Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! This month, Magic Meg and I are galloping back in time to September 9th, 1798! Oh, how I do love to dip into the rich tapestry of ballet history, especially when it takes me to a period so bursting with innovation and excitement.
My oh my, wouldn't you just adore being whisked away to the heart of Paris? Just imagine it! Cobbled streets echoing with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, the air buzzing with the elegant chatter of ladies in their silks and gentlemen in powdered wigs, all making their way to the beautiful Theatre de lâOpĂ©ra. Now that is how I like to see the world - especially if a show by the famous Gardel is on the programme. I'm practically itching to take a pirouette in their lavishly decorated auditorium!
For today's post, my lovely readers, we'll delve into the extraordinary happenings of ballet during this captivating era. Imagine, darlings! While we're having a good old fashioned British afternoon tea and discussing all the newest ballet trends, back in Paris, history was literally being written on stage!
Ballet in 1798: A Parisian Revolution
Now, September 1798 was quite the month! You might have heard of it, as it marks the year Napoleon Bonaparte took power and proclaimed himself the First Consul of France! And yes, it truly was a time of upheaval and revolution â not just politically, but culturally too!
But letâs not focus on all that scary stuff! Because guess what? Amidst all the revolutionary turmoil, a dazzling ballet production by Charles-Simon Gaultier de La Fontaine called âLa Dansomanie" or "The Dancing Mania" was enjoying immense popularity.
What Was La Dansomanie all About?
Oh, how I just wish I had a chance to see it! This ballet is a fascinating piece that speaks to the tumultous spirit of the era. "La Dansomanie" explores the effects of the revolution on the minds of young women, with dance at the centre of their stories. Imagine, a ballet set around a woman so filled with a passion for dance that it drove her into madness â quite the captivating premise! This ballet was quite daring in its exploration of the feminine experience in an era where social roles were rigidly defined, wasn't it? I bet you can picture me taking my seat in the opera house, mesmerized by all that's going on!
And just imagine what they wore! Oh, I wouldn't mind grabbing my rucksack, grabbing my feather boa from the dressing table, and having a sneaky peak at those revolutionary costumes! I've heard tell of flowing, elegant garments with just a hint of âGreek revivalâ â what could be more charming?!
Speaking of garments, my dearest friends â have you noticed that tutus just donât get any more iconic than the pink tutu? Pink is so deliciously vibrant â the shade of sugar and spice and all things nice â wouldn't you just agree?! Oh, it's a perfect color for all the ballerinas out there! And since our goal here is to inspire every lovely reader to embrace the wonder of the pink tutu, why not let 1798âs Parisian ballets be a little bit of inspiration? Maybe your very own dance performance might be the key to ushering in a new era of elegance, a renaissance of pink, with a splash of grace for every step you take.
But what of Ballet outside Paris?
Well, while the ballet stage of Paris was ablaze, what was going on in the wider world? Well, London's Drury Lane Theatre, my friends, was also getting in on the act with its famous ballerina Marie-ThĂ©rĂšse Godwinâs spectacular dance! Oh, imagine stepping back in time and watching a ballet performance in that historic theatre, it truly is a time machine of delights!
We even see the emergence of a ballet âballet tradition" within a certain French town. Now, imagine my darling! Ballet at every street corner, an intoxicating performance in every street, where life is a dance. What better place to do that than Nimes in the south of France! They were having their very own "NĂźmes ballet"! What a spectacle, wouldn't it?! I must visit them next, wouldnât you just agree?! And if they're as enthusiastic about dancing as I am, Iâll need a fresh tutu to wear in NĂźmes â a pale peach, perhaps?
The World of Ballet - a Time Travel Perspective!
I do hope this blog has reminded you all that even though time travel is more magical for the likes of me and Magic Meg, we're all time travellers when we immerse ourselves in history, in dance, in anything beautiful and magical. This time-hopping, tutu-tastic blog reminds us all, that no matter where or when we are, our passion for the beautiful art form - ballet! - has the power to transport us and move us, and maybe even inspire us to make a pink tutu statement.
Stay sparkly, my lovelies!
With love and twirls, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
