Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back from another adventure in time, and let me tell you, this month’s trip was a real pink dream! It's the 5th of May, 1681 and we’re in the bustling heart of Paris! Yes, that’s right, I’ve travelled back to the Age of Louis XIV, and you know what that means: ballet, fashion, and oh so much pink!
You’ve heard me gushing about my gorgeous Magic Meg before, right? Well, she’s really showing her magic this time, whizzing us through time as fast as her sparkling white tail can sweep! I've got to say, 17th Century Paris is absolutely bursting with life, a whirl of elegant carriages, fine gentlemen in their elaborate wigs, and ladies in exquisite gowns that I can't stop gawking at! I swear, the fashion here is truly inspiring, and it’s got me absolutely brimming with ideas for my own collection!
Now, of course, as soon as we landed, I headed straight for the Opera. Oh my! Imagine my delight at being surrounded by stunning ball gowns with incredible panniers and layers of lace and ribbons. They’d give the best ballet costume designer a run for their money, that’s for sure! And just when I thought my heart couldn’t get any more fluttery, the lights dimmed, and the music started. The audience buzzed with anticipation! I just knew we were in for a real treat!
The dancers, oh darling! They were so nimble, so graceful, just pure elegance and precision. It was like watching a fairytale come to life. You see, ballet in France at this time was taking shape as a real art form, not just courtly entertainment. I just knew I was seeing the future of ballet before my eyes! I even saw a very charming young gentleman with a particularly dazzling smile in the audience. It appears this young, charming king named Louis himself is a big fan of ballet! Fancy that!
I managed to squeeze in a little backstage visit too. My, oh my! It was a real mix of chaos and creativity – like my own chaotic sewing room. Costumes and wigs were everywhere, with frantic assistants rushing around to get everything ready for the show! They had just one dress rehearsal before the evening's performance! Imagine the pressure!
There’s just something about ballet that’s timelessly beautiful, something that touches your soul and makes you feel alive. In Paris, this passion for ballet felt electric, I absolutely fell in love with the place. The streets are abuzz with musicians and entertainers, and it’s almost like everyone here speaks in song! It was truly captivating!
Oh, and just to add to my ballet journey this month, I stumbled upon a beautiful little dance school, nestled down a charming Parisian side street. It wasn't exactly a fancy grand ballroom like you’d find today, but that didn't detract from the sheer dedication and passion pouring out from the dancers, especially the little ones with their tiny, yet perfectly placed tutus! I even grabbed a spot on the front row to witness a wonderful practice session, all swirling tutus and intricate steps. They are learning and refining what we enjoy today, the future ballet greats, and it is absolutely wonderful to see!
Now, on my adventure, I met this most intriguing person! She is a dance teacher called Madame Desportes – what a lovely name! She actually published a book on ballet in 1681! A ballet bible, you could say! Can you imagine? Such a trendsetter, even in the 17th century! It’s no wonder that she is highly revered by the young students. I've got to add a copy of her book to my little collection in my pink leather rucksack for you lovely readers! Oh, my darling Magic Meg has so much more to reveal from the past and it seems she loves it! Maybe one day I'll even include the books I collect on ballet history from each of these adventures for you, to browse at your leisure, maybe I'll make them into an e-book or maybe just print them in an elaborate book to have by your side as you learn ballet yourself.
My trip has made me reflect on just how much ballet has changed and grown, but it’s always so lovely to see how much we can still learn from our historical roots! The beauty and the grace of dance transcends time. This trip has made me want to get back in the studio, maybe take a class, just to rediscover those familiar ballet steps!
My dears, do keep those tutus spinning and don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for a whole new ballet world to discover! Now, you know I adore ballet, but fashion is another big love of mine! So, what has 17th-century Paris got to offer on the fashion front? Oh my! I can’t wait to show you!
And so, darlings, until next month!
Your ballet bestie,
Emma.
