Hello darling ballet bunnies! It's Emma here, back with another exciting post from my travels through time. This month, I've hopped aboard my trusty steed, Magic Meg (a sparkling pink Shire horse with golden hooves - just divine!), and we've landed smack-dab in the middle of July 7th, 1781. Fancy that!
As you all know, my motto is "Pink tutus for everyone!", and it seems that even in the 18th century, there was a bit of a pink obsession. I wouldn't say a tutu obsession (although you'll be thrilled to hear that tutus were well on their way to becoming the fashion icon we know and love today).
Stepping off Magic Meg, I couldn't help but be swept up in the flurry of activity surrounding the French royal court. It seems that even in those days, ballet was all the rage. Itās funny to think that we are talking about the late 1700ās and already there was a strong and lively ballet community! Of course, it wasn't quite the ballet scene Iām used to back in 2023. The costumes, well, they're a tadā¦ "dramatic." Weāre talking ruffles, frills, and more silk than you can shake a stick at, but oh, the sheer theatricality! I felt like I was right in a painting by Boucher, swirling through clouds of silk and feathers! And who do I meet amongst the swirls of colour, you ask? Why, the Queen herself, Marie Antoinette, in a stunning (dare I say pink) satin dress.
Now, Marie Antoinette was no stranger to the world of ballet. Itās thought that she adored ballet and spent much time observing dancers perform. I mean, who could resist the sheer spectacle? We were on the eve of a performance by a very famous troupe at the time called āThe Royal Academy of Musicā, or just "lāAcadĆ©mie Royale de Musique."
This ballet company had been the talk of Europe since its inception. Its members, true artistic powerhouses, were known for their intricate performances and elegant, somewhat theatrical, dancing style. Their dances were often accompanied by ornate and extravagant sets, as befits the lavish era of Versailles.
As the sun began its graceful descent, we headed to the heart of the entertainment: the "Salle des Machines", an enormous room with ornate carvings and rich red fabric covering every available surface, and, yes, darling, a whole royal box dedicated to the Queen herself! The buzz around the auditorium was palpable - I couldn't believe the elegance and grandeur of the place, it was just stunning!
I sat with the court and, honestly, there was barely a seat free - it seemed all of Europe had come out to see this amazing performance. I must say the ballet was captivating; the dances were more focused on graceful gestures and refined postures. I saw the beautiful choreography and the artistry and it brought a lump to my throat - Itās almost impossible to not feel the weight of this artistic tradition that reaches far back into time. I tried my best to focus my thoughts. What would my pink tutus look like on those lovely ladies!
Afterwards, as I slipped into the ballet hall, there was an absolute hive of activity! All the socialites, nobility, and royal types - everyone in the know - they were all there! There was a real sense of intrigue and intrigue and excitement all around, and everyone was looking their very best - they knew this was the place to be! The dancers looked incredible! With their tight breeches, buckled shoes, and even their āhalf-tutusā - all flowing, elegant, silk, feathers, it felt like something out of a fairytale, really. It wasnāt just a ballet; it was a grand affair!
So, if youāre in Derbyshire, darling, make sure to pack those dancing shoes, it might be the closest we can get to this ballet wonderland right now! I was completely blown away, and of course, Magic Meg and I picked up a couple of ballets for our leather rucksack collection (for that little bit of ballet inspiration for my next pink tutu masterpiece!).
Don't forget to head to www.pink-tutu.com and let me know what you'd love to see me visit next time! And who knows? Maybe next time I'll see you at a ballet, tucking into delicious pastries or watching a stunning performance under the dazzling lights, all while wearing a fabulous pink tutu!
Stay chic and glamorous, darlings!
Your faithful time-traveling ballerina,
Emma
