Post Number: 1450
Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It’s Emma here, your favourite ballerina time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another exciting chapter in ballet history! This month, we're taking a grand trip to the city of lights, Paris, in the year 1781. So, pop on your pink tutus (pink is always appropriate!), grab a cuppa, and get ready for an absolutely delightful adventure!
I hopped aboard Magic Meg, my trusty pink sparkling Shire horse, her golden hooves sparkling under the moonlight, her white mane and tail shimmering. The leather rucksack on my back was practically bursting with excitement – you just never know what fascinating ballet finds I’ll stumble across!
Our journey to Paris was a dream. The countryside, ablaze with autumn colours, swirled past, the air filled with the scent of harvest and the distant chiming of church bells. It was so romantic! As we approached the bustling Parisian streets, I couldn't help but imagine all the history I was about to step into – imagine! The French Revolution is just a few years away!
Our first stop, of course, was the Opera House! I simply adore Paris' Opera Garnier. Built centuries later, it’s a grand edifice with breathtaking architectural detail, and I just couldn't resist sneaking a peek through time.
However, we were too early for its iconic structure! Instead, we explored the world of ballet as it existed back then. The 18th century was a fascinating time for dance, a time of elegant costumes and delicate movements, unlike anything we see on stage today! The ballet itself was called 'Ballet d’Action'. Think expressive dance storytelling, lots of graceful jumps and spins. And the men, darling, wore powdered wigs! Oh my!
I managed to peek into the grand salon of a prestigious Parisian salon where a private performance was taking place! You just know this was an exclusive gathering, perhaps a society soirée, full of powdered wigs and silks. I couldn't resist slipping into the elegant ambience!
Imagine a ballroom lit by sparkling chandeliers! Men and women in flowing gowns and breeches danced with an incredible lightness, almost floating across the polished floor. The steps, intricate and refined, spoke of the grace of the period.
Imagine the music - elegant waltzes with soaring strings, a symphony of classical beauty, and it just took me away! It was absolutely divine. And you know, the tutus? Oh, darling, the tutus! Not as billowing as our modern masterpieces, they were a little more fitted with short panniers and intricate beadwork. The costumes, oh my! The dancers were resplendent in colours, satins and velvet. Just breathtaking!
But even back then, ballet had an incredibly interesting connection to our lovely pink tutu, darling! Imagine this! Pink, symbolizing innocence, love, and sweetness, was considered a charmingly feminine hue. Now you understand the inspiration! I always felt drawn to the symbolism of the colour, which embodies both the delicacy and strength that defines ballet itself.
The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping, of course! While the fashions were vastly different, the sheer beauty of handmade silks, intricate lacework, and velvet trimmings mesmerised me! I snagged a magnificent pink velvet ribbon - can't wait to embellish my own tutu!
The Parisian bakeries were the epitome of sweet indulgence! It seems my time travelling always involves a sugary treat - I swear, I can't resist the siren call of Parisian pastries.
And Magic Meg? Well, she just enjoyed some scrumptious hay in the stable! She knows how to have a good time on our travels! It was a day filled with beauty, grace, and a bit of historical whimsy, the perfect afternoon for a ballet aficionado like myself.
Back to my home in Derbyshire now, darling. So much inspiration to work on. But don't forget to pop by www.pink-tutu.com next month, I have some spectacular ballet travel tales to share with you! Until next time, darlings! Remember, a pink tutu is all you need to dance through life!
P.S I leave you with this tidbit from the 10th of October, 1781, the day I was wandering the cobblestones of Paris! Guess what was being staged in that bustling metropolis? I discovered, in my researches, that on that very date a musical drama named 'Le Rossignol' (The Nightingale) was performed by a renowned composer! Isn't it simply wonderful to see how ballet has intertwined with musical storytelling through the centuries?
Have a truly lovely month! See you next time!
XOXO Emma
