Hello, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma, your pink-clad guide to the dazzling world of ballet history, and this month, I'm whisking us away to Paris, 1791! It’s been quite a journey. My trusty steed, the radiant pink Magic Meg (her hooves are literally golden!), has carried me across continents and centuries, and this time, it's the French capital we’re stepping into. Buckle up, darlings, as we delve into the captivating dance world of this vibrant era!
It’s September 9th, 1791, and as always, Magic Meg and I have our pink tutus in tow, ready for a grand ballet soirée! Our eyes are wide, because in 18th century France, a Grand Ballet de Cour - essentially a grand ballet spectacle held at the royal court - is a must-see event.
But first, a quick stop at the Rue Saint-Honoré! Paris is the fashion capital, and you know I adore ballet attire. We have to indulge in some exquisite shopping! It seems all the trendsetters are sporting luxurious fabrics, such as satin and silk, and even a splash of velvet for the ladies! I have my eyes on a pair of rose-tinted ballet slippers with ribbons and a delicate bow for our upcoming soirée, don't you think?
Now, back to the Grand Ballet de Cour, because history whispers of an extravagant affair! You can just imagine the elegant men in their powdered wigs and embroidered waistcoats, and the ladies in their elaborate gowns and glittering jewels. Oh, to have witnessed this spectacle in its full glory! But don’t worry, my darlings! I've found some exquisite engravings depicting these ballets, with graceful ballerinas in their elegant costumes. I'll make sure to capture some in my new rucksack; I absolutely love gathering historical treasures.
We hear whispers of the celebrated ballet master and choreographer, Pierre Gardel, a legend whose legacy continues to inspire choreographers even today. Apparently, he introduced ballet into the Parisian Opera Ballet. Just think, the ballet company that will eventually be the heart and soul of dance in Paris.
So what would I do at a Grand Ballet de Cour? You know I’m a social butterfly at heart. Imagine myself chatting about the exquisite dancing (not to mention, the costumes!). I'm envisioning a conversation about the choreography with the most captivating gentleman, possibly even the ballet master himself. Then I would sneak in some ballet moves of my own – after all, who wouldn't be captivated by a lady in a pink tutu dancing to the music!
What’s in store for us? Well, we're not the only ones curious about this period! Let's peek into the exciting world of 1791, and check in with the ballet scene. What was happening?
The Paris Opera Ballet - In Full Swing!
Did you know that the Opéra de Paris has a rich and long-lasting history, which dates back to 1671, but they weren't always known by their elegant name! It began life as the Academie Royale de Musique.
It was founded by the flamboyant King Louis XIV! Yes, he wasn’t just the Sun King; he had an incredible passion for ballet. He took centre stage in numerous performances! Imagine all that glitz and glamour, dear readers, right there in the theatre. King Louis had an immense influence on the evolution of ballet. His love for the art form meant it became a staple in the court's life, with ballerinas becoming renowned for their artistry and captivating grace.
However, the French Revolution had a profound impact. It saw the dismissal of ballet's traditional themes and aesthetics, embracing a new era of artistic expression. It seems 1791 was a year of change for ballet, which we can now marvel at in hindsight.
It seems the Parisian dancers were making their mark on the stage. Among them, some notable names I have uncovered: Jean-Baptiste L'Arioso, Jean-Guillaume Dufort, Sr., Madeleine Le Maire, and the famous Marie Allard! She was a true ballerina, graceful and charming, whose elegance would undoubtedly steal hearts with every twirl.
I've unearthed a precious pamphlet in my rucksack that gives a detailed program of what is going on in the ballet world for this day, 9 September, 1791.
The title reads: Programme for the Premiere Performance of "Le Carnaval des Muses" at the Parisian Opera House! Imagine - this event is attracting everyone who matters in Parisian high society!
"Le Carnaval des Muses," a whimsical play written by Michel-Simon Lelong de la Ferté, with a ballet score composed by Grétry. Just the titles sound incredibly glamorous, don't you think? And wait for this, dear readers! It’s rumoured to include music from "Don Juan!" I'm planning a shopping trip to find myself a copy of the score for this intriguing opera and a beautiful pink silk scarf to compliment my outfit. The scarf must include a delicate design of musical notes and, naturally, sparkly sequins. The show's a hit, even garnering an audience that included Queen Marie Antoinette herself! Imagine sharing the same audience with royalty!
Here's another gem from my rucksack - "Le Voyage de Zelide en Palestine" by the French composer, André Ernest Modeste Grétry! It's been presented as both opera and ballet. He is quite the star of the moment in Parisian artistic circles, and rightly so, judging by the sheer volume of his work and the excitement he has generated. This was the opera that set his musical legacy ablaze. He was a master at capturing emotional journeys, blending musical brilliance and emotional resonance with each score he created. I hope this doesn't end the festivities just yet. I would love to witness this breathtaking piece for myself.
And what about outside the capital of fashion?
We mustn't forget our beloved Derbyshire, dear readers, though! I would be lying if I didn’t tell you my pink tutus have already been put to the test by this new knowledge! I must investigate whether this new excitement around dance reaches my homeland!
It seems, in my homeland of Derbyshire, the ballet scene wasn't as alive with excitement. Though I must check those local historical archives, just in case! However, even though I have my dancing shoes on in my imagination and I feel as though I’m waltzing across the halls of Derbyshire County Hall, in actuality, life was very different back in 1791. No, ballet wasn’t quite what I’d anticipated! It was just beginning to find its footing in my humble town of Derby! However, my ballet time travel journey has made me realise that while ballet may have not had a dedicated dance space or company at the time, it had started to blossom in Derby’s local gatherings and theatres!
You may be surprised to hear, darling, but I discovered the Derby Theatre Royal had been established as a performing arts space for all things theatrical. This exciting discovery in my history hunting - oh! it certainly set my mind into overdrive, dreaming up an image of ballrooms ablaze with the grace of ballerinas in Derbyshire's own version of a Grand Ballet de Cour!
As always, you can expect me to investigate Derbyshire and its past and present connection to dance, and write more about this historical treasure on my blog next month.
I'm off, darlings! I have my pink tutu packed and I’m ready for more exciting discoveries and ballet adventure in the heart of French history. Don't forget to wear your tutus (any shade, darling, they’re all beautiful!) while we explore the dance scene, together!
Keep an eye out for our next adventure on Pink Tutu Travels.
With a twirl and a pirouette,
Emma
xx
