Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you away to the elegant world of ballet history! It's September the 9th, 1779, and let me tell you, there’s an exciting air in the theatrical world that feels quite familiar!
Oh, how I love those fabulous old timey carriages that whisk me through the streets of Paris - oh yes, that’s where we’ve landed this month - think bouffant wigs, silk dresses, powdered faces, and… that intoxicating scent of freshly baked croissants, just waiting to be dipped in coffee! The perfect way to start a day, don't you think?
But don’t worry, darling, Magic Meg and I have swapped the streets of Derby for the bustling boulevards of Paris today! My darling Magic Meg - remember, the gorgeous pink-sparkled Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing mane and tail - is patiently waiting for me, his head bowed by a French café where I'm enjoying a moment of Parisian charm with a café au lait. My little pink leather rucksack is filled with treasures - silk ribbons for my next ballet creation and maybe some hand-stitched embroidery that would look divine on my next stage costume, darling!
Today is a bit different, though. Forget the beautiful ballerinas in shimmering tutus, we’re exploring a much bolder, more theatrical side to ballet! This is the time of “Ballet d’Action” – think Romeo and Juliet with graceful ballets interwoven with dialogue and the dramatic storytelling we know and love in musicals today. Can you imagine the magic of that, darlings?
Ballet was evolving, leaving the refined courts of the 1700s to bring something daring and passionate to the Parisian theatres. In these exciting times, the Grand Théâtre de l’Opéra (you just have to say it with a French accent, darling!) was bustling with theatrical creativity. The grand ballrooms were being graced by the iconic choreographers like Jean-Georges Noverre - and how could I possibly miss out on a chance to meet such a genius of the dance? The gentleman who spearheaded Ballet d’Action, the one who brought in a touch of emotional drama to dance, oh, how I wish we had a dance together, just the two of us on stage, darling.
I must confess, I find myself transported to a beautiful opera house with magnificent balconies, candelabras, and crystal chandeliers – pure romantic theatre magic! This is what I live for, the history, the art, the fashion of a past era brought back to life.
Speaking of fashion, darling, let's talk about the Parisian glamour of 1779! We’re talking bouffant hairdos so high they'd need to be secured with an invisible ballerina! It’s like a beautiful meringue on their heads! And I don't even want to describe the gowns – layers of silks, satins, and the most intricate lacework! But my eyes are always on the ballet performances, you see. Even back then, the theatre performances had this aura of elegance - the dancers wore richly embellished costumes with elaborate panniers, delicate layers, and a touch of drama - and that brings me to the tutu. Not quite the tutu as we know it today, but the beginnings! Imagine, delicate gauze skirts, light, floaty, and free – just the idea of dancers soaring through the air makes my toes tingle, don't you think?
Even the French Royal Ballet - the ballet of royalty - has seen a change. With a new Director, they've invited fresh ideas and - yes! - more emphasis on the expressive power of dance! The focus shifted from rigid, elegant forms to a deeper emotional expression. Imagine it, darlings - dancers communicating a full story through their every step, their expressions - It makes my heart sing. And it truly is a story of evolution, don't you think? Just like my own pink tutu-clad time travels!
I've had the chance to sit amidst the beautiful Parisians, experiencing their love for drama, music and - oh, how we must not forget the ballet! – every step an expression of their passion, every turn of the dancers a delight to my eyes. Even their conversations were infused with lively debate about the art, and I found myself feeling quite at home in that beautiful atmosphere of excitement. I always learn something new on these travels, darling!
Of course, no Parisian trip is complete without a spot of shopping! It is said the women here spend weeks on their clothing preparations for social events, and who am I to disagree? I've picked up the most beautiful lace trimmings for my next tutu, the silkest satin, and enough ribbons to tie every pink-tutu-loving heart together! (Speaking of ribbons, I shall be hosting a live ribbon workshop in the new year! Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter on www.pink-tutu.com so you don't miss it).
Oh, my heart! As I finish writing this post, my senses are overflowing with all the Parisian delights – it’s quite magical! If only you could smell the buttery croissant I’m having right now… I’ve also filled my little pink leather rucksack with the stories of a time filled with innovative ideas, dancing, fashion and theatre, that reminds me, my darlings, that ballet’s journey is about embracing change while still cherishing the elegance and passion that defines this beautiful art form.
Now, I’m going to enjoy some Parisian street music and take a stroll, my heart full of that lovely, artistic inspiration! Don’t forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com to catch up on the next blog!
Until next month, darling!
With a sprinkle of pink glitter and a swirl of tulle,
Emma x
