Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! This month, we're taking a little trip back in time to the glorious 6th of June, 1736! Now, grab your pink tutus (I'll never tire of saying that, it's my motto, after all!), hop onto Magic Meg's back, and let's waltz through the centuries together.
It's always a joy to journey to a new time period. Each era holds its own unique charm and I always find myself captivated by the costumes, the stories, and the fascinating ballet history woven into the fabric of these times.
So, where did we land this time? Well, 1736 was a bustling time for the ballet world. We were firmly in the reign of Louis XV of France, and Paris, oh Paris, was the hub of all things dance and delight. You wouldn't have seen pink tutus quite like ours (yet!), but the ballerinas back then, even with their more structured gowns and hairstyles, had an undeniable charm!
Did you know, darlings, that a delightful little ballet called "La Fête Champêtre" by Jean-Philippe Rameau was performed on this very date! Can you imagine, a celebration of rural life, captured in graceful dance? My imagination is positively frothing with ideas for a contemporary ballet inspired by this. I think a playful, slightly humorous piece set against the backdrop of a charming countryside would be perfect. Perhaps a little nod to those traditional dances in my signature pink tutu style?
Speaking of the countryside, Magic Meg loves the fresh air and rolling fields of the era! This month, she is particularly impressed by the sheer expanse of pastures and rolling meadows we encountered on our trip. I just adore seeing the look on her face, she's a true horse lover, my Magic Meg.
But what truly had me spellbound this month was the music. I always feel the music is the very essence of any ballet. Rameau's work is so rich, with layers of delicate melodic details woven into the rich fabric of his score. It just inspires me, you see. Perhaps some of my favourite composers of the modern day should be commissioned to create a new ballet based on this exquisite work. Wouldn't it be simply heavenly?
While I haven't found any pink tutus to add to my collection this time, I did unearth some beautiful 18th-century ballet shoes at a quaint little shop in Paris. You can imagine how excited I was, darlings. These shoes have such exquisite embroidery and were painstakingly crafted. Each one tells a story of a different life and that’s what I find so enthralling about my travels - the tiny fragments of history I collect in my rucksack, the little details that give you a glimpse into the lives of others. It reminds me that our love of dance is universal.
On my travels, I stumbled upon a quaint ballet school. Now, I can't possibly tell you the name - secrecy is key to my travels. But the energy within those hallowed halls! Just imagine: a space brimming with aspiring dancers, practicing with dedication and enthusiasm. I'd love to stay for weeks just to experience the daily life of a dancer in 1736. Just imagine: a class full of potential in beautiful satin slippers and laced bodices. Oh, to have a class like that, surrounded by eager faces in a small dance room, dedicated to learning the magic of ballet.
One of my most treasured moments this trip was finding an actual performance programme from that very "La Fête Champêtre" I mentioned earlier. Imagine: A real life ballet program from that era! Now I'm dreaming of a museum or a gallery exhibit - a curated ballet archive for the public! To imagine such a collection!
And so, my loves, we must draw our travels to a close. We have a ballet show to prepare for! Remember: Never stop dreaming big and embracing your inner pink tutu, and until next month, be sure to stay tuned for Pink Tutu Travels. Until then, stay stylish, stay twirling, and remember, *www.pink-tutu.com is where all of my travel journals reside.*
Until then, darlings,
Emma xx
