Hello my darlings! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina blogger, back with another adventure from the world of ballet history. This month, we're pirouetting back to September 9th, 1829! Buckle up your dancing shoes, darling, as we gallop through time with Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire steed, and explore the world of ballet in this enchanting year.
This is post number 2025 on www.pink-tutu.com, a whole collection of stories, facts, and insights into the history of our beloved art form. I post a new blog every month, fuelled by the joy of performance and the sheer magic of time travel!
But how does a simple girl from Derbyshire afford such extraordinary jaunts through the past? Well, you've guessed it - my performances pay the bills! I’m a professional dancer, you know, and I use my skills to fund these magical trips, sharing the stories of ballet's history with you all.
So, darling, picture this: the sun is setting over Paris. The air is alive with anticipation, a sweet scent of pastries and whispered conversations, all in that unmistakable Parisian chic. Magic Meg is pawing impatiently, ready to embark on our journey into the world of ballet, and me? I'm shimmering in my new pink tulle tutu, feeling as delightful as a ballet box in a sweet shop!
A New Kind of Ballet on the Parisian StageThis September 9th, 1829, was a special day for ballet enthusiasts in Paris, a city steeped in dance tradition. You wouldn’t find me rushing to a performance by the legendary ballet master, Pierre Gardel, this time. No, I’m dashing off to the theatre for something far more modern, more playful…a spectacle called "Le Papillon". This ballet, set to music by Pierre-Gabriel-François Castil-Blaze, is the story of a butterfly – how utterly delightful, isn't it?
It's a departure from the more classic, intricate ballets we know and love, darling, but don't think that means it's any less enchanting! This was the start of something new, something lighter and more graceful, and I have to tell you, it really set my dancing heart alight. "Le Papillon" introduced choreography that leaned towards a more airy, less dramatic feel, using elements of what was being called 'ballet blanc'. You’ll often find me searching for remnants of ballet blanc in my travels, it’s a true treasure to find in the ballet historical world!
The story of this little butterfly was captivating, with characters flitting about, embodying lightness and the free spirit of nature – what a fabulous choice for a theme, don’t you agree? It seems that ballet is finding its wings, embracing a more lighthearted, expressive approach that feels absolutely refreshing, darling!
Fashioning My Ballet Backpack! 👜🩰Now, on this specific September 9th, 1829, I found something that truly captured my eye…in the Parisian boutiques! Imagine, darling, the first time you saw a true pointe shoe! That's how I felt on this time travel escapade. Now, I know what you're thinking, darling: Pointe shoes haven't really come into their own just yet! Well, that's exactly what made my heart soar. You see, ballet fashion was in the process of transforming, and it wasn't quite ready for those lovely pointed toes to soar like swans, as you know them today. But oh, how excited I was!
There, in the back of a dusty boutique tucked away on a bustling street, lay the beginnings of those iconic dance slippers - shoes with the tiniest tips, barely enough to make a whisper on the stage! It’s only the beginning of this exciting journey towards the graceful grace of the pointe shoes you and I see today.
Just picture it, darling! My pink ballet rucksack is bursting at the seams with ballet paraphernalia and treasures. Imagine the soft texture of the fabric that would eventually become the perfect pointe shoe – all carefully preserved within my magical travelling companion!
Ballet Around The Globe – From France To NaplesMy dear dancers, as always, ballet wasn't limited to a single city on this historical date! Imagine my delight when I discovered the news of the arrival of an acclaimed ballerina from Italy - Luigia Gazzerini! It's a joyous day for ballet, darling, as her performances began at the Théâtre Italien, spreading joy, beauty, and passion in Paris. The excitement was palpable as she brought with her a certain Neapolitan flair and a touch of drama – quite a contrast to the playful ‘Le Papillon’ we enjoyed!
This cross-cultural fusion is what makes ballet so wonderfully magical, isn't it, darling? It was so inspiring to see her passion for dancing on that stage. I collected my thoughts about it as I trotted home with Meg - this mix of Neapolitan zest and Parisian grace felt truly beautiful!
Imagine, my dearest! Even though it was an international ballet sensation on this day, it felt like all of ballet’s pathways had merged – we were on a shared stage, sharing this vibrant art form, all dancing to the same magical rhythm of creativity and expression!
I've got to go now, darling! Time is ticking, and I’m bursting with ideas for the next ballet-themed adventure! Oh, if you're ready for your own adventures in dance history, I hope you’ll visit www.pink-tutu.com. You’ll find a treasure trove of stories and information about our beautiful ballet world. I can't wait to hear from you! Until next time, darlings! 💖
Emma xxx
