Hello, my darling ballet lovers! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away on another whimsical journey through history.
This month, my beautiful, pink-sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg, has brought us to 1787, the 7th of July, a very special day in the world of ballet! We’re all a-flutter with excitement, because it’s the birthday of none other than the talented, elegant Marie-Madeleine Guimard, the darling of the Parisian ballet scene!
You might be wondering, how on earth does a ballerina's birthday become a significant date in time travel? Well, my darlings, Marie-Madeleine Guimard was not only a brilliant dancer, but a trendsetter extraordinaire! She revolutionised Parisian ballet fashion by popularising the ‘tutu’. Not the billowing, romantic, tutus we see today, but a shortened, layered, silk skirt that revealed the dancers' elegant limbs and movements - a revolution in dress and in the world of ballet!
Imagine, my darlings! You've seen how captivating a dancer can be in a beautiful tutu, think how innovative and captivating it would be to witness those moves with legs that are finally showing off their brilliance, free from cumbersome skirts. Marie-Madeleine's tutu allowed a new age of grace and fluidity in the Parisian ballet world. And, for a fashionable, tutu-loving girl like me, it was simply irresistible to witness it firsthand!
My rucksack is already overflowing with exciting bits and bobs! A perfectly preserved piece of Marie-Madeleine’s silken pink skirt that has been dyed a delectable shade of cherry blossom pink. And, in my vintage fashion notes, I've jotted down the names of all her favourite seamstresses in Paris so I can perhaps contact their descendants - imagine the fashionable inspiration to be found!
Speaking of Paris, oh darling, I simply had to pop in to the Opéra Garnier to soak up the energy and magic! 7th July in 1787 happened to be an important night at the Opera. Jean-Georges Noverre, the father of modern ballet, was presenting his new ballet piece, ‘La Danse du Feu’ and there she was, in a shimmering lilac dress, that delicate, youthful charm, a vision of joy – Marie-Madeleine Guimard! She looked absolutely sensational, a captivating, beautiful bloom amidst the dancing flames! The audience, including King Louis XVI himself, were enthralled. Noverre was enchantingly pleased with Marie-Madeleine's performance. And, from her smile, my dears, you could tell that she had an excellent time dancing for them all!
It's remarkable to think, darling, that in 1787 the world of ballet was alive with incredible talent and stunning choreography. This beautiful, magical world of tutus and passion continues to inspire me today! As I always say, “Dance like there is no tomorrow”! And for any young ballerinas reading this - never be afraid to dream big and, of course, always wear pink!
Speaking of pink tutus and dancing like no tomorrow, I have a little surprise for you my darlings, because guess what, there is a ballet show that’s worth traveling back to this very month in this very year! It’s the stunning ‘Psyche’ at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, featuring stunning ballerina, Anna Sofronova, who became the Bolshoi Theatre's Prima Ballerina this year! I must have a word with Anna when I go back; maybe a tutu swap?! Perhaps some Bolshoi ballet magic would find its way onto pink-tutu.com, our online hub for all things pink!
It’s hard to resist all these inspiring sights and performances, but it's time to get going! We must make our way back to Derbyshire, before it gets too late for a quick supper and then off to ballet class. If you happen to be in Derbyshire yourself, don’t hesitate to come to my classes, there’s no shortage of pink tutus to be found here! Until next month, my darling readers! Don't forget to keep sparkling!
All the very best,
Emma
xo
www.pink-tutu.com
