Hello my darling ballet-loving readers! Welcome back to another month of Pink Tutu Travels!
I'm Emma, your time-traveling ballerina, and this month, I've found myself whisked away to the vibrant, beautiful Paris of August 1695, riding on the back of my magical steed, Meg! (As you know, Meg is the most stunning pink Shire horse, with golden hooves, a white mane and tail that shimmers like moonlight. She's my trusty travel companion, and I wouldn't trade her for the world!).
Pink Tutu Travels Post Number: 416 (Find me at www.pink-tutu.com every month!)
Today's blog is extra special because it's ALL ABOUT BALLET! Oh yes, this trip has been a real treat for my dancer's heart. So grab a glass of lemonade (or a cup of Earl Grey if you're fancy!) and let's dive in.
The Palais Royal: Where Beauty Meets Dance
Paris in 1695 is simply buzzing with artistic life, and right at the heart of it all is the Palais Royal. Imagine cobblestone streets, elegant carriages, and bustling cafes, and you have the atmosphere of Paris back then. This place was a hive of creative activity, and of course, a hot spot for ballet.
(For you ballet history buffs - this is where the first ballet school in Paris, The Academie Royale de Danse was established!)
The first ballet class of the month at the Academie was full of graceful ballerinas and charming gentlemen practicing their dance steps. The intricate steps and movements had me enthralled, and oh my! Have you ever seen such stunning outfits? (Thankfully, I was prepared with a new pink tutu of my own, inspired by the fashion of this era, to blend right in). I felt like I was part of history - the very beginnings of what would become the grand ballet we know and love today.
(I have to tell you - I even picked up some interesting stories and ballet costumes for my collection from that school today! They will be proudly displayed at my pink-tutu-themed ballet boutique - coming soon!)
A Royal Ballet Affair
Later this week, a Royal ballet is taking place in the Palace of Versailles - can you even imagine? Just picturing myself waltzing amongst royalty with a delicate pink tutu flowing behind me is simply divine!
(Of course, I'm planning to attend - and I'll be posting all the details in my next blog!)
The Ballet in Bloom
Something else that is super exciting in 1695 is that the ballet here is moving beyond the theatre and finding life on the streets. Street dances and impromptu performances are becoming the trend, which gives the performances a raw and authentic energy, something I absolutely love! (The street-ballet style is definitely something I am adding to my future performances - I think it will be simply magical!)
Bringing Pink Tutues to the World (One Step at a Time!)
As a ballet-obsessed traveler, I've seen countless beautiful ballet forms through time, each unique and full of life.
(One of the best things about travelling in time is seeing how the costumes evolve. Honestly, you can see ballet fashions in the way clothing changes from decade to decade! Fascinating!)
My mission to spread the joy of ballet - and pink tutus of course - doesn't stop at simply enjoying the shows.
(I've always said, if it's not pink, it's not fabulous! Haha!)
Every month I make small donations to local ballet schools in each of the places I visit, with the aim of getting as many kids in ballet class as possible! I have learned a lot about the importance of spreading the love of dance - it's about community and bringing joy, no matter what era we're in!
(And I always sneak in a little extra funding for pink tutus - if I'm going to be a ballerina ambassador, I might as well dress the part!)
A Whirlwind of Shopping!
I couldn't leave Paris without exploring the incredible boutiques and workshops here! There are shops brimming with lace, ribbons, fabrics of all colours imaginable... (oh, my dancing shoes, I am in heaven! So much inspiration for my ballet-themed shop!)
And the craftsmanship! It's phenomenal, every piece a tiny work of art! I've purchased a few lovely trinkets - you'll see them in the shop! - and of course, some fabrics for my next batch of fabulous tutus!
The Next Pink Tutu Travels
This month's journey in Paris has truly been magical! It's left my heart filled with the spirit of dance and, well, what else? Pink tutus, of course! But I'm not letting the dancing stop here - I have my eyes on Vienna next month for even more ballet adventures!
(Vienna! A real heartland of classical music and opera, you'd be amazed what's happening in Vienna when it comes to dance.)
For now, I leave you with a final tip from your time-traveling ballerina - when in doubt, always dance! And always, always wear pink!
Thank you for joining me on this whirlwind journey!
Stay fabulous and keep dancing! 🩰💖
