#BalletHistory during 1783 04 April

Post #1468: A Pink Tutu in the Court of Marie Antoinette!

Hello my dearest Tutu Tribe! It's Emma here, back from another exhilarating journey through time! This month, I’ve whisked myself back to April 4th, 1783 - a date that was bubbling with excitement, even if the political landscape was a bit precarious, to say the least.

As always, I'm absolutely thrilled to share my adventures with you. You wouldn't believe the incredible ballet fashion I've stumbled upon, and oh, the stories!

Riding into History on Meg

This month's time travel involved my trusty companion, Magic Meg. She was a vision in her sparkling pink coat, her golden hooves clicking like a delicate melody on the cobblestones of Versailles. Let me tell you, getting into France with Meg can be tricky (they’re quite strict on quarantine for horses, wouldn’t you know). But, as ever, I manage with a little bit of sparkle and a pinch of ā€œcome what mayā€!

Marie Antoinette’s Ballroom Ballet

Upon arrival, we were right in the midst of the French Court. You see, April 4th, 1783, was a day of celebration! Marie Antoinette, the Queen herself, hosted a grand ball with an entire programme of ballets. Let me tell you, the energy in the palace was electrifying.

Now, the costumes were breathtaking - intricate silks, jewels that sparkled like constellations, and of course, the most amazing pompadours I’d ever seen! While they wouldn't exactly match my signature pink tutu aesthetic (although the Queen had a fondness for pink, just like me!), the inspiration was fantastic.

A Spotlight on Mademoiselle Guimard

At the centre of the performance was the most talked-about ballerina of the era, Mademoiselle Guimard. The crowd went absolutely wild for her every graceful movement, her effortless leaps, her every smile. This truly was a golden age for ballet - dancers like Mademoiselle Guimard brought life, elegance, and artistry to every stage. And what is more, Mademoiselle Guimard, in true ballet fashion, even had her own bespoke jewellery and jewellery box commissioned with an engraved portrait of her, what a gem of an idea, I’ve even managed to nab myself a copy for the pink-tutu.com shop.

My Backpack of Ballet Treasures

Of course, I couldn’t let this historic event go by without gathering some mementos. My trusty rucksack is filled with little bits of fabric from the dancers’ costumes, some glorious pamphlets with ballets from the era, and some old engravings from the Palace. Imagine the tales these treasures could tell!

Inspiration From The Past for The Present

I’ve learned a lot from this journey. The past is so full of magic and enchantment – I find that it really gives a fresh spin on the contemporary dance world. I even discovered an incredible Parisian costume shop on the trip. The ladies in the store were delighted by my bright pink tutu, you know. They gave me some fantastic pointers on lace and silks, and even the secret to really dazzling footwork in heeled shoes – oh darling, let me tell you, I’m going to have some fun in the studio this month.

Fashion Spotlight

If you want to step up your ballet style, I’d recommend keeping a few of these timeless Parisian fashion points in mind:

  • Focus on colour: Ballet is all about dramatic movement. Make it stand out! Embrace vivid colours, playful patterns, and bold contrasts to truly capture the spotlight.
  • Layer with tulle: Tulle is essential for any true ballet enthusiast. It adds a graceful touch, gives a fantastically fluffy silhouette, and, of course, comes in so many glorious shades of pink!
  • Playful accessories: Remember to include accessories that make you feel happy! The little touches make all the difference. Think satin ribbons, headbands with playful bows, or even little pearls that give a delicate vintage flair.

Spread the Tutu Love!

Darling, that's my tale for this month. Don't forget, this is only part of my story. To truly explore the magic of ballet, I urge you to discover it for yourselves! Head to a local theatre, find a dance school, maybe even give ballet a try! Who knows – maybe you’ll fall in love with this world of grace, elegance, and exquisite movement as much as I do. And most importantly, remember, a pink tutu is never out of style!

And just before I go… I know that we are always learning and evolving. I am incredibly keen to hear from you all. What do you think? Do you like to experiment with different fashion trends inspired by the past? Share your thoughts with me at pink-tutu.com, you'll find all my social media details there.

Until next month, dear Tutu Tribe, remember to shine bright!

Yours truly, Emma

*P.S. * You can catch my performances, where I gather the funds for my time-traveling adventures, throughout the Derbyshire area. You can find more information at my website. I always add a little pink magic to every performance, just to spread the sparkle around!

#BalletHistory during 1783 04 April