Hello my darlings! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another fantastical journey through the world of ballet! This month, I'm packing my trusty pink tutu, a stack of adorable ballet-themed souvenirs and a touch of springtime sparkle as I saddle up on Magic Meg, my pink-hued Shire horse. Today, we're galloping back to 5th May, 1780!
This time, I'm not just sharing my adventures, I'm diving into a momentous occasion that shook the world of ballet! You see, darlings, in 1780, ballet was far removed from the delicate elegance and dazzling displays of today. Imagine! It was a world of grand, extravagant ballets, often featuring elaborate, mythological tales performed with an emphasis on showmanship and pageantry.
Just picture it, gorgeous, sparkling costumes in opulent colour, flowing silks and satins shimmering under the chandelier's warm glow! But back then, the delicate and feminine pink tutus were nowhere to be seen! Ballet dancers were adorned with a rather practical breeches and bodices, the women not yet given the full freedom of movement with the elegant tutu we know and love today.
You might be surprised to discover that this was the very year, right here on this 5th May, 1780, when the iconic Paris Opera Ballet, that renowned gem in the world of ballet, hosted their very first public performance in a truly breathtaking new home! The Académie Royale de Musique, later renamed as the Opéra de Paris, opened its doors in a magnificent and impressive new home, right in the heart of Paris. Just picture that excitement!
Of course, I'll be the first in line to soak up all the beauty of the French ballet! Oh my darling tutus, the elegant dancers swirling and leaping across the stage! Their grace, precision, and beauty... sighs dreamily. And the stories! The myths, legends and drama woven into their performances are pure enchantment!
I just had to be there to share the joy and brilliance of the opening night with everyone! This extraordinary moment sparked something wonderful in the ballet world - a new chapter in their grand and captivating history, a time of new beginnings!
So, I arrived at the opulent new theatre just before curtain call. Can you believe the splendour! Glistening lights reflecting off the mirrored walls, velvet drapes like soft clouds in the hushed air... And of course, the dazzling, expectant crowd! Ladies in their finery and gentlemen in elegant suits - ooh, they were a truly breathtaking sight! I practically burst out of Magic Meg's tail with excitement! I even found the perfect pink tutu to compliment their 18th century fashion, a tiny touch of modernity in the heart of that timeless Parisian evening!
And I was so lucky to run into some absolutely charming individuals, keen to hear about ballet and my time travel adventures! Imagine, darling, this wonderful woman with cascading brown curls and a pair of shimmering diamond earrings confided that her heart longed for something new, a different type of ballet. Oh, the sheer wonder and excitement shining in her eyes! I instantly saw an opportunity to spread a little bit of Pink Tutu magic to Paris!
I introduced her to the wonderful world of the ballet I know, the magic and stories and artistry, but most importantly, to the delights of the pink tutu! It wasn't easy. Imagine, darling! Trying to convince a 18th century dancer, well... I must confess, they're not exactly used to wearing bright pink and dazzling feathers.
And can you believe the scandal? They'd never seen a pink tutu before! Can you even fathom? They'd never dreamed of a ballet garment this bold and delightful! I simply had to give it my very best effort, a bit of "Pink Tutu persuasive" if you will!
Of course, I didn't just speak in grand pronouncements. I took her shopping! It wouldn't do to talk about ballet without showing a little Parisian panache! We made our way to the most exquisite shop I could find! It simply blossomed with fabrics in every shade under the sun. Imagine the delight - flowing velvet, shimmering satin and brocade that felt as light as air!
And, of course, a bit of a sparkly surprise! Imagine my joy! They even had feathers and beads in shades of pink to complement my tiny pink tutu collection, enough for both of us to make a delightful set! As for those who still had reservations about my pink persuasion, I even had a little pink tutu for their poodle at home - no poodle can ever resist a pink tutu! (Magic Meg approves wholeheartedly.) It was truly the perfect blend of charm, grace, and sparkle!
And oh, the delight when I saw my Parisian companion step onto the stage in a magnificent dress of rose-gold, her face sparkling with excitement. Just a touch of pink silk billowed beneath the shimmering fabric, adding a hint of a pink ballet dream!
Oh darling, the moment the pink-hued fabric glistened under the warm lights, I felt my heart fill with pure joy! It's like I shared a bit of Pink Tutu magic with the whole world! This is the wonderful power of a little sparkle and joy! This is the power of pink tutus!
That night was pure magic, darling, and just a glimpse of the adventures that lie ahead on our pink-tutu journey!
Don't forget to join me next month for another fantastic time-travel journey through the wonders of ballet on www.pink-tutu.com.
Love, Emma xx
*What else happened in the ballet world on 5th May, 1780? *
That day in history saw the premiere of the The Village Curate, a charming ballet based on a whimsical story, by Jean Georges Noverre, a renowned ballet master and choreographer of the time. Imagine, the whole performance featuring music and dance and laughter and storytelling all rolled into one magnificent performance! And all just a whisper away from the magic of my pink-tutu time-travelling adventures!
But I just had to squeeze in a few last thoughts, my darlings!
Have you had a chance to watch ballet performance recently? What are your thoughts? Tell me in the comments! And of course, I'd love to hear what colour tutus YOU like the best!
Oh, and while I'm on the subject of sharing, be sure to check out the newest issue of "Pink Tutu Quarterly" - I simply cannot resist a new collection of pink tutu stories from the world of dance!
