Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger. June has always been a special month for me – it’s the start of summer, the season for open-air performances, and most importantly, the month I celebrated my 25th birthday! To mark this year's special occasion, I decided to take Magic Meg for a time-hopping adventure back to the thrilling (and a bit scary!) world of the French Revolution!
Now, as a dedicated tutu enthusiast, you might think the era of revolutions isn't the most fashionable, but that's where you're wrong, darlings! The late 1700s were bursting with sartorial creativity – think flowing silhouettes, opulent fabrics, and of course, some seriously elegant wigs!
We arrived in Paris on the 6th of June, 1793. This was a very significant day in French history, my dears – just a week prior, Louis XVI, the French king, was sent to the guillotine. It was a time of great uncertainty and unrest, yet amidst the chaos, ballet still thrived! It's funny to think that, while society was being turned on its head, people still yearned for beauty, grace, and escapism, all beautifully expressed through ballet.
My first stop? The Theatre de la Republique! Sadly, the theatre was under renovation, so I didn’t get to catch a show, but I did learn some fascinating tidbits about the dancers of the day. One intriguing fact I unearthed is that the most celebrated ballerina in France at the time was Marie-Madeleine Guimard! You might have heard of her, lovelies – her name is synonymous with grace and charisma! The rumour mill, at the time, whispered that the king himself was captivated by her artistry and elegance, which just goes to show that the power of ballet knows no bounds!
However, it's not just ballet I seek out in these journeys – fashion, darling, is just as important! As we strolled through the Parisian streets, I felt completely inspired by the revolutionary fashion. I love the way ladies would often wear colourful sashes, ribbons, and bold accessories, almost as if to shout out their spirit of rebellion! And you can bet I nabbed a few antique ribbons for my very own collection. The vibrant colour was a perfect contrast to the dusty hues of the time!
But let's face it, darling, travelling back in time is rarely a breeze. In a world filled with revolutions, societal changes, and fear, even my charming Magic Meg wasn't quite up for a jaunty trot! This time, she had to work extra hard, carefully navigating through bustling marketplaces, crowded streets, and even dodging the occasional protest!
But I have to say, every moment was worth it. Seeing the beauty and grace of these historical dancers, immersing myself in the rebellious fashions, and soaking up the history of ballet at this critical juncture made this trip truly unforgettable.
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of ballet history, remember my lovelies, you don't always need to take a grand leap through time – there are gems right in your own backyard! Head to your local theatre, grab a good history book, and most importantly, don't be afraid to dream! And, my lovelies, remember to never forget the magic of ballet! Until next time, may your tutus twirl gracefully!
Your very own tutu-loving ballerina blogger, Emma x
Psst! Want to take your own trip back in time? Share your thoughts about this time period! Where would you like to time travel? What dance periods or ballerinas are you curious about? Leave a comment below, lovelies! And be sure to follow us at www.pink-tutu.com!
