Hello, my darling dears! It’s Emma here, your resident Pink Tutu Time Traveller! Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to the 4th of April, 1669. Now, let me tell you, it was a very special day, particularly for the world of ballet. I’m not sure if you've heard, but April 4th, 1669, is the birthday of one of the most famous and celebrated ballet academies in the world… drumroll please… The Paris Opera Ballet!
You see, darling, King Louis XIV – and who can blame him, right? – was an absolute ballerino enthusiast. He decided that this exquisite form of dance needed its very own grand stage. He was all about grand gestures, our King Louis! So, he created the Académie Royale de Danse – ooh la la – to nurture and cultivate the talents of French dancers. Can you imagine? Ballet getting all the royal love!
My trusty time travelling steed, Magic Meg – she’s a glorious pink sparkle shire with hooves like golden coins – and I arrived in the midst of all the celebratory festivities. I do love a grand opening, don’t you? I imagine the city buzzing with excitement. I had a grand pink tutu on, as per usual, and even Magic Meg wore a matching pink sparkly saddlecloth for the occasion!
It was just glorious to see all those passionate young dancers starting their ballet journey at this magnificent new institution.
And you know me – I’m a bit of a magpie, so I absolutely had to visit the Palais Royal – oh my, just the name sounds so fabulous – where the new academy was housed. It was stunning, absolutely brimming with beautiful details! Imagine – dancing under a grand crystal chandelier, with ornate gilded decorations! This was definitely not your average village hall, darling! I imagined all the ballerinas twirling across that elegant stage, and let me tell you, I felt my own toes twitching with a need to dance!
Back at home in Derbyshire, it’s always so heartwarming to witness the same passion and dedication for ballet in our little studios. Seeing all the young ballerinas flitting about, their hair in perfect buns, the quiet intensity of their concentration - It’s absolutely captivating, darling. I believe in letting your true passions flourish, and it brings such a twinkle to my eyes to see such youthful dreams blossoming on stages both grand and simple.
But back to my Parisian adventure. I wasn't just about dancing on that day! I explored the streets of Paris – with Magic Meg, of course, she can trot faster than any horse carriage, we were there before the blink of an eye, you see.
Oh darling, I have to share a little shopping adventure! It seems the city's fashion scene was abuzz with new styles - the Parisians certainly had a flair for the dramatic, and who am I to judge? We have to let our creative spirits shine!
Can you imagine my delight when I spotted a boutique overflowing with beautiful fabrics – silken brocades, lush velvets, and gossamer lace, and all in the most exquisite pinks, darling! Oh, my heart fluttered! It took a little charming with my Pink Tutu smile and a sprinkle of Magic Meg’s golden hooves’ dust – yes, even Magic Meg knows how to negotiate! – and I walked out with a length of rose-pink silk brocade, just perfect for my next tutu design!
And that leads me beautifully to this month’s Pink Tutu design inspiration: The Paris Opera Ballet opening! My inspiration was an elegant mix of romantic and bold. The swirling silks and satins, with touches of intricate lace detailing, and for the grand finale, a luxurious brocade embellishment just below the hipline, like a whisper of royalty. Can you imagine a dancer twirling in such a creation? Oh, my dears, it would be a ballet dream come true!
The fashion is definitely just as important as the dance, right? But I know my blog readers have impeccable taste and will love to find their own Pink Tutu style!
Well, my darlings, this is where I have to bid you farewell! I'll leave you with a little treat – remember my little time travel collection? Well, while I was in Paris, I happened to come across a beautiful little leather bound book of ballet dance steps! I managed to slip it into my satchel - the Parisians thought it was simply a new fashion item. So sneaky, but so exciting, right?!
Now, make sure to stay fabulous and I'll catch you all in a month, with another peek into the colourful world of the Pink Tutu time traveller! And of course, darling, never be afraid to twirl, and don't forget – a Pink Tutu on every dancer is my dream!
Much love and sparkles,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
