Hello darling ballerinas! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we journey through time, fuelled by a love for the most wonderful art form, ballet. This month, we're waltzing our way back to the 10th of October, 1725! As usual, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, my pink-sparkling shire with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as fresh snow, is patiently waiting to whisk me away.
Today's journey takes us to the heart of…well, where else could it be, but Paris! This enchanting city has always held a special place in my heart. Oh, the glittering boudoirs, the grand cafes, and the whispered gossip about the latest dance craze… it simply transports me!
Now, as you all know, the fashion of this era was truly a sight to behold, and I must admit, I have been known to slip a few exquisite pieces into my trusty leather rucksack for safe keeping! I just cannot resist a vintage silk fan or a beautifully embroidered petticoat! Today, my fellow tutus, I found myself drawn to the Comédie Française, that grand theatre steeped in history! As I made my way through the opulent theatre, I spied a stunning new dancer called Marie Camargo. She was quite a whirlwind! A new breed of dancer breaking free from the rigid courtly ballets of the time and injecting a whole new energy, a new lightness, into her movement. You could see her defying convention with each leap and turn! And her costumes, oh, my darling, they were positively revolutionary! Gone were the bulky robes and skirts. She danced in shorter, lighter dresses. I'm just dying to know where she sourced those silks and ribbons.
Her dancing was so captivating, so full of personality and spirit, it had the audience mesmerised. I could see the power of her movement, the fluidity, the expressiveness, captivating the Parisian elite. You know, I have a feeling that her arrival onto the scene was like a pink explosion of pure, delightful ballet magic! She had them all buzzing. What an extraordinary talent she was! A vision in vibrant silk and feather trims, her name became synonymous with revolution in the world of ballet.
This visit was so fascinating that I am compelled to tell you more about this exceptional era. During this time, there was a flourishing of ballet in France and across the continent. I adore these exciting times when dancing broke free from the shackles of courtly tradition! Imagine the excitement of new ideas blossoming! New forms! New stories taking shape!
So what else was on the ballet scene in 1725, you ask?
Well, the Royal Ballet School in London was in its formative years, with a growing number of talented dancers seeking to make their mark. In Italy, the illustrious Vincenzo Gallini, the king of Italian dance, was thrilling audiences with his innovative choreography, inspiring young dancers like a pink-hued comet!
Oh, darling, you simply must travel back in time! Feel the magic of seeing dancers perform, of feeling the electricity of new ideas taking shape. It's a journey of endless delight!
So until next month, my precious ballerina followers, please keep twirling! Keep learning! Keep exploring!
Until we meet again, let us all spread the magic of ballet far and wide! Let's make every day a pink tutu day, full of joyful movement and a dash of whimsy!
Emma, xx
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S: I have some amazing vintage ballet books that I snagged from my trip today, filled with diagrams of historical choreography! You'll have to catch the photos in my next post, they are to die for!
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*Love you all, keep on twirling, *
*Emma x x *
