#BalletHistory during 1793 02 February

Hello my darling ballet bunnies! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, reporting back from the wonderful world of ballet, and of course, a truly amazing pink tutu time travel adventure! February 2nd 1793. Let’s head to Paris… but hold on to your bonnets ladies! The streets are rather turbulent! As my dear Meg navigated us through the crowds, a shiver went through me as I spotted the ominous, towering guillotine that lurked nearby. The French Revolution was in full swing, with the very fate of the nation hanging precariously in the balance. But the magic of ballet persists even through turmoil. And as my ballet loving heart would have it, on this day, a certain ballet masterpiece was taking its final bow…

## “The Mysteries of Udolpho” - The Last Waltz

Now, I can imagine some of you thinking "Emma, we've seen "The Mysteries of Udolpho" at least a thousand times!". Well, dear readers, bear with me! You are indeed correct. This gothic masterpiece was an immensely popular piece. However, on February 2nd, 1793, this version, premiered by the famed ballet master, Pierre Gardel, took its last, haunting bow. You could say it was the culmination of years of its magnificent reign in the French Ballet world. It featured exquisite costumes (think lace, silk, and oh-so-dramatic feathers, the works!) and breathtaking sets, but most importantly, a ballet narrative filled with drama and mystery! The very story that inspired the legendary "The Mysteries of Udolpho" by Ann Radcliffe, a chilling gothic novel set in Italy. It was all there for you to discover - dark castle walls, an intriguing story of love and danger, an undeniable "oooh la la" that took the Parisian audiences by storm ! Sadly, its run came to an abrupt end with the looming Revolution casting a heavy shadow over the arts. However, let’s be honest here - this was the true age of ballet’s revolution.

I love learning the stories behind the ballets. This time around, my pink rucksack felt very important as I poked around the grand Theatre de la République (I am quite certain they had a fancy name, I will check later! I think perhaps a more royal "Théatre du Louvre", or "Théatre de la Cité?", my French is terrible). I have a bit of a fascination with theatre history, don’t you my dears? It’s the world I live for, with its hidden rooms full of forgotten ballet stories and its beautiful stories of dedication, bravery and creative expression - I just need to uncover them.

I love seeing what ballet classes are like in different eras. The ballet studio, I was amazed to discover, was bustling with a mixture of excitement and a subtle undertone of fear. It seemed a bit of a gamble to perform while the country was in such turmoil, and yet there they were, dancers, stretching, learning their steps, their smiles determined yet tense. They had such a passion for dancing that even political upheaval could not quell! They worked diligently with their masters, as the rhythmic pulse of the classes beat on… the only comfort in their uncertain times.

## Ballet Beyond the Stage: My Pink Tutu Fashion Finds

Of course, darling readers, as a time-travelling ballet aficionado, there's no trip that can be considered complete without a touch of vintage ballet fashion! Oh, how the ballet costumes have evolved! The 18th Century's emphasis was on flowing lines and dramatic, romantic silhouettes. While the ballerinas were wearing some exquisite lace and delicate ribbon, I felt a need to share some modern-day elegance (it never hurts to add a bit of sparkle, you know). And who could resist the temptation to dress up in a lovely pink satin and tulle tutu. A bit more comfortable, I think, than their 18th Century layers of fabric. Now this look, I have to say, made a few jaws drop on the street. (I believe that people said "bonjour!" a bit more sweetly to me that day...)

But you see, it was the sheer, effortless grace of their performance that truly moved me. The dedication, the joy they found in every movement was intoxicating, and for a moment, all I saw were these young ballet beauties, a beacon of beauty shining in the darkness!

I truly hope to see the 18th century's ballet stories brought back to life one day . Just imagine: The haunting melodies echoing in a majestic theater hall, costumes rustling with every step, and of course, the audience entranced, as the dancers transported them into the mysterious realm of their stories. That's my mission, dear balletomanes! To share the stories, to spread the love of the dance. Who knew that even a world on the verge of revolution could still find such exquisite magic within the art of ballet. And in our own world, dear readers, that’s exactly what we all need: a little ballet magic, some sparkles and some pink tutus.

## Pink Tutu Fashionista

Until next month's adventures, my darlings, I leave you with my usual dose of pink-tutu inspiration: Let’s keep spreading the love of the ballet dance! Do try and catch the local performances near you - ballet’s a treasure trove! And remember, the world is our stage!

Love and twirls!

Emma x