Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share this month's adventures with you.
Now, prepare yourselves, because this month we're taking a trip back to the 18th century! Specifically, November 11th, 1737, in the vibrant, chic city of Paris. Why, you ask? Well, darling, because this is the very day the Parisian Opera House, l'Opéra de Paris, hosted its very first performance. How absolutely delightful!
Imagine, darling, the atmosphere of that evening, all those eager faces gathered in anticipation, excited for the inaugural performance. I, of course, was in the very heart of the crowd, twirling in my most flamboyant, pink tutu, resplendent in the light of the Parisian evening. My darling Magic Meg, with her shimmering pink coat and golden hooves, stood patiently nearby, eager to whisk me away to the next enchanting ballet moment.
Now, let's talk about that initial performance - Ariane et Bacchus by Jean-Philippe Rameau. The French court was absolutely smitten! It seems even back then, people adored a good, elegant performance with exquisite dancing and captivating stories. They just knew a truly great dance performance when they saw one, even if tutus weren't quite so prevalent back then, sigh!
Now, I couldn't help but wonder what this Parisian scene would be like today, how their styles and the art form itself would have changed. A trip to l'Opéra Garnier, with its impressive architectural design and decadent chandeliers, was a must, don't you think?
Oh, the sheer spectacle of it all! Ballet has come a long way since those early days in Paris, darling, and there was no way I was leaving without capturing every ounce of this dazzling evolution in my ballet-themed rucksack. From elegant costumes to elaborate set designs, everything about this incredible world had a place within my travelling ballet museum.
As I waltzed through the hallowed halls, admiring the history of this magnificent institution, I felt a deep sense of connection. My dear, I think we, the ballet world, are like a beautiful dance - a story passed on through generations, evolving and changing yet always holding onto the heart of what makes it magical. It's a grand story of beauty, grace, and the sheer joy of movement.
Now, after my delightful trip to l'Opéra Garnier, we galloped through the heart of Paris, savouring the atmosphere of its charming cafés and fashionable boutiques. You see, my dears, one thing hasn't changed in these 200-odd years: the innate love of style and spectacle.
Speaking of style, I had to take a detour to visit the beautiful Palais Royal. It was quite the sight! Imagine a truly gorgeous building adorned with manicured gardens and lively fountains, the epitome of French refinement! While I explored its beautiful arcades, my mind drifted to thoughts of the fashion of the day, of the intricate ruffles and graceful silhouettes of that era.
Paris is undeniably the heart of fashion, even back then. I simply had to peek into one or two elegant shops, just to see what was in vogue! One thing that really stood out was the use of colour! The exquisite colours in the silk dresses and elegant hats were simply stunning. I mean, darling, pink was already making waves! But those bright reds, the gorgeous blues - such vibrant hues, all so delightfully on trend.
Imagine, if I could just step through the portal of time to visit an opera house on November 11th, 1737, but also attend a chic Parisian fashion event of the day! I would certainly turn heads in my delightful pink tutu and pink sparkling, shimmery sash.
Oh my, darling, you'll just have to wait until next month for my latest exciting adventures, where I'll tell you all about it! And in the meantime, please, if you happen to visit Paris, remember, you must go see the enchanting l'Opéra Garnier. And be sure to have a grand, twirling adventure of your own!
Don't forget, darlings, to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com, where I’ll be posting even more captivating stories and glamorous pictures from my ballet travels.
Until then, wear your most beautiful pink tutus, and keep dancing!
With love,
Emma x
