Hello lovelies, Emma here from pink-tutu.com, ready to take you on another journey through time with me and Magic Meg! This month, we’re dancing back to 1671 – can you imagine?!
We’ve been busy getting ready for this trip. My latest ballet show was a roaring success. The audience went wild for my pirouettes in my new cherry blossom pink tutu, I tell you! All that money from ticket sales goes straight to funding these time-travelling adventures. Just like my Grandma says, “Money makes the world go ‘round and then we get to go round in circles with some stunning choreography!”
And speaking of circles… oh, this trip is going to be a hoot. It’s the grand opening of the Paris Opera – oh la la! Now, that’s something to get excited about, wouldn’t you say? I’m going to try and nab a seat at that inaugural performance and let you all know exactly what it’s like. And what is a grand opening without some shopping? That gorgeous silk brocade fabric? Absolutely! This is my chance to finally own a replica of that iconic 17th century ballet dress! I’ll be doing a live video on my Instagram of me strutting around Paris in it after my Paris Opera visit – it’s sure to be a must-see.
Now, don’t worry, lovelies, I’ve been diligently working on the collection for my rucksack. There’s a gorgeous embroidered scarf I found in the 17th century in a dusty shop, some authentic dance pamphlets – full of fascinating ballet sketches, and I even scored a vintage silk top hat, oh my!
*Stepping Back to 1671 *
Can you imagine? The Paris Opera, opened 350 years ago – that’s more than my grandmother’s lifetime ago, oh how grand! It’s almost inconceivable to think that such a landmark in ballet was established that long ago, a symbol of opulence and art.
Let’s fast forward through time for a bit. Think Louis XIV - he is said to be a great supporter of dance. It seems this grand opening was truly a milestone, like a grand waltz through time. What an amazing chance to witness this grand new space. Now this, darlings, is truly something to celebrate!
Just picture the beauties and gents of that era - their powdered wigs, brocades, and of course the graceful ballet that adorned the grand Parisian stage. It's all just too lovely! I can almost hear the music echoing through the halls as I envision a stage with the dazzling costumes shimmering like a rainbow.
My Tutu Dream
Of course, when I step out in this era, my pink tutu will make an entrance. It’s always the perfect way to add some color and sparkle to a time. A pink tutu is a timeless accessory. The colour just blends in seamlessly, even across centuries. I love it, because I don't just wear it for ballet classes and performances, I wear it everywhere, I wear it all the time, because ballet isn’t just a dance style – it's a lifestyle, isn’t it?
Time to Dance
Speaking of ballets, what are some of the gems from 1671? I can’t find too many recorded details on performances specifically during that year, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming up all the amazing things that must have happened at this first Paris Opera season. Just think about all the costumes the ballerinas might have worn! From the dramatic to the exquisite!
My guess? Ballerinas would have wowed the audience with the same grand, swirling moves, just in a much more elegant style. Imagine a tutu created by a weaver’s hand in soft velvet or silks - that is my kind of dream tutu.
Of course, with my time travel skills I’ve learnt to not rely only on the past – my knowledge of what the world was like has really enriched this amazing time travel journey, it’s like the history came to life before my eyes! And what’s a trip without my favourite ballet fashion magazines! This is such a huge resource for me. I mean, let’s face it, getting your hands on these historical pieces is no easy feat!
Ballet Forever
So there you have it - our journey through time to October 1671 has been simply fabulous ! As I step back into my time now after spending the day walking through the grand Parisian streets, my heart still feels the beat of that epochal opening night! Oh how I wish that my tutu had taken a bow in front of such a glorious crowd and the French Royal family too of course!
But no worries – it’s never too late for a ballet tutu dream, isn't it? Now I'll be busy creating my own unique vintage tutus!
Remember – you can join me for the next amazing ballet adventure, each and every month. There is no limit to what our tutus can achieve, when we dare to dance through time together.
Until then, let’s keep our heads high and our feet tippy toeing!
Always fashionable in your pink tutu,
Emma.
