Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, and you know what? This month, we're stepping back in time, all the way to 1796! April, to be exact, the 4th, if you're keeping score. Can you believe it? We're going to Paris! I just love the way Parisian streets smell - especially when a bakery is nearby, and my favourite scent is the scent of warm, freshly baked croissants! We're going to Paris for an extra special treat. I've been getting whispers of something exciting in the air and can't wait to share it with you! I even had a special pink tutu made to match this exciting ballet trip! And who is accompanying me? Why, the one and only, Magic Meg, my trusty pink shimmering Shire steed, of course, she really does twinkle, all those gold hooves. I just love her long, flowing white mane and tail, they flow perfectly behind her, almost as though she’s a ballerina in her own right! And do you know? She even has her own pink saddle to match my tutu - It makes for a lovely time travel journey, just the two of us!
Ballet's History in the Making: Paris, 1796!Well darlings, as you know, Paris has always been the centre of ballet fashion! The whole of Europe looks to the French capital for ballet trends and for this reason I’ve got my back pack loaded up, I mean you never know what gems we might find, even if they are tucked away, like the jewels in a hidden ballerina’s treasure box! This month's journey feels extra special, because the whispers have been calling about a particular theatre and I just know we’ll see the world of ballet at it’s very finest!
But before we step inside that enchanting Théâtre de la Rue (it translates to 'Theatre of the Street' how fabulously chic!) - there is so much excitement to cover! The Parisian theatre scene is buzzing, with all the gossip around the latest plays and operettas! There's a grand opera called 'The Golden Age' showing at the Opera Garnier - that one really does sound intriguing! Oh, but let's not forget about 'L’Ancre de Salut' (that means "The Anchor of Salvation"), which seems to be all the rage - maybe a touch dramatic!
And for the ballet enthusiast in me, I am getting very excited now… because I’ve heard a word or two about a very important figure in ballet's history! Can you guess who it might be? Yes! You guessed it, the one, the only: Pierre Gardel!
I just adore Gardel and I’ve even been trying out his choreography, there are a few little tricks and steps which are going to look super stylish at my next performance. I’m already picking out the costumes and props for my performance… Pink feathers? Pink sparkling shoes? The choice is too hard!!
Gardel's Legacy: At the Théâtre de la Rue!Gardel has been making waves in the ballet world since he established the "École de danse" in 1793! What a wonderful legacy. What I adore about Gardel, is he brought about new steps - he's kind of like the Beyonce of the 18th century… He took all these classical ballets and threw in all kinds of new movements, a sort of 'avant-garde', or "fashion" to quote myself. The steps, which seem more like ‘dance’, more graceful and even more playful, are quite different to the old "rigid" and "formal" way they danced before. His dances make me want to dance in the streets!
Now back to the Théâtre de la Rue, it’s not just Gardel, there's so much to see! There is also a stunning ballet performance on this date - and that’s the exciting news! The most famous French ballerina, Marie Allard is performing - that’s where my fabulous pink tutu really comes into its own, don't you think? All the French people seem to think it's quite outrageous, it really is the pinkest of pinks - the sort of colour to catch the eyes of Marie herself! And don’t forget darling - that Allard is renowned for her elegant technique and artistry!
It's going to be a whirlwind of an evening, full of grace and beauty. I've already taken my notebooks - to write down the stories that I find in the theatre and the ballet… Just imagine, being in Paris on April 4th! The fashion will be fantastic! Just look at all the bright pink costumes on stage at the Théâtre de la Rue - what an inspiring sight! Imagine those pink satin shoes and the pink ribbons flowing around the stage, maybe Marie's new costume is all pink too?! The whole Parisian street will be swirling in the air with this colour!
But you know me - my pink tutu can never be topped - It is THE one for the night, or should I say for this particular trip. And, darling you just wait and see! I might even snag some ballet gems at this historic theatre – maybe something from one of those special stage performances that I can add to my back pack. A little peek into a ballet time machine. It might just be an elegant pink shoe!
The Théâtre de la Rue might be called ‘the Theatre of the Street’ and just you wait - the next ballet fashion inspiration will come straight from its Parisian heart! I will bring back a tale to make all of you, pink tutu ballet fanatics happy.
I’m off to the Théâtre de la Rue - you’ll have to wait till next month for more news… But before I go darling - I need to talk to you about the big Pink Tutu Challenge - it’s really getting bigger! Now all of my favourite followers of the pink tutu blog are wearing them, not just to ballet shows and dance class… Even for tea! Well I never! We’re taking over! The colour of elegance, The Colour of Hope. You can get yours, my lovely ballerina friends, via my very own website www.pink-tutu.com and it’s so affordable, a tiny sum compared to that Parisian fashion that you will be seeing at the Theatre de la Rue!
Until next month, my ballet lovelies - keep your feet light! Don't forget, you can catch up on my stories at www.pink-tutu.com. And remember, darlings, spread the pink joy!
Emma,
Dancing Queen of Time Travel.
