Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! It's me, Emma, your tutu-touting time traveller, straight from the cobbled streets of Derbyshire, where the wind is nipping at my toes and the daffodils are beginning to bloom.
Today, I'm diving deep into the archives of history, ready to waltz through the year 1724. Now, if you think 1724 sounds awfully dusty, think again, my lovelies. The world of ballet was starting to blossom, much like those springtime daffodils! This was the year a young Parisian named Jean-Baptiste Lully sadly passed away, but his legacy of elegant ballet productions lived on. I wonder if he knew what a wonderful future the world of dance held?
My trusty time-traveling companion, Magic Meg â the most beautiful pink Shire you've ever seen with those sparkling golden hooves and shimmering mane - snorted a happy "Neigh!" as we materialized in the heart of Paris. Today, Meg is wearing her very finest pink braided saddle, the one with a sprinkling of those fabulous glass pearl buttons I bought at a Parisian market on my last trip! We just had to look fabulous, especially because there wasnât a tutu in sight, believe me! They weren't even dreamt up back then!
My little leather rucksack was brimming with the joy of discovery. What wonders of ballet fashion would this century bring? Perhaps a fabulous feather headdress, maybe a beautiful silken skirt for those ballerinas, or maybeâŠgasp! ...a little peek at the very first dance shoes?!
The scent of roasted chestnuts and fresh bread greeted me as I hopped off Meg, the bustle of Parisian streets abuzz with activity. Fancy gentlemen in their knee breeches were dashing in and out of shops, their swords making the clink-clank of an elegant melody as they walked. And oh, the ladies! So glamorous in their pannier gowns and elaborate powdered wigs, theyâd make even a Parisian ballroom blush!
Today's historical fashion inspiration? Well, imagine all those extravagant layers, the silk brocades, the swirling ruffles and that stunning powdered hair, but picture it allâŠpink. Thatâs my vision! Think a fluffy pink petticoat peeping out under a silky rose-coloured brocade coat and matching wig. sigh tutti-tutti-fabulous.
And that, my lovelies, is exactly what I intend to inspire! From the grand stages of opera houses to the Parisian cafes bustling with laughter and conversation, my pink tutu is about to create a delightful splash of colour! Maybe this century will embrace a new world of feminine ballet fashions - pink ballet shoes, rose-tinted dresses, tutus sprinkled with sparkly jewelsâŠthe possibilities are endless!
After all, ballet is more than just twirling and pirouettes; it's a captivating expression of art and culture that travels across the globe and through the centuries.
Tonight, I'm off to the grand OpĂ©ra de Paris, dressed in my hottest pink, tucking away all the tales and sights in my rucksack, and sharing a secret hope in my heart - perhaps one day, in the years to come, we will all wear pink tutusâŠtogether.
Stay tuned, my darlings, because the next stop on my time-travelling ballet adventures might bring you even more pink and sparkly surprises!
Until next month, stay glamorous, Emma.
P.S. Check out www.pink-tutu.com for exclusive photos from my travels!
More Ballet Delights for February:February is truly a time for ballet enthusiasts around the world!
- International Dance Day falls on April 29th this year, a perfect reminder of the universality and beauty of dance.
- The Royal Opera House in London has a fantastic programme of ballets in February, including a special performance of âThe Sleeping Beautyâ.
- And speaking of princesses, how could we forget the magical Disney on Ice performances. Imagine a skating rink with your favourite fairytale characters dancing on ice. Oh my, how my heart does melt for such a wonderful spectacle.
Donât forget to visit your local dance schools, too. Ballet isnât just about the grand performances â the magic begins with those first steps! I hear that even children are taking classes in pink tutus. My dear, what a splendid dream come true! It makes my tutu blush, I assure you.
