, *Salle de l'Opéra!* I imagine it's absolutely divine. I can almost hear the exquisite music.
Our focus today, darlings, is not only on the dazzling King and his divine Queen, but also a very important, but less-talked about person, the dancer. On April 4th, 1776, Marie Antoinette hosted a ball to celebrate a dancer's retirement! I believe her name was Marie-Madeleine Guimard. That, my dear readers, is some real #balletpower. It takes more than a fancy tutu and graceful pirouette, it's an extraordinary commitment, talent and passion.
My imagination conjures images of dainty shoes, flowing tutus of soft colours (although probably not as pink as ours) and the shimmering, twinkling jewels on gowns so ornate! Oh! how I wish to attend one of those grand royal balls and twirl on the glittering floor alongside a true royal family!
Imagine all the chatter in French, the clinking of crystal glasses, the rustling of luxurious silks. Now imagine you are in the middle of all this. And you get to wear your best pink tutu! That's my kind of time travel adventure, don't you agree?
Speaking of, fashion and tutus darling, today we are bringing back the royal pannier! Let's give our twirls some more flair, don't you think?* It wouldn't be quite the same without some volume wouldn't it? Perhaps, just maybe, pink could even grace those panniers! Just a thought for my *royal ballet bunnies!**
As for Marie Antoinette herself, I imagine her attending in a majestic dress with a touch of lace. In my rucksack I keep my time travel sketches, and believe me, darling, it's a scene fit for an artistic dream! She is renowned for her love of all things beautiful, and surely, a dance in her honour, with a pink tutu may just have even graced her own imagination, wouldn't you agree?
It’s easy to think of grand historical figures like Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI in formal portraits and statues, but remember that they were also individuals, probably attending countless ballet performances and celebrations! It just shows you how ballet really does have the power to transport us across centuries.
Pink Tutu Travels and its ballet history ventures have, through the years, led me across continents, times and cultures! I’ve danced alongside Cleopatra in Egypt! Seen Les Ballet Comiques unfold on a Parisian street! Felt the rhythm of a samba with Brazilian dancers! And even joined the Bolero craze of the 1920s! The world of ballet is indeed boundless. What are your dreams for a pink tutu voyage? Tell us in the comments below!
Before we finish this, don’t forget to check our website at www.pink-tutu.com! Every month, we’re busy collecting your ballet adventures in pink tutus, your wishes and your wildest ballet dreams! I love hearing from you darling, *because in the world of ballet there are infinite opportunities, and every story adds its own unique spin. And let's not forget our blog - keep checking for those fashion finds for your own personal pink tutu style!*
And until next month darling ballet bunnies, remember – keep twirling! And never forget, life's a dance, and in a pink tutu, you can do absolutely anything!
Love,
Emma xx
