Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time-traveller, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, my monthly dose of ballet history and fabulous fashion!
This month, Magic Meg and I are galloping through the streets of Paris, a city known for its style, grace, and…well…ballet! It’s 6th June, 1748, and the air is alive with anticipation, not only for the imminent arrival of the King but also for a most exciting event at the Opéra de Paris!
We’re going to delve into the world of ballet during this fascinating time period and discover how much this Parisian stage has shaped our own ballet experience today. It’s the kind of story you won’t want to miss!
Back in Time With My Darling Meg
My trusty steed, Meg – she’s a real pink dream with sparkling hooves and a tail that flows like silk - whipped me through the English countryside faster than a pirouette on pointe! She doesn't mind a little time travel; it keeps things interesting. My backpack’s crammed with sequins, velvet, and delicate tulle – there's so much inspiration to be found here!
Imagine the streets of Paris in the 1700s. Ladies in sweeping skirts and towering wigs, cobblestones gleaming in the afternoon sunshine. It’s like stepping into a romantic novel. I could almost imagine Mozart himself strolling by with his music tucked beneath his arm!
Dancing Under the Crown:
We arrived at the Opéra de Paris just as the sun was sinking over the city. It was majestic, its imposing grandeur echoing the elegant dancers within. King Louis XV was coming for the grand occasion – a ballet of course!
My oh my, my dear blog followers, you just wouldn't believe the opulence! It was as though all the diamonds and feathers of the world had been poured onto the stage, and the ladies! Imagine layers of pannier skirts adorned with exquisite embroidery and the gentlest whisper of pink silk – heaven!
And then there was the music – like a grand symphony of romance and excitement! The dance, the costumes, the emotions swirling through the air – the whole thing felt almost like a dream. The* Royal Ballet* was truly at its pinnacle in those days!
French Style & My Little Inspiration:
But let's be honest, my favourite part is always the fashion!
The dancers wore gorgeous costumes! Delicate lace, sparkling sequins, and flowing skirts - the designs were pure magic! They were so effortlessly elegant and elegant, embodying the spirit of French beauty. You know how much I love a bit of colour, and let me tell you, their costumes were positively bursting with bright, bold colours! It gave me all sorts of inspiration for my own tutu collection, even though I couldn't resist adding some sparkling pink touches. Just a hint, mind you, so I didn't clash with those beautiful ladies!
Dancing Through Time, Tutu-clad & Free!
The show, titled Le Mariage Forcé, told the tale of love, deception, and laughter. It’s as timeless a story as our own quest for the perfect pirouette. I was even able to sneak a peek backstage and I spotted a couple of budding ballerinas - all giggles and energy. It reminded me of how much I loved the feeling of being on stage - it’s an exhilarating experience, you know?
After the show, the ladies and gentlemen of Paris filled the streets with their joyful laughter, talking about their favourite dance moves and their new gowns – it’s clear ballet wasn’t just an artform, it was a way of life in Paris back then!
And You, My Dearest Followers, Can Be a Part of It!
There are a few fun facts I found in the theatre that might inspire your ballet adventures!
Did you know that Marie Salle, one of the greatest dancers of her time, made her Parisian debut right here at the Opéra in 1734? What a legend! She paved the way for a new kind of dance that was less rigid and more dramatic - sound familiar? I always say the best dancers are the ones who tell a story with their movements.
Did you know that Le Mariage Forcé was by Jean-Baptiste Lully, a composer who created the famous French opera-ballet which paved the way for future dancers? Now there’s a name I'm going to add to my ballet hall of fame!
I've tucked away those bits of history in my backpack, alongside some silk scraps and drawings from a ballet booklet I discovered in the library. Just wait until I sew a couple of the beautiful fabrics together – that's how I’m bringing those vibrant colours of the past to my present!
And finally, remember my darlings – it’s about time that the whole world embraces pink tutus! Just like the grand stages of Paris in 1748 embraced the dazzling energy of the dancers, we can embrace colour and creativity today! Let's inspire each other to express our inner joy and dance!
Until next time, my darlings, keep on spinning those dreams, and I promise to bring you more magical time travels soon!
Yours in ballet,
Emma xx
P.S. – don't forget to visit our Pink Tutu website for more stories, inspiring looks and the chance to join our tutu movement! www.pink-tutu.com We can all dance together!
