Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, and you won't believe what I found on my latest ballet-tastic time-traveling adventure! Today, dear readers, we’re heading to the heart of Paris, the city of lights and romance, on the glorious 9th of September 1787.
Don't worry, I'm not abandoning my beloved Derbyshire just yet, though it’s always a treat to be back in Paris. And it's not just the fashion, darling, though the French have such exquisite taste. Today I'm feeling positively Parisian chic – imagine a powder-puff pink tulle tutu, shimmering like a hundred whispered secrets, adorned with tiny, pearly beads and my favourite satin ribbons, cascading down my legs like silken dreams. Oh, the Parisian fashion!
Speaking of French fashion, can you imagine my excitement upon meeting Marie Antoinette herself?! A lovely, fashionable lady who clearly understood the importance of the colour pink. It was an absolute dream, honestly.
Now, let's talk ballet, my absolute passion! You wouldn't believe the sheer energy that buzzed around Paris this evening. It was a heady blend of intellectual curiosity and fervent artistic passion, a delightful explosion of movement and music. This date marks the start of one of the most illustrious dance seasons in Paris! The Palais-Royal was packed to the rafters, every heart aflutter with anticipation. Oh, the drama, the grace! You wouldn’t believe the incredible stories I've added to my collection from this night.
It's said that King Louis himself was deeply invested in promoting ballet, and so the dance flourished under his patronage, becoming truly embedded in Parisian culture. At this point in history, ballet had reached new levels of grace and technical skill. Can you imagine?
My sweet, sparkling shire horse Magic Meg – her coat glistening pink in the lamplight of Paris – delivered me to the Théâtre du Marais, where tonight was all about one particular dancer - Mr. Vestris. This charismatic and daring performer has been a sensation!
He is a dancer known for his leaping, so much so, they’re actually calling them Sauts de Vestris now! My oh my, the world of ballet is constantly evolving! This charming man brought an absolute wave of new excitement and artistic energy. Imagine this – leaps that seemingly defy gravity and acrobatic agility that is both breathtaking and mesmerising. He was a master, dear readers. His brilliance lit up the stage, a sparkling diamond amongst stars!
I absolutely must go to see him again – a most important note to add to my travel itinerary, a definite ‘must see’ to go back in time and enjoy this exquisite show again. This period saw an incredible change in male ballet. Vestris is an incredibly influential figure, he's quite the role model, darling, a symbol of artistic strength and innovative creativity.
Now, imagine me after the performance - feeling exhilarated and empowered! My ballet dress swirls about me in a whirlwind of joyous energy and excitement, the colours shimmering under the glow of Parisian street lights. Magic Meg patiently waits for me by the stables of the theatre, her glistening pink mane gleaming like moonlight.
What do you think she’s having for supper tonight, darlings? A delightful, freshly baked strawberry tart with pink sprinkles – for good luck, you understand.
I'm not forgetting about our ballet collection - I grabbed a wonderful book from a local bookstall - a beautifully bound volume that boasts intricate illustrations depicting graceful figures performing ballet steps and intricate costumes – the illustrations alone, so exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful. This I must take back to Derbyshire to show everyone at our Ballet Society.
And did I tell you that this performance had some absolutely extraordinary costumes?! Such elaborate lace trimmings, shimmering brocade fabrics, and colours so rich they seemed to bloom right off the stage. Imagine swirling layers of soft silks, lace embellishments that practically shimmered in the gaslight, and those delightful feather boas… a truly wonderful sight, and you'll be hearing all about these delights, my dearest readers, on the site very soon!
Don't worry, darlings, we are heading to another exciting dance destination soon – my new obsession with ballet is, frankly, out of control, but then isn’t that how one finds one’s life’s mission?! The only question now, my loves, is… where to next?
Head to www.pink-tutu.com and get those tutus ordered! This month, a lovely shade of blush pink is available – and, of course, they’re the only tutus to make my favourite sparkly pink shoes sing with joy.
Remember, dear readers, life's a performance! Keep shining, stay fabulous and always embrace your inner ballerina!
With all my love,
Emma x
