Hello my darling dance lovers! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another whirlwind journey through the history of ballet. This month, we're taking a trip back to 12th December 1792! Grab your pinkest tutu and your biggest smile because it's going to be a fabulous adventure!
Before we hop aboard Magic Meg and set off, let me tell you about how my little world has been spinning. I recently discovered the most divine shop on Regent Street that has a stunning collection of vintage ballet shoes! The craftsmanship is just incredible. I snagged a pair of dainty pink satin slippers with tiny silver buckles and they are absolutely divine! Oh, and I managed to secure a date to the Royal Opera House, so I can practically taste those exquisite Russian prima ballerinas' graceful pirouettes! Speaking of pirouettes, did you know that one of the oldest ballet steps, the entrechat, is named after the sound of a cat jumping? Such a cute connection, right?
Okay, back to our time-travelling adventure! Today, we are journeying back to the era of Marie Antoinette. Imagine - a world of lavish powdered wigs, corseted dresses, and a glittering French court where ballet held its own amongst the waltzes and minuets. My oh my, a true fairytale come to life!
I arrived at the Palace of Versailles just in time for the final dress rehearsal of "L'Amour à la Française" at the French Royal Ballet. You know how I adore watching dancers rehearse! The dedication, the passion, and those tiny nuances they perfect – a pure delight! It’s inspiring. You can't imagine the exquisite tutus, all lace and tulle in shades of pale blue, with delicate flowers woven through the netting. If they had had pink back then, imagine how spectacular the colours would have been! It’s almost enough to make you want to scream ‘fashion evolution’ in this 18th-century theatre!
But wait, there's more! Imagine this… I snuck backstage during a break and found myself chatting with one of the most celebrated dancers, Madame Vestris. She was an absolute darling! With sparkling eyes and a captivating charm, she spoke with me about her life in the ballet world. You see, Madame Vestris wasn’t just a beautiful dancer, she was also a charismatic choreographer.
We sat amidst a sea of feather boas and glittery sequins, discussing everything from her famous solo to her new choreography and, yes, the importance of having a touch of pink even in that era. (You know I love pink!)
Our chat made me think of the women who paved the way for the amazing ballerinas we see today. Madame Vestris is one such pioneer, her dedication and daring pushed boundaries, inspiring a whole new generation of dancers.
Today's journey through history just made my pink tutu hearts sing! As I rode Magic Meg back to Derbyshire, I realised how much there is to learn about the incredible history of ballet. But we’re not just celebrating the past, my dears.
Our love of ballet goes far beyond a fascination with the past. It’s about the beauty, the athleticism, the storytelling, the pure joy. And, most importantly, it’s about the endless potential we have to embrace our inner dancer. Whether it’s at the ballet theatre or simply twirling in our living room, the spirit of ballet is for everyone.
So, my darlings, take a step into the world of pink tutus and graceful pirouettes! Join me in the ballet journey next month, as we venture to yet another historical milestone in the glorious world of ballet. You can catch my latest post on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until then, remember, the most fabulous way to travel through time is in a pink tutu, with a huge smile on your face! 🩰💖
P.S. If you have any favourite moments in ballet history you want me to visit, don't hesitate to share in the comments!
