Oh, darling readers, this month has taken me on quite the whirlwind tour, and today, I want to whisk you all back to the beautiful year 1736! Yes, my lovely pink-tutu-loving friends, today's journey takes us to April the 4th.
Now, I can just imagine you sitting there, wondering "Emma, why 1736?" Well, let me tell you, it’s because, my dears, this was the year that a brand-new kind of ballet premiered in Paris – and it would change the entire history of dance! The very first "Ballet à l'Opéra", an entirely new style, a whirlwind of narrative, beauty, and drama all bundled into one spectacular dance experience, was presented in the opulent Parisian theatre, the Palais Royal!
Just the thought of that glittering, gilded setting sends shivers of delight down my spine. Imagine the costumes, my darlings, and the magnificent scenery - probably draped in silks and velvet! Can you imagine the opulent theatre space, all candles and mirrors, filled with the fashionable cream of Parisian society?
It wasn't quite the dazzling spectacle we enjoy today, where the tutus take center stage, but oh darling, the "Ballet à l’Opéra" had the same enchanting spirit. This first performance was titled "La Princesse de Navarre," a delightful story, I imagine, as only the French can tell them. My goodness, you must be wondering how we, in Derbyshire, England, know all this, right? Well, thanks to the wondrous Magic Meg and my trusty leather rucksack, I've got this history tucked away safely for you to enjoy, all neatly documented and beautifully illustrated.
What did the Parisian audience enjoy? My dears, it was a symphony of motion – ballet that told a story with graceful, dramatic movement, and even the art of mime, you know, the enchanting storytelling that brings characters to life with nothing but gestures!
This, dear reader, was a big deal. For it meant that the ballet, once largely focused on courtly dance and the elegant flourishes of nobles, now stepped forward as an expressive form, a way to bring drama and story to life on stage! I’m picturing ladies swooning over handsome dancers in feathered costumes and the air brimming with music and delight.
While my journey back to this exciting historical moment was, of course, more comfortable, with Magic Meg carrying us on a magical ride through time and the starlit night sky, I can't help but marvel at those intrepid first Parisian ballet-goers. Imagine being part of that special audience who saw something so completely new, so expressive and elegant, and knew they were witnessing history in the making!
Isn't it incredible, darlings? 1736 is the very year that the French started weaving stories in dance and took ballet on a bold, expressive journey. And what do you think, my darlings, was the name of the genius choreographer behind this groundbreaking show? Oh, you simply must know! It was Jean-Baptiste Lully. Such a majestic name for such a dramatic event, don't you think?
I must say, the world of dance in 1736, however exciting, wasn't quite my dreamland, dear reader. Ballet shoes in this time period were mostly leather and lacked the sleekness we cherish today, and the dance attire, well, let's just say it would never be found in my wardrobe. Luckily, Magic Meg always carries a trunk full of modern essentials – just in case I have a fashion emergency on my time travels. It's so essential to keep that touch of pink going wherever my adventures take me.
My dearest, I think the essence of "Ballet à l'Opéra" perfectly aligns with my mission: To encourage all of you to embrace the beautiful power of dance, to celebrate the magical artistry of the tutu, and to dance with a lightness and joy that echoes across the ages.
Now, wouldn't it be just lovely to gather on a crisp April afternoon, perhaps even under a pale blue sky, and envision the dazzling spectacle that is "Ballet à l'Opéra," that first groundbreaking performance that changed the way we see and understand dance?
After all, darling readers, I can't be alone in my fascination with dance! If there’s anything I know, it’s that dance brings us together, and it's a journey we share, from that glorious 1736 to today and beyond! I can’t wait to see where Magic Meg and I will go on our next grand adventure. Until next month, my dears, remember to dance with abandon, wear your tutus with pride, and let the magic of dance light up your lives! 🩰💖
