Dearest Tutu-Lovers,
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu! Itās that time of the month again where we dive into the magical world of ballet history and see whatās happening in the past through my trusty pink time machine, Magic Meg!
This month, Iāve landed myself in 1816! That's right, folks, it's the early 19th century and Iām ready to take in all the grand and flamboyant ballet performances, swirling fashion and, of course, plenty of pink!
Oh, where to even start? Magic Meg (bless her sparkly golden hooves!) brought us right into the heart of Paris, just in time for a performance at the Paris Opera.
It was a thrilling experience. The moment I stepped out of Magic Megās stable into the Parisian streets, the air was filled with a cacophony of sounds - horses clomping on cobblestones, the gentle strains of street musicians, and the murmurs of elegantly dressed Parisians. But as we got closer to the Opera House, the buzz of excitement increased tenfold. People, ladies in elaborate gowns and gentlemen in crisp suits, rushed towards the imposing building, eager for a night of balletic entertainment.
Inside, the Opera House was magnificent! The decor was grand, with chandeliers glittering overhead and velvet-draped seats surrounding a magnificent stage. A hush fell over the audience as the curtain rose. The ballet, a piece by Jean Coralli called "The Naiads", featured beautiful nymphs dancing amidst the rippling, shimmering waves (all done by a skilled use of stage machinery).
Now, a quick mention about the ballet dancers' costumes ā what a spectacle!
Iāve added a few snapshots in my āCostume Inspirationā section of the blog (click here to see!), so you can see for yourselves, but imagine swathes of shimmering silks and tulles, perfectly tailored bodices and diaphanous skirts - pure elegance, my dears! It was hard to not steal a little inspiration for my own wardrobe!
Now, back to the performance...
As the dancers pirouetted across the stage, their white tutus swirling and the menās leaps soaring through the air, a magical aura engulfed the theatre. The story was beautifully told through the dancers' expressive movements and their mastery of classical techniques, a story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.
The applause that followed the final curtain was deafening. Every dancer received their fair share of bows and curtseying as the Parisian audience adored them. Such excitement! Such grace! Truly, the performance transported me to another realm.
But thatās not all! You know I just have to find some time for some Parisian shopping, right? (after all, I do like a new pink tutu, or five!). I made my way to the boulevards of Paris and I swear I think I might have found the ultimate pink tutu at one of the fashionable boutiques. Oh my goodness, the shop assistant, a beautiful woman with perfectly curled auburn hair, assured me it was the ālatest crazeā ā something called a āRomantic Tutu". The full skirt was perfectly balanced and even had layers of delicate pink silk upon pink tulle. I had to hold myself back from buying it. A good reminder that Iām not allowed to alter history, darling!
Well, thatās all for this month, darling Tutu-Lovers! Itās been a fabulous adventure to the heart of Paris and the beginning of romantic ballet. Donāt forget to follow me on Pink-Tutuās social media to see some snippets of the Parisian scene and the glorious dancers at the Opera. And don't forget, everyone is much more fabulous in a pink tutu!
Yours in twirling pink,
Emma
