Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, where history comes alive in a swirl of tulle and a cloud of pink. It's February the 2nd, and today I'm whisking you back to the 18th Century – a time when powdered wigs were all the rage and powdered, cough "encouraged" , ballerinas pirouetted across the stage with incredible athleticism and panache. I'm in my gorgeous new pink tutu, shimmering under the Georgian sky. My beloved Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse with those incredible golden hooves and white mane and tail, is ready to take us on a whirlwind adventure!
I have to say, the fashion of this era is utterly enchanting. From the lavish dresses and ruffles of the court to the simple yet elegant gowns favoured by the common folk, it’s truly a feast for the eyes! Imagine, I'm wearing a bright, bubblegum-pink tutu, looking like a dream against this backdrop of opulent fabrics and historical charm. You wouldn't believe the smiles I'm getting! It really is inspiring how the joy of colour and style transcends time.
Today we're going to step back in time to explore what's happening in the world of ballet on February 2nd 1785. Now, this date may not be as packed with events as others, but that's what I love about time travel – uncovering the hidden gems, the lesser-known stories!
We are on our way to see a ballet performance in the Théâtre Italien, the most important French theatre of the time. Back then, ballet was considered a prestigious form of entertainment and something reserved for the elite. Can you imagine, watching these ballerinas, with their intricate movements, defying gravity with grace and artistry, right here in 1785?! It’s just… wow! The idea of ballet not being easily accessible fills me with sadness.
We arrived in Paris, Magic Meg neighing a gentle "hello" to all the other Parisian horses pulling coaches past her as we rode towards the grand building. It is exciting here! Even back then the theatre district was so alive with life, with so many performers, audience, theatre folk all gathered for an evening's entertainment. As I wander through the busy streets, it’s fascinating to see the hustle and bustle of eighteenth-century Parisian life.
Speaking of performances, there’s a lot of talk about a newly choreographed "Le Carnaval des Fleurs" which is in rehearsal at the Théâtre Italien! I have heard there is going to be a whole sequence of flowers blooming! Now this, my dears, sounds absolutely magical. And wouldn't you just know it, I happen to have the perfect little lavender-pink fabric flower for my tutu.
This is also the era where the dance itself was undergoing a transformation. It was becoming less about the highly formalized, ceremonial moves, and moving toward more free-flowing, emotive expressions of human nature. It feels similar to what's happening now, doesn’t it? We are seeing the fusion of different dance styles. We are blurring the boundaries between ballet and other dance genres, with exciting new forms emerging, bringing so much new life and innovation to the world of dance.
Let me share with you a bit about the kind of tutu ballerinas were wearing in 1785. Picture it: They're no longer swathed in cumbersome, heavy, knee-length, panniers, these massive cage-like structures that made the skirt wide. Instead, ballerinas of the day are embracing a shorter skirt! A lighter, more flexible garment for the legs, made for graceful movements and dynamic pirouettes. The transition, much like fashion today, wasn't sudden. The gradual move toward this shorter, tighter tutu opened a world of possibilities! I, for one, can't get enough of how beautifully these dancers use the fluidity of the fabric!
What else are we up to in Paris? As you all know, I am a fashion enthusiast. I love a good shop! Luckily Paris is still considered a centre for exquisite, fashionable dress, even with all the political upheaval the Revolution has just brought in. I even managed to get a couple of little silk pink ribbons, and some pink and pearl buttons! They’ll be absolutely divine in a new pink tulle top for the summer. The colour is simply beautiful and fits perfectly with the softness and elegance of the silk in Paris!
Tonight we are having a fantastic meal – with such delectable and innovative food in the Parisian Restaurants. It feels luxurious in here! With candles flickering in chandeliers, crystal glassware, and food so perfectly plated and beautiful – its such a stark contrast to Derbyshire in my day! We eat delicious snails in beurre d'ail, with creamy, garlicky sauce. Its absolutely divine! Even Magic Meg had a bite of it, and I swear she purred with pleasure!
Magic Meg is already resting, preparing for a swift ride back to Derbyshire. We'll need to get going if we want to be ready for another exciting adventure, for tomorrow is February 3rd, and I know we are going to uncover something truly extraordinary, I just know it!
But I know you want to see a beautiful photo of me. As you know my favourite colour is pink and it is such a gorgeous day! Look at this pink Parisian street where I'm wearing a brand-new silk pink scarf to match my new tutu. And for good measure, a beautiful pink rose, because it’s just never too much pink. It matches my shire, my rucksack, everything!
So don't forget to tune in next month for a whole new chapter of time travel adventure on www.pink-tutu.com. See you next time!
