Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, and welcome to my time travel blog - Post Number 1587! I'm thrilled to be back with you, and this month I've galloped all the way back to a particularly turbulent period in history – 3rd March 1793.
My pink sparkle shire horse, Magic Meg, who I can assure you, can prance with the best of them, even wearing a glittering pink bridle, transported us to the very heart of Paris. The city felt abuzz with a nervous energy – this was the period where the French Revolution was in full swing, and the echoes of change rippled through every cobbled street.
I have to say, my pink tulle tutu really turned heads, even amongst the Parisian crowds. I love seeing how fashion has evolved, and there was a distinct lack of ballet-inspired outfits around at that time. Everyone seems to be sporting practical clothing, although I must admit the ladies did look awfully elegant in their Empire Line dresses. A hint of the romantic style was already there!
I thought to myself, “How delightful to spread the joy of pink tulle tutus across the centuries!” Perhaps one day, my darlings, a grand Parisian salon would see women waltzing in pink tutus, rather than the men who were dominating the scene in the grand ballroom, like in my dear Derbyshire.
The history books tell a very different story though – there was an awful lot of unrest on this particular day. King Louis XVI had been dethroned and was waiting for his fate in a prison, not far from where we were. It was a sombre time. Even Magic Meg was feeling the atmosphere – her usually joyful whinnies were quiet, almost hushed.
Now, I was determined to find something, some story, from the world of ballet that I could bring back to my time. Luckily, it was just a short distance to the Théâtre de la République, where I found a lovely old bill advertising the night's performance – it featured “La Vestale,” a ballet with a plot centered around a Roman Vestal Virgin who, shocked by the return of her former love, ultimately sacrificed herself in honour of her goddess. The drama! The suspense! I knew it was the story I was destined to bring back with me, tucked safely away in my leather backpack.
Sadly, despite the beauty of the Parisian dance scene, ballet wasn't the center of attention this March, and even its theatrical magic seemed to be eclipsed by the political chaos of the times. But it always warms my heart to think that even in the most turbulent moments, art, music, and even ballet manage to find a way to offer some moments of peace and joy.
As always, my lovelies, I'll leave you with a touch of inspiration for your pink tutu life! Why not recreate your very own version of a Roman Vestal Virgin look for a future dance performance? Or perhaps imagine yourselves at a grand Parisian ball in the time of the Revolution? There are endless ways to explore history through the world of dance, and I can't wait to hear what adventures you go on next.
Remember, wear your pink tutu proudly, and until next time, dance on!
Love, Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
