Hello my fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back with another incredible ballet adventure, fresh from my travels through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg! This month, I’ve swirled my way back to 1764, landing right in the heart of Paris, a city brimming with culture and creativity – just perfect for a ballerina on a quest!
Before we delve into the heart of my Parisian escapade, let me share a little about how I fund my time travel, a little secret I keep tucked away in my sparkling pink tutu. I dance. It's more than just a hobby, it's my life's passion. Each performance, from elegant street performances in Derby to grand theatre stages, helps me finance my adventures, allowing me to travel through time and collect ballet treasures from different eras! It’s the perfect way to fuel my love for the art, the history, and of course, the fabulous tutus.
So, where were we? Ah yes, 1764, Paris, a place synonymous with style and spectacle. Magic Meg, adorned with pink glitter and golden hooves, was a magnificent sight amongst the horse-drawn carriages and bustling crowds. Just imagining my pink tutu shimmering in the afternoon sun – a vibrant splash of colour in the Parisian scene!
Now, this particular date, 7th July 1764, happened to be a big day for the Parisian opera house. I slipped into a ballet show featuring a magnificent piece called "Les Fêtes Chinoises" – a truly dazzling display of dance, colour and grandeur, a delightful combination of Western European style and Oriental inspiration. Can you imagine? Pink and silver feathered fans flitting across the stage, dancers gliding in exquisite costumes – it was a dream come true! The scene itself is like something straight out of a fairytale! And believe me, every outfit – even the smallest accessory, was simply stunning. Those feather fans and silken shoes - my leather backpack on my back nearly burst with the treasures I tucked in, including an exquisite feather fan to add to my growing collection. This particular fan was in shades of blush pink, with intricate embroidery, and little pearls at the base of each feather.
The energy of the theatre was intoxicating. I felt the heartbeat of the performance in my own chest, each delicate footfall echoing within my heart. The ballet was so moving, such beauty. It even had the French Royals in attendance - they were all eyes for the performance and the dancers, especially the one with the red feathered hair and pink embroidered boots!
But Paris wasn't just about the opera. Oh no! My 1764 trip also led me to a charming little boutique in a quiet corner of the city, just off the Champs-Élysées. Imagine a store with walls lined with exquisite silk, lace and ribbon - a tapestry of pastel hues, a paradise for a tutu-obsessed time traveler like myself! The owner, a lovely woman named Madame Dubois, told me stories of her grandmother who hand-stitched costumes for famous dancers in Paris. The embroidery on the velvet sleeves, the delicate floral embellishments on silk ribbons - I simply had to buy a few pieces to cherish and bring back with me to Derby!
Now, what did I pick up from the boutique, you ask? Well, a spool of lace, a small pair of satin pumps adorned with little tiny pearls ( just right for my miniature ballerina doll!), a lovely length of pink ribbon – you know the colour - for a very special tutu creation – just perfect for the Derbyshire Fair – and two lovely silver flower headbands, which will look just lovely at my next street dance! (I always dance in a pink tutu with silver stars and lots of ribbon!)
You see, I am a firm believer in spreading the love of the tutu. It's not just a costume; it's a symbol of grace, beauty, and artistic expression. I dream of a world where every woman, girl, and even the occasional brave man dances with a pink tutu swirling around them! This month’s Parisian journey certainly brought me closer to my mission, collecting inspiration from the past to help me share the magic of ballet and pink tutus with the world.
So until next month, keep dancing, stay inspired, and don't forget, a pink tutu always makes a statement! Until then, remember: www.pink-tutu.com 💖
I look forward to welcoming you back to another time-traveling ballet escapade next month!
