Hello, darling ballet enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another glimpse into the glittering world of ballet through the ages. December the 12th, 1748 - what a date! Today, I'm skipping straight into the heart of Paris, all thanks to my dear Magic Meg, my pink sparkling shire with golden hooves, who always manages to whisk me away on the most extraordinary adventures.
This month, we're talking French ballet – the granddaddy of all things dance! Imagine a swirling flurry of powder-puff skirts, delicate tutus (well, a proto-tutu if you will, before they really got their legs in 1832) and dashing costumes with dazzling jewellery - a visual feast that still fills my heart with such joy! Now, let me tell you all about my fabulous time-travelling escapade to see what the world of dance had to offer on this special day.
Arriving in Paris on my trusty Meg (her golden hooves just about sparkle more than my own tutu!), I instantly found myself immersed in the luxurious opulence of the French court. Even the cobbles beneath our hooves felt polished and gleamingly perfect!
This period in French history was known as the "Golden Age" - a period of artistic and intellectual flowering under the patronage of Louis XV, with theatre and opera held in very high regard indeed. It was in this very same court that ballet was considered not just an art form, but an important part of courtly life. I was ready to soak up the energy of this glorious epoch!
So, after a brief change into a suitably extravagant, lace-trimmed frock and my oh-so-fabulous pink tutu, of course, (every Parisian ballerina needs her pink!), it was off to the Paris Opera House, the "Palais Garnier." It was truly majestic, built just a century earlier, but still an icon of architectural brilliance with exquisite detail. Can you imagine? Just the most dazzling pink tutu could have stolen the show amongst so much grandeur.
What's On in Parisian Ballet:
On this very day in 1748, I was fortunate to be privy to a ballet by Jean-Georges Noverre, the "Father of Modern Ballet," himself! This man was a legend in the world of ballet and an incredible innovator for his time! He introduced stories and characters, moved away from the rather stiff and rigid dance style of his predecessors and created something much more fluid, with expression at its heart. It was an absolute revelation!
Can you imagine, me, here, back in the 1700s, actually experiencing his work! Imagine the excitement! Ballet was becoming less rigid and more about story, a dance filled with dramatic expression, that truly conveyed emotion - not just pretty steps! Noverre wanted dancers to speak with their bodies and their movements, truly capturing the story in every move and this really resonated with me. His ballets, much like a good dance class today, became a dramatic form of storytelling, full of character, drama and even some acrobatics - I was glued to the stage, enthralled! I managed to catch some incredible dance techniques, like the 'jeté' and 'tour,' so elegantly performed, truly showcasing the grace and agility of these remarkable dancers.
The Fashion:
Of course, no time travel would be complete without indulging in a little fashion exploration. Can you even imagine the excitement of this time period! The clothes - so elegant! So full of frills! So beautifully intricate! Ladies of fashion, or indeed any ladies with an eye for style, were embracing the French ‘rococo’ style. Imagine the soft fabrics and delicate pastels, ruffled sleeves, laced bodices, and even the start of ballet slippers, a world away from the sturdy, high heeled shoes worn just a few decades earlier. Even men were indulging in luxurious fashion, with intricately adorned vests and frilly shirts. I couldn’t help myself; I snagged a couple of lace collars, a bit of fabric for my own tutu designs, and of course, a dainty pair of velvet slippers for Magic Meg. After all, even a horse deserves a bit of style, right?
Meeting the Maestro
As a dedicated ballerina myself, I just had to meet Mr Noverre. He was such a handsome fellow with an engaging personality, and a wonderful smile. We chatted about ballet techniques, discussed the evolution of the ‘demi-plié’ – you see, I have a little collection of such insights in my rucksack, a whole section just for dance! I was utterly mesmerized by his vision for ballet, how he had reimagined it to be more about dramatic expression. And then came the magic! He was gracious enough to take a peek at my pink tutu. I couldn’t help blushing. Imagine, Noverre himself admiring my pink tutu!
The moment was beyond magical! He told me he envisioned his future of dance being about beauty, power and telling stories through elegant, expressive movements, and that in some ways my pink tutu was a perfect symbol of this, as it could be simple or elegant, with a simple twist, adding a splash of playful and vibrant energy. He encouraged me to wear it with confidence! This moment was beyond priceless!
The Rucksack: More than a Tutu
Of course, no time travelling trip would be complete without adding some exquisite ballet goodies to my rucksack for my future blog posts. Just imagine – what treasures are hidden away inside?! The delicate embroidered sleeve of a dancer’s frock – a beautiful, almost ghostly wisp of sheer silk - is almost like a ghost of history in my bag!
I managed to get my hands on a copy of one of Noverre's early treatises on ballet, an invaluable gem that tells so much about the evolving dance scene! Even a tiny fragment of a vintage dancer’s satin slipper is safely tucked away! Imagine the stories they could tell, the emotions they felt! So much to explore. My bag is bursting at the seams, full of the beauty of the past.
This little glimpse into Parisian ballet, a true spectacle of artistry, just reminds me why I’m so passionate about sharing my travels. Ballet, its history and its elegance, is something truly universal and a joy for all to share.
Stay tuned for more pink tutu adventures – who knows where Magic Meg will take me next month! Keep shining bright and dance your hearts out! Remember to stay fabulous, and don’t forget to wear a pink tutu every now and then - a splash of pink is never a bad idea.
Until next time!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
