Hello lovelies,
It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina! June 1st is finally here, and you know what that means? Another exciting post on the wonderful world of ballet history! This month, Magic Meg and I are taking a trip back to 1797. A momentous year in French history, marking the climax of the French Revolution and the execution of the tyrannical King Louis XVI!
But even amid such turmoil, there's still room for dance, darling! As we all know, the ballet world is nothing if not adaptable. 😉
And where better to find a dazzling performance than in Paris, the city that never sleeps – or rather, the city that once danced till dawn! We trotted over to the Opera House, past the newly-built Tuileries Gardens (so chic, I must add) to witness a truly stunning display.
The Ballet World of 1797:
Let me tell you, Paris in 1797 wasn’t just about revolutions. It was brimming with elegant fashion, decadent restaurants, and of course, the beautiful art of ballet. It was here, in this very year, that we witnessed a revolutionary innovation: the development of ballet pointe shoes. Now, I know we take our pointe shoes for granted, don’t we? But imagine, dear readers, a world without those magical pink wonders. It seems like a dream-filled nightmare, doesn't it?
Our performance tonight featured a lovely "grand pas de deux," showcasing a delicate, graceful woman and a strong, commanding male dancer. You could almost feel the passion, the love, the tragedy of their story conveyed through their flowing movements. This particular dance was by the famous French choreographer Jean Dauberval. I picked up a handwritten program from the evening from a lovely lady at the street corner – she swore it was her great-grandmother’s! Can you imagine? It’s going straight into my leather rucksack!
My Favourite Look:
I’m wearing a soft, delicate pink tutu adorned with tiny pearlescent beads for tonight's performance. It’s inspired by the era’s ballet dancers, with a low-cut bodice and puffed sleeves for an elegant touch. I finished the look with a silk shawl, just like the Parisian ladies, adding a bit of colour to a rather simple dress. I’m thinking this shade of pink reminds me of the beautiful sunsets over the Derbyshire countryside – but what do you think?
A Touch of History:
Stepping into the Theatre de l’Opéra in Paris, it felt like a time capsule of elegant decor and passionate dancers. The crowd was abuzz with excitement and anticipation. And even amidst the revolutionary chaos that swept the streets, a love for dance endured. I even managed to catch a glimpse of one of the famed ballerinas of the era – a Ms. Vestris! Apparently, her grace was unmatched – she became known as "The Goddess of Dance"! My jaw dropped - how lucky am I?
I’ve learned a lot today. I discovered that a whole world of dance existed, even in a time of chaos and political upheavals. Ballet reminds us that beauty and grace can bloom even in the most challenging of times. The ballet world in 1797, despite its social upheaval, embraced its own kind of revolution with beautiful dancing, flowing gowns, and, yes, the introduction of pointe shoes! A revolutionary idea, indeed.
Fashion Tip:
If you want to emulate this gorgeous 1790s style, look for elegant silk fabrics in subtle shades like soft pink, light blue, and buttery yellow. And for your hair? Imagine elaborate, yet stylishly messy, up-dos. A delicate, pearl-adorned hairpiece is a must-have for your look! I just found a beautiful piece in a little shop in Paris – just my lucky day!
Call to Action:
Don't forget to check out the fabulous ballet performances happening in your local city or even online. What's more inspiring than the passion and skill of these magnificent artists?
As for me? I can't wait for our next trip! We'll be jumping back in time again next month for another dazzling ballet adventure. I can't reveal our destination yet, but I can assure you, it's going to be a magnificent performance!
Until then, my lovely pink-tutu-loving friends, keep your dancing shoes ready!
*And don't forget: Join me at www.pink-tutu.com and subscribe to our Pink-Tutu blog! *
XOXO
Emma and Magic Meg
P.S. Have any of you lovelies been to Paris? What are your favourite places? I love hearing about your travel experiences! Leave your comments on the website! And please, feel free to share pictures of yourselves rocking a fabulous pink tutu! I can't wait to see you all living your best ballet-inspired life! 💖✨
