Post 1646 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu wearing time traveller, Emma, here. It's been another magical month zipping through history with Magic Meg, my magnificent pink shire horse with her golden hooves and shimmering mane and tail.
This month, we've galloped back to 1798, and oh my, what a whirl of ballet we discovered!
February 2nd marked a significant day for the world of ballet! Now, imagine this: a grand Parisian theatre buzzing with anticipation. The lights are dimming, and the audience is hushed. Onstage, dancers twirl in silken costumes, their movements imbued with grace and artistry. It's a sight to behold! And on this very date, the renowned ballet company of le Théùtre de l'Opéra de Paris debuted a brand new production. Can you imagine the excitement?
This wasn't just any ballet, though. It was Psyché, a full-length work by the esteemed choreographer Jean-Baptiste Noverre. Noverre was, if you will, a revolutionary in the ballet world, introducing more storytelling into his ballets. Imagine a ballet not just full of beautiful poses but telling a story, with emotions and characters.
Psyché, the story of the goddess Psyche, was set to a beautiful score by Nicolas Dalayrac, known for his operas and ballets, a favourite of Marie Antoinette. Imagine all that music woven into the choreography! I just imagine myself swirling across the stage, maybe with a few twirls thrown in for good measure!
Speaking of costumes, they were truly exquisite, as was customary for ballet in the 18th century. Think layers of lace and silk, beautifully detailed and shimmering under the stage lights. No pink tutu for them yet, but if you ask me, a pink tutu would make Psyché just that bit more enchanting, don't you think?
Back to 1798. Now, a few years before, this very same theatre company was thrown into turmoil, due to the revolution and subsequent changes within France. You could say PsychĂ© was a statement â a return to artistry and grandeur after such dramatic times. I find it fascinating that despite upheaval, art always perseveres!
Talking of Parisian fashion â it was so glamorous in 1798, just imagine a bustle with swathes of gorgeous silks, and delicate ribbons! Now, thatâs a fashion Iâd love to try â even without a pink tutu. (But who knows? Maybe, I can pull a Tardis style maneuver and fit a pink tutu underneath.)
Now, of course, a trip into the past wouldnât be complete without adding to my ballet collection. Magic Meg let me explore the Parisian bookstalls. I stumbled across a book, âLa danse antique et moderne,â filled with illustrations of ballet costumes and choreography from the time. I love seeing how fashions and moves evolved â and of course, the beautiful sketches and the delicate colours, all carefully stored in my rucksack for safekeeping.
I know, I know, whatâs my pink tutu update you may ask! Well, letâs face it, a 1790s style tutu â would probably get in the way of the pavĂ© moves we know and love! But let's just say that it sparked some exciting pink tutu fashion ideas for the future!
Onwards and upwards for the month, I'm whisking us to Italy to meet one of the most iconic ballet dancers, a man called Carlo Blasis, and I am going to demand a ballet masterclass, donât you worry!
See you next month, lovelies. Do remember to check in at www.pink-tutu.com and tell me where you'd love to time travel next. Until then, keep twirling and dreaming!
P.S. Remember to share your pink tutu moments with me on social media using #pinktututravels - and don't forget your dance shoes!
With love and sparkles, Emma xx
