Hey Tutu Lovers! 💖
It’s your girl, Emma, back from another thrilling journey through time! February is here, bringing with it that magical, sparkly feeling that only happens when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But before I start gushing about chocolates and romance, I wanted to take you all back with me to the 2nd of February, 1765. Now, this date might not seem particularly noteworthy, but trust me, dear readers, this particular trip was an absolute dream come true!
It all started as usual, with a quick trip to my local bakery to pick up some extra-pink frosting (you know, just in case) and a chat with my darling Magic Meg, who seemed extra sparkly this morning. A quick peck on her magnificent pink nose and a whisper of my destination, and off we went! I swear, riding on Meg through time is the most amazing feeling – the wind whips through my pink tutu, my hair flies, and the world whizzes by in a kaleidoscope of colour.
The year 1765, ah, what a fascinating time for ballet! We’re smack-dab in the midst of the Rococo era, a period that embraced extravagant elegance and, let's be honest, some of the most beautiful clothing EVER! You've got to imagine this – ladies in frilly gowns with panniers so big you'd need a team of movers just to navigate a doorway, gentlemen in lace ruffles and velvet breeches, and everyone adorned with sparkling jewels. It's pure magic, my friends!
And where better to experience this magical world than at the Paris Opera Ballet, the crown jewel of ballet during that time! Stepping inside, I felt like I'd fallen into one of my favourite ballet stories, only this time, I was a part of it! The air crackled with excitement, and the soft music emanating from the orchestra pit already had me swaying to the rhythm.
The program featured a new work by the incredible Jean-Georges Noverre, considered one of the most influential ballet masters of the era. It was an absolute joy to see his vision come to life, and I must confess, his revolutionary ideas for storytelling within the ballet format completely blew my mind. Can you believe he wanted dancers to move like human beings, not just wooden puppets?! He really wanted to express emotion and personality through movement, a true ballet pioneer!
But you know me, darling readers, it wasn’t just about the performances! One of the things I love about time travel is experiencing the culture of the past firsthand. And let me tell you, there’s no better way to understand a society than through its fashion! I must confess, I had to snag a couple of items for my collection – a charming little silk fan from a street vendor, adorned with a delicate floral motif, and a beautifully embroidered glove that would make any ballerina’s heart skip a beat! I mean, imagine a tutu adorned with such craftsmanship! Divine!
After an evening of dancing and soaking in the artistic energy, I bid farewell to 1765, knowing I had to make time for my monthly blog post. As I galloped home with Meg, my mind was already spinning with ideas for my next time travel escapade! And believe me, the pink tutu and I have so much more to explore, from the shimmering waltz halls of Vienna to the bustling theaters of London.
But for now, I’m going to enjoy this gorgeous February sunshine and indulge in some luxurious afternoon tea. Until next time, my darlings! Keep on dancing and stay beautiful! 💖
XOXO, Emma
P.S. I just had to share a little tip I picked up during my Parisian adventure: When buying gloves, always opt for a pair made from kid leather – it’s incredibly soft, delicate, and adds a touch of luxury to any outfit!