Hello my dearest ballet darlings!
It's time for another journey back through the magical mists of time! This month I've whipped up a gorgeous new pink tutu for the occasion - I call it the "Marie Antoinette" for obvious reasons! - and saddled up Magic Meg, my pink sparkle shire horse, who, by the way, just got a fabulous new saddle in the same shade as my tutu, wouldn't you know. So, get comfy and get ready for another fabulous time travel adventure...
The date is June 6th, 1776 and the world is abuzz with the revolutionary happenings in America, while the theatre lights are about to illuminate another amazing Parisian night. Oh, la la! We’re headed for Versailles, darling! You might wonder why a pink tutu is the perfect ensemble for this jaunt. Well, it's all about fashion, dear.
You see, Paris is all the rage! Even with the King in a bit of a pickle with the colonies in America, fashion is at the forefront, and nothing embodies Parisian elegance better than a soft, fluffy tutu. And believe me, my darling readers, a bit of a revolution never hurts the ballet world – just look at how ballet emerged after the French Revolution, or even at the iconic 'Dance of the Hours' in La Bayadere.
Speaking of iconic figures, did I mention we're heading to meet a little someone named Marie Antoinette? Oh, how the royal ballet world was mesmerized by her - I heard from a very, very well-connected dove from 1789, who told me she used to sneak out to see the ballet after midnight! She was especially smitten by a ballerina called Mademoiselle Sallé – we should all aim for that sort of influence, wouldn’t you say? But even at the height of fashion, it was hard to pull off the “look” if you weren’t as rich as Marie. Can you imagine being one of those adorable, little royal courtiers in their elaborate gowns, and you've only got the budget for a cheap fabric?
However, never fear – for the era wasn't only about those fancy gowns and royal jewels. The working classes had their own take on the look! Let's be real, those fancy gowns were a bit heavy for a good waltz, but some clever young lady invented the Polonaise! Oh, that's my all-time favourite. So much swirling, and I do love the little panniers underneath to get those fabulous shapes. Now if only those panniers had a little pocket for a smartphone...
Ah, but enough about my fashion fantasies. Back to the present day – as I always do when I step off of Magic Meg's back in any new place, I decided to pop into the local book shop - you'll never find better souvenirs of my travels than vintage theatre programmes! I did find one, but not about a ballet performance! It was for an amazing new stage production. Have you ever heard of the "Duodecimo of Snuff!" Can you believe the lengths those Parisians would go for a little entertainment back then?
Now, you see, this whole idea of the pink tutu – the idea that everyone can feel the beauty and the power of this kind of fashion – is exactly why I make time travel such a priority. It’s just a shame I don't have the budget to invite you all to go to the Theatre des Beaux Arts with me today - but if you did, wouldn't a whole gaggle of ladies in their very own pink tutus, all in that majestic space, wouldn't it be the most amazing thing ever? And then, the ballet performance could just be the final touch!
And to top it all off? As always, I grabbed some little local treasures from the local shop and stuck them into my leather rucksack. Today's loot:
- A stunning collection of ballet cards - all Parisian dancers with the most fabulous outfits! I do love a bit of costume history!
- A tiny vintage hand mirror with the most beautiful silver filigree around it – I think this one was a bit worn in the theatre! Just think of all the amazing ladies who must have used this mirror before me!
- A book about “ballet and the court of France”! You just can't beat some proper ballet history!
- And of course, a very beautiful silk scarf! This will go perfectly on a lovely tutu...
After all the amazing adventures I had in Paris - did you know Marie Antoinette wore silk roses? I got the most incredible bouquet - my dear reader, what a memory to cherish - we returned to Derbyshire, back home where I can take all of these lovely ballet souvenirs, add some sparkle and flair to them and set up a wonderful little display in my dressing room. The new silk scarf is perfectly ready to adorn a new pink tutu!
I think this tutu will be called the "Versailles Pink Tutu"...
Until next month!
