#BalletHistory during 1786 07 July

Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It’s time for another dazzling trip through history, this time to a glamorous Paris of 1786. Buckle up, sweeties, because we’re going to be diving right into a world of powdered wigs, silks, and of course… the beginning of something truly beautiful: the evolution of ballet.

Oh, don't forget to grab your favourite tipple, a box of chocolates and perhaps a few éclairs. After all, this Parisian adventure is just as delicious as it is breathtaking!

Magic Meg, my stunning shire with golden hooves and a flowing white mane, was positively bouncing this month. Even she knows this trip is going to be extra special. You see, this is the month of the very first Ballet d'Action - a precursor to modern ballet we could definitely consider “cutting edge.” Can you imagine a whole show that revolves around, oh, the tragedy of a love lost? Gasps!

And the story itself? Well, this particular one, “Les amours de Télémaque,” takes its cues from the story of Odysseus and features our dazzling hero Telemachus (imagine, if you will, an Adonis with perfect limbs in tights and a velvet doublet! Oh, the thrill of it all!) The drama, of course, unfolds beautifully - but my favourite part has to be the dances! This performance really leans into the grand and graceful movement, those flowing ribbons and impossibly high leaps - what a treat for the eyes! The French are so chic!

The whole vibe, darlings, was positively electric! It reminded me so much of the opening night at the Royal Opera House, but in a much more, shall we say, "rustic" setting! Not that the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, built just a few years prior to our visit, lacked for opulence. The décor, quite simply, oozed elegance. There were so many splendid gowns of silk, satins, and velvets; and everyone was adorned with dazzling jewels. I did my absolute best to be an embodiment of my usual “Pink-Tutu” persona, you know - a swirling pink cloud of fabulousness. Luckily, it turned out that 18th-century Parisian style could take a splash of bright, bold colour and embrace it with open arms.

The best part? It's absolutely buzzing with the spirit of dance, darling. Everywhere you look, it seems as if someone’s getting ready to twirl! And to my absolute delight, this whole "Ballet d'Action" movement seems to be just gaining momentum. The story is the focus, and the dances enhance it! Oh, how I adore a good dramatic ballet! Think Swan Lake with even more "acting"! I imagine the dancers absolutely killing it - with more “acting” you’d think this were an actual play! It makes my heart swell just thinking about it!

My bag is bursting at the seams, darlings! I couldn’t resist snagging a bit of embroidered fabric from the curtain of the theatre – a little snippet of history. Oh, and don’t get me started on the exquisite jewels! I couldn’t find a way to smuggle any of them back (sigh), but I did get some lovely pictures with the most dazzling necklace I’ve ever seen. You'll just have to imagine!

Before I dash off to explore the Parisian boutiques – a tutu is simply unthinkable without the matching accessories - I just have to say: it's not surprising that ballet is taking the world by storm! Seeing it take root right here in Paris, a city overflowing with elegance and romance, makes me so excited for what’s to come! If there’s one thing that I’ve learned on my pink tutu-powered time travel journeys, it's that this is an art that touches every era with beauty.

Well, darlings, I better go. Fashion is calling, and a tutu just can’t wait! But before you go, tell me what you think about this first Ballet d'Action! Would you travel back in time to see it? What is your favorite dance story? Let’s chat! Until next time! Don’t forget, always be bold and don't forget the pink!

Your always sparkly, Emma.