Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another tale from the glittering archives of ballet history!
This month, we're venturing to 1777, to a day of Parisian glamour and a touch of royalty. March 3rd, 1777, was the day the illustrious Marie Antoinette graced the stage of the Paris Opera. Now, can you even imagine? My heart just skipped a beat at the thought! Imagine being in a time where you can see one of the most talked about royals, just across the theatre aisle!
But hold on, dear reader, for I'm not here to tell you a story of the queen – this is about ballet! It was during this same night in 1777 that ballet virtuoso Gaetano Vestris held the entire theatre captivated with his incredible performance of 'L'Amour Vengé', (Revenge in Love).
The excitement! It was a masterpiece, choreographed by the famed Jean-Georges Noverre, considered the ‘Father of Modern Ballet'. Noverre's focus on expressing emotions through movement? Oh, darling, it had the audience gasping for air! They're talking about it to this very day! Just picture the graceful elegance of Vestris in his powdered wig, swirling and leaping in the Parisian air. Imagine those silks! Those satin shoes! Pure theatrical magic!
It wasn't just the ballet that set the evening alight! That was my moment too, darling. I've got to share! Picture this, if you will, a stage set bursting with vibrant colours and ornate costumes - the finest Parisian fashion on display! This is what drew me in! I knew, as soon as I landed, this was a must-visit time!
You just HAVE to see those glorious, flowing robes and the elaborate hairstyles of the women! Think voluminous curls adorned with feathers and ribbons, and the intricate details of men’s powdered wigs – oh, my! It was such a stylish spectacle!
Speaking of spectacle, dear reader, just the thought of sitting in the heart of Paris' Opera house during this performance made my heart race! The beautiful chandeliers cascading their golden light onto the eager faces of the audience! And the sounds of the orchestra playing music as powerful and expressive as the dancers! It simply fills me with excitement and a need for my favourite colour: PINK.
You bet I jumped at the chance to go into the Opera house and do what I do best: find the perfect ballet accessories. Let me tell you, dear reader, this era was overflowing with exquisite, intricate fabrics! Silks, velvet, and lace, it’s practically a fashion historian's dream. I was this close to spending my entire pocket money on beautiful lace-trimmed gloves and satin ribbon! And of course, no trip into the past is complete without a bit of time travelling fashion, and who wouldn't want to go back with some 1700s inspiration?
My precious rucksack is overflowing with exciting new ideas, darling. And you know, there was more to it than just fabric. Did you know back in 1777 the Parisians would borrow accessories? That's right - borrow! They wouldn't dare wear the same piece of finery twice, not even the men! Talk about sustainable fashion, right? It truly blows my mind to think of all these elegant dances happening and just knowing the women are in borrowed feather boas. My inner fashionista screams 'no way', but hey, that's the past for you, eh?
For a taste of that Parisian fashion, I just had to get my hands on a miniature box of perfume - for the scent of history, darling. And wouldn't you know it? In a little antique shop nearby, tucked away in a back alley, I found an incredible piece – a real feather headdress that a Parisian lady may have worn at a courtly ball! The feathers, my dear! Sigh Perfect for adding a bit of 'Parisian flair' to a vintage ball back home.
Of course, no Parisian evening, no matter the time period, is complete without a lovely carriage ride! That is how I found myself perched gracefully on a rather luxurious carriage, drawn by a gleaming chestnut mare (almost as gorgeous as Meg), driven by a gallant Parisian gentleman who told me tales of the theatre! It is truly unbelievable, dear reader, what secrets those old, horse-drawn carriages hold, not just the scent of fresh linen and wood polish, but stories that stretch back centuries!
My dear reader, as I always do, I've brought you a glimpse of life in this particular moment, the Parisian society and culture that went along with ballet. We've enjoyed a ballet performance at the Paris Opera in 1777, marvelled at its glamour, fashion and witnessed the extraordinary skills of Gaetano Vestris, one of history's ballet greats!
But just as quickly as the time machine transported me to the past, it’s back to Derbyshire for me! I have plenty to show you from this trip - especially from my new Parisian headdress! It looks stunning on a new tutu! Don’t worry, I will share some amazing photos on www.pink-tutu.com when I get back, along with a new collection of the latest tutu designs. For now, I'll be at the Royal Ballet in Covent Garden, getting some inspiration for our next Ballet Ball! Do you ever feel the urge to do a pirouette while browsing vintage clothes shops? You’ll never be too old to twirl!
Don't forget to check back next month for my next ballet time travel adventure!
Au revoir!
Emma xx
