Hello my lovely ballet darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink tutus reign supreme and time travel adventures are just the beginning! I'm Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, and I'm thrilled to whisk you away on a magical journey through time, right here in the comfort of your armchair, to a date that has truly captured my imagination!
Today, my dearest tutu-twirling friends, we're venturing all the way back to 10 October 1717! Yes, you heard me right - we're stepping into the elegant world of the 18th century. And guess who's joining us? None other than Magic Meg, my beautiful pink-sparkling Shire horse, with her glorious white mane and tail and her golden hooves!
Now, before we set off on this whimsical escapade, let's dig into our history books and discover what the ballet world was up to on this very date.
Imagine this, darling! Back in 1717, the ballet scene was buzzing with exciting new developments! It was a time when the court of Louis XIV was reaching new heights of splendor and France was absolutely obsessed with everything "ballet" Think grand balls, elaborate costumes, and innovative choreography.
Now, you might be wondering why 1717 is so important. It marks the year of a truly groundbreaking premiere - Jean-Baptiste Lully's enchanting "L'Amour malade." Can you imagine, a ballet opera of passion and intrigue! Now that’s the sort of entertainment that really sets the pulse racing. It was a masterpiece that captured hearts, and it truly helped solidify French ballet's dominance on the world stage!
My dear tutu-twirling companions, it’s a good thing my trusty leather rucksack is big enough! We’ll need space to collect all those precious souvenirs from this delightful era! I'll be on the lookout for vintage dance sketches, hand-stitched fabric samples, perhaps even an original ballet libretto – just imagine how delightful that would be!
Now, let's set off, with Magic Meg and my darling pink tutu! I can almost feel the thrill of adventure coursing through my veins! And don’t forget my darlings, keep an eye on the website at www.pink-tutu.com for the latest posts about this captivating historical adventure! Until then, my dear friends, keep your ballet slippers twinkling and your hearts dancing!
Day One
This morning, my friends, we arrived at a breathtaking 18th-century palace! Oh, how grand! It's where Lully's "L'Amour malade" was performed for the very first time, just imagine a scene filled with noble lords and ladies, the air buzzing with excitement as the ballet dancers took their bow.
My heart is bursting with awe! Such exquisite costumes! And you wouldn’t believe the wigs – so voluminous, so spectacular! I am taking note for my next tutu-inspired outfit - feathers and ribbons and oh, so much powdered hair!
To capture these magical memories for eternity, we visited the palace’s library. The librarian, a kind old gentleman with a warm smile and an impressive moustache, was absolutely thrilled to share stories about the court ballet, which has taken its place in the history books alongside royal court life, elaborate rituals, and royal processions. He regaled me with anecdotes about the dancers’ dazzling footwork, the artistry of their elegant costumes, and their mastery of graceful, rhythmic movements. I was entranced!
But as always, there's more than ballet in store for us. This grand 18th-century town is brimming with artistic wonder, just as I hoped! This is a time period that resonates with me - think charming cobbled streets, bustling marketplaces brimming with colorful silks, delicious pastries – ah, it’s almost like I’m in a Jane Austen novel!
After enjoying some divine pastries at the quaintest little bakery - with my favourite, a giant puff pastry covered in powdered sugar – we visited a little dance school hidden away in a charming corner. My tutu and I did some spontaneous twirling to the lovely tinkling sounds of the harpsichord and some other instruments I didn't quite recognize.
You know, the dance steps are so captivating! They're elegant and expressive and, I swear, my heart skipped a beat when I noticed some beautiful young ladies studying these dances - it was as though their movements were paintings, a kind of ballet storybook in action. And of course, it was the lovely young ballet dancers themselves, who gave me the most adorable little ribbon dance ribbon with a lovely handmade satin rosette - so stylish! It is destined to go right into my lovely rucksack and right into the history books!
Day Two
The morning began with a visit to an old market square that was in the heart of the royal city, a sight that is literally frozen in time! Just think about it - stalls overflowing with brightly coloured wares, the fragrance of spices dancing in the air! A place that hasn't changed much for centuries, so picturesque, my darling!
We strolled, took in the vibrant hues, listened to the melodic hums of vendors selling their wares, and it was such a joy! We spotted the most delicate silk handkerchiefs, dainty gloves, beautiful laces and, I could resist a few delicate silk ribbons, just to bring back a touch of 18th century sparkle for my own special pink tutu collections! And of course, I picked up some enchanting music, because every ballet needs a gorgeous soundscape, right? A perfect combination of ballet and 18th-century fashion!
The most enchanting moment, my dear darlings, came during a private viewing at an incredible collection of ballet manuscripts housed in a gorgeous old monastery. This place felt so atmospheric - the scent of old parchment in the air and the hushed whispers as the librarian pulled out a beautifully-illuminated book. What treasures I unearthed! Ballet choreography notes from this incredible period – my fingers danced over them. It was like taking a trip through history – but, my dear, with a ballet twist!
Day Three
Before leaving 1717, my lovelies, we indulged in the finest fashion that this era has to offer, taking in the beauty and grace of the high fashion of this extraordinary time period. Oh, to see the lavish fabrics, the flowing silks and gowns that draped so perfectly - truly elegant forms of sartorial expression!
This period marked the development of the French ballet, with its graceful forms, beautiful jumps, and exquisite footwork, creating a captivating story that is etched forever in the history books!
Our journey is just beginning! I’ll keep you up to date, darling. Oh, do join me on my pink-tutu-tastic journey through time – and be sure to share this blog post on social media using the hashtags #PinkTutuTimeTravel, #TimeTravelTuesdays, #PinkTutuAdventures – so my darlings, join in!
But wait – you are not done yet! I would love to hear all about what YOU would love to time travel to! What ballet historical time period intrigues you, my lovelies? Share in the comments, as I will be waiting with my hot cup of Earl Grey Tea and a delicious plate of biscuits!
Until our next dance through time, my ballet angels, stay sparkly, keep your hearts filled with the passion of ballet and I'll see you very soon!
With love,
Emma
