Hello darling dancers! Welcome back to my pink-tastic blog! This month I'm whisking you all back to the vibrant and ever-changing world of ballet in 1793, a year of both turmoil and blossoming artistic brilliance. As always, my trusty steed Magic Meg and I are ready to journey through history in our matching pink tutus, sharing all the wonders and fashion we discover.
Oh, darling! Todayâs date is extra special for a very special reason: September 9th, 1793, marks the opening of the Paris Opera House after a long and dramatic period of revolution. Talk about a comeback story!
But let's rewind for a moment, shall we? Just imagine! Paris, the very heart of ballet, had been ablaze with revolution. King Louis XVI was no more, the guillotine had swung its chilling fate, and the city was simmering with change.
And yet, amidst all this political upheaval, the love for dance never truly faltered. This passion for ballet kept it alive through these turbulent times, much like a precious flame kept burning by the embers of desire.
Now, imagine stepping into the glittering Grand Opera House. This magnificent building, still standing today, had been refurbished during this period. What a thrilling moment it must have been! They even redecorated the magnificent horseshoe-shaped auditorium in beautiful colours to give it a luxurious and opulent feeling, very reminiscent of the era of Louis XIV. The Parisians had their elegant dance spectacle back!
Our hearts fluttered as we glimpsed dancers pirouetting in the opulent new costumes! I mean, just imagine those glorious silk fabrics and velvet details! Thereâs a story told of a ballerina called Mademoiselle Laharpe, a rising star. She debuted as âTerpsichore,â the muse of dance herself, in this very opening. The crowds went wild, the applause thundered. Can you picture it? Imagine a pink tutu twirling against those gilded walls⌠a vision to behold!
The show, we found out, was called âPsycheâ and it was filled with ethereal figures from mythology, with some serious drama on stage, my dears! Imagine all the stories woven into the dances. Itâs just the sort of performance to leave a lasting impression, much like those stunning stage sets filled with shimmering landscapes and heavenly clouds. Oh, the drama, the passion!
Just seeing this on our trip sparked inspiration in me, a feeling of utter joy. We brought back some exquisite little fabric scraps from a nearby shop; soft, pastel pinks and buttery yellows. They feel like whispers of those gowns worn on the Parisian stage, don't you think? Oh, darling! Imagine all the creativity blooming in those bustling Parisian streets. It's just magical!
Speaking of fashion, I cannot forget our favourite part of time-travelling â a visit to the beautiful Palais-Royal, home to all things chic! You would have died darling, the fabrics, the designs! I must confess, I purchased a very beautiful little silk scarf, all delicate ribbons and intricate embroidery. You just wouldnât believe how many hours they would spend hand-stitching details like that. My imagination truly ran wild as I looked at these beautiful Parisian dresses and fabrics.
Oh, and what did Magic Meg get, you ask? Well, she was lucky enough to receive a small silken bonnet! She just wouldn't be happy with anything else, this princess! We added both to my collection of treasures tucked safely into my leather rucksack, waiting to inspire my next ballet design back in the future.
And what is on in the world of ballet back here in Derbyshire? Why, I was absolutely thrilled to hear that The Royal Ballet will be showing âThe Sleeping Beautyâ this month! So I must run off and practice some beautiful dancing, darling, as Iâll be there on opening night!
You all know the magic of âThe Sleeping Beauty,â right? A classic fairy tale! Such intricate stories woven into the dance itself. I simply adore how this story of love, sacrifice, and transformation inspires such captivating and intricate choreography. I canât wait to feel the wonder and delight as I lose myself in the magical world of this classic ballet!
Oh darling, and donât forget to share your own experiences of ballet! Head over to the comments section below. Let's spread the love for this most exquisite form of art! And please, wear your pink tutus proudly - you never know what ballet wonders weâll find on our next time-travel adventure together!
Until next time, happy dancing!
With love and tutus,
Emma.
