Post #1544
Hello my darling dancers! Welcome back to my pink-hued time travels. This month, we’re venturing into the year 1789 – a time of revolution and excitement! And, as ever, there's plenty of ballet brilliance to be found.
As I galloped on Magic Meg, my dear pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves, I couldn’t help but be swept away by the sheer energy of this time. I'm currently in France, my trusty leather rucksack slung across my shoulders, brimming with exciting historical ballet tidbits. You wouldn't believe the fabulous hats and dresses, oh my!
The Parisian streets were buzzing, a mix of joyous revolution and the scent of freshly baked bread, but the atmosphere felt a little...tense. Today, dear readers, marks a crucial day: the storming of the Bastille! A historical landmark for sure. This event became the iconic spark that ignited the French Revolution. The French people were seeking freedom, equality, and – whisper it – maybe a new ballet company or two?
The Royal Ballet wasn’t safe, with all the turmoil brewing. In fact, King Louis XVI even attempted to get rid of his most famous ballerinas – Marie-Madeleine Guimard and Rosalie, two real head-turners! But let’s not forget, my dears, the ballet dancers, always bold and beautiful, carried on as they always do – with grace and poise. Their dancing became a much-needed source of entertainment, bringing joy to the hearts of a nation.
Speaking of joy, my time travelling took me to a ballet performance that blew my socks off! "Psyché", a charming story of a woman’s soul captured by Cupid and her quest to win her heart back. Talk about an inspiring tale! It had all the hallmarks of 18th-century ballet, beautiful costume changes and plenty of grand pas de deux, complete with airy leaps and beautiful formations – all executed with finesse, my darlings. The energy in the theater was electric. And don’t get me started on the elaborate head-dresses, so divine and elegant!
While the French were busy revolutionizing things on a grand scale, there was some ballet-related activity bubbling elsewhere too! England, a country ever closer to my own Derbyshire heart, was hosting one of the biggest theatrical events: “The Royal Opera House” in London! A magnificent setting, fit for a true ballet star! While I wasn’t able to get there on my pink steed in this go-round, it’s an adventure to put on the list for my next voyage! My rucksack will definitely have space for some grand souvenirs from this architectural gem.
So, dear dancers, as I trot home on Magic Meg, her hooves tinkling in rhythm with the sound of 18th century French melodies playing softly from my pocket gramophone, let's appreciate the artistry and courage of the dancers from this revolutionary time. They showed us that art and dance will never be truly stifled, no matter the storm.
Remember, my darling dancers, the world needs more pink tutus. Be the change you want to see in the world, be your own unique form of beauty and spread joy with each twirl and leap. Until next time, I leave you with this final thought – a quote from the ever-fabulous, Marie-Madeleine Guimard, “The art of dancing is to find grace within oneself."
Sending you lots of love, twirls, and a touch of pink magic.
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
