Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! Iām Emma, your ballerina time-travelling bestie, and I'm absolutely buzzing to share my latest adventure with you! This month, Iāve zipped back to the 18th century, and landed smack-bang in the heart of Paris on June 6th, 1788. Letās go!
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, is a sight to behold! This shimmering pink Shire with her golden hooves, white mane, and tail makes even the dullest cobbled streets of Paris sparkle! We arrived at the magnificent OpƩra Garnier, the pinnacle of French ballet at the time, and it's positively breathtaking! Imagine ornate interiors, intricate carvings, and a chandelier that literally makes your eyes pop!
Now, 1788 was a fascinating time for ballet. It was the era of the āballet dāaction,ā where stories and drama took centre stage. Think sweeping romantic plots and intense, emotive dancing, all beautifully punctuated by expressive choreography. Itās like the worldās most sophisticated and elegant soap opera, but performed with graceful leaps and stunning costumes!
As I made my way through the buzzing crowd, my eyes were met with a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns! Youād think Paris was the epicentre of all things extravagant! Ladiesā gowns were a feast for the senses ā silks, satins, ribbons, laceā¦ a whirlwind of elegance! And, as any self-respecting ballerina would agree, the footwear was a real showstopper! Tiny satin slippers, ornate buckles, and delicate heelsā¦ itās no wonder the cobblestones were strewn with whispered gasps and sighs!
This was a time of great change for ballet, and I, as a huge history buff, had to know all the gossip! From my trusty leather rucksack, I pulled out my vintage notebook and started scribbling down all the juicy details! I learned about GaĆ«tan Vestris, the legendary male dancer, known for his astounding technical prowess and almost superhuman jumps. Talk about defying gravity! The rumour mill claims he was the highest paid dancer in the world, but I won't repeat that one until it's officially confirmed! š
Did you know that at this time, ballets weren't just a stage performance? Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a fascinating fact! Back in 1788, you could even enjoy your own ballet āballet performanceā right there at home! Imagine all the teacups, fanning, and excited whispersā¦ a true aristocratic treat!
While at the OpĆ©ra Garnier, I had the most delicious dinner in their exquisite cafe! Oh, the Parisian cuisine! CrĆŖpes with apricot preserves, croissants bursting with flavour, and a divine bottle of sparkling wine! Who needs a tutu-sized castle in the clouds when you have this level of deliciousness?
This trip, I managed to snag some amazing additions to my ever-growing ballet collection from my little adventure in 1788! Thereās a rare first-edition programme from one of Vestrisā most famous ballets. It's a treasure Iāll be proudly displaying at the next Pink Tutu social! And oh, I even managed to find an exquisitely designed antique fan with the most charming painted scenes from a 1788 ballet, I can't wait to show you all how it compliments my outfit!
Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com to see photos from my trip, more Parisian ballet stories, and even some behind-the-scenes snaps of my enchanting friend, Magic Meg!
But darling, before you goā¦ remember ā the key to life is living life in a pink tutu! And if that involves a spot of time travel, even better! š
See you next month, my loves!
Stay twirling,
Emma x
