Hello darling readers, and welcome to another fabulous voyage through the glittering world of ballet history, right here on www.pink-tutu.com. It's Emma here, your time-travelling tutu-wearing blogger extraordinaire, and oh my goodness, today we're stepping right into 1808, a year that saw one of the most monumental changes in the history of dance!
This month, Magic Meg, my magnificent pink sparkling Shire with the golden hooves and the mane and tail like spun silk, is trotting us all the way to Paris, the heart of French culture, the home of revolutionary fashion and dance! Why, you ask? Because February 2nd, 1808, saw the debut of a ballet so utterly breathtaking, so deliciously decadent, so utterly ahead of its time, that it's quite frankly shocking that no one is wearing tutus on the streets of Paris right this very moment!
That's right, darlings! On this day, we are graced with the premiere of "The First Waltz of the French Empire". Imagine! Not just a waltz, but THE first imperial waltz! You can't even begin to comprehend the level of opulence and splendour swirling in that theatre! And oh, the tutus! Just imagine those layers of tulle, the delicate hand-stitched details, the shimmering brocade… oh, darlings, my heart is beating just thinking about it!
My rucksack is already bursting with historical tidbits. I'm itching to know more! What is the storyline? What music accompanied those exquisite, fluttering, tulle-laden jumps? And of course, we must delve into the costumes, because tutus, my dear readers, were simply made for this occasion!
This momentous ballet had everything. The swirling, intricate movements that seemed to spin and flow like a river of pink satin, the elegant yet passionate poses, the emotions etched in every arabesque, every pirouette… Oh, you simply MUST see it!
But, of course, my darlings, there’s more to Parisian ballet history than just tutus, isn’t there? I can already feel a little "ooh la la" emanating from this charming city. I know, you can almost feel it too.
Here's a little something I discovered about this fabulous time: The world of dance is exploding with life! Ballet, which once enjoyed a place only in royal court circles, has taken to the stage and has captivated audiences! There are theatres bursting with new works, and people from every walk of life are eagerly awaiting the next big show. And oh, the fashion, darlings! From the polonaise (imagine a ball gown made from billowing fabrics in beautiful pastel shades - so feminine!), to the elegant simplicity of Empire style clothing, and even the emerging romantic movement in ballet, promising new heights in expressive beauty – 1808 is simply bubbling over with artistry.
Speaking of romanticism… I've already found several intriguing mentions of a Madame Vestris, a legendary ballerina who embodies the emerging Romantic period with her unparalleled elegance and stage presence. Oh, to witness the magic of Madame Vestris! I have a feeling this talented dancer could be the key to unlocking one of the grand secrets of tutus, hidden within the very soul of the dance!
You can imagine the sheer delight of spending an afternoon amongst the bustling Parisian streets. Oh, to find a boutique selling the most exquisite ballet footwear, maybe even pick up some fabric for my own designs (I’ve been thinking of a particularly dramatic pink tutu with strategically placed black satin ribbons for this month’s performance! The je ne sais quoi of Paris has already gotten me excited!). And, of course, nothing is complete without a little "à la mode" lunch – the deliciousness of Parisian pâtisserie - and of course, tea!
Just wait, my darlings. You are going to simply love all the fabulous photos I've collected. A bit more rummaging through my collection and I can promise you a truly glamorous peek into the captivating ballet life of 1808 Paris! I just know there’ll be images of the opulent theatre décor, exquisite costumes (imagine those tutus! They are beyond breathtaking!), and portraits of the dancers, perfectly capturing the essence of those grand leaps and twirls, and – of course - the captivating waltz steps that must have swept audiences off their feet!
And what about my little time-travelogue for you, darling readers? Do tell! Is there a particular question about ballet, 1808, France, Madame Vestris, or a specific aspect of dance history that you would like to learn more about? Don't hesitate, I love receiving your questions!
Now, off to the cobbled streets of 19th Century Paris with my fabulous Magic Meg. And, oh darling, don’t forget to pop over to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com to share your thoughts. I’ll be adding more images, articles and insights to my "Parisian Delights" album as the day unfolds! Until next time, keep on swirling those pink tutus, and never forget, it's never too late to step onto the stage of life!
