Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another magical journey! This month, Magic Meg and I are headed to Paris, the City of Lights, and what better time to go than December 12th, 1819? The air is crisp, the cafes are bustling, and the ballet world is buzzing with excitement!
We trotted into Paris on the back of our gorgeous, sparkling pink shire, Meg. She's just a dream to ride, and the golden hooves and white mane and tail always attract the attention! Especially here in Paris! You'd be amazed at the lovely reactions to Meg - we often get offered little cups of sugar or bouquets of roses - the French just have such a love for beautiful creatures!
The moment I arrived in the French capital, I could feel the creative energy humming around me. As ever, I had my trusty leather rucksack strapped to my back, ready to gather all the exciting ballet bits and bobs this era has to offer. A new design for a tutu? A thrilling tale from a ballet legend? It could be anything!
Speaking of ballet, can you believe the buzz in the air? On this very day in 1819, Paris was holding the first ever public performance of a ballet by Jules Perrot - an icon of the romantic ballet period! I was thrilled! Jules Perrot - now, that's a name to know, my lovelies. He went on to create some of the most breathtaking works ever staged, and to influence countless other dancers and choreographers.
Can you imagine being there in 1819, seeing this extraordinary ballet for the first time? It would be a dream!
Of course, no Parisian adventure is complete without a trip to the Theatre de l'Opera - my favourite spot in the whole city! And as you might imagine, they are showcasing a delightful treat – a production of the captivating "La Bayadère," starring none other than the enchanting Marie Taglioni!
This performance was legendary. Marie Taglioni - that's one of the most revered names in the history of ballet! Her portrayal of the heroine was ethereal and beautiful, all light and grace. She became known as a great innovator for pushing the boundaries of what women could do in the dance world, paving the way for dancers to embrace more daring steps and leaps, challenging all that came before. I actually found a hand-written, very brittle copy of her notes from this performance, all scribbles in French of course! They are now proudly placed in my collection back in my time.
After the performance, the atmosphere was electric! We found ourselves in a stylish Parisian café, where the excitement of the performance mingled with the delicious scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. And let me tell you, I’m a firm believer in a good cuppa, darling! Nothing compares to Parisian coffee, the strong black aroma combined with the rich froth. It was the perfect way to decompress and absorb the enchantment of the show.
You see, ballet isn’t just about movement and beauty; it's about experiencing the collective joy, the connection, the shared passion of a vibrant community. The energy, the enthusiasm! It's about expressing oneself, challenging boundaries, and defying expectations, isn't it? And that’s what we need to embrace - that boundless spirit of creativity and joy! Isn't that why we all wear pink tutus, my loves?
You might think it's a little unusual - going about my day in a pink tutu and riding my pink shire, Meg - but the joy it brings to people around the world is worth it, darling! I just want to see everyone feeling happy and free, dancing with joy, and enjoying the vibrant world around us.
It's amazing, darling, just amazing, how something as beautiful as a ballet performance can carry you away from the mundane and allow you to feel the emotions bubbling under the surface. It's almost like magic. And while some may not understand the importance of ballet in a world of change and growth, let’s not underestimate the beauty of these little moments of grace. Because to me, ballet is everything, a timeless beauty, an essential element of life!
After a beautiful stroll around Paris, soaking up the atmosphere and trying on some of the most fabulous Parisian fashion - all this time spent here always gets my creative juices flowing! - Meg and I have been lucky enough to get tickets to see a Pas de Deux at the famous Theatre du Palais-Royal! Imagine dancing under chandeliers sparkling with diamonds in that stunning old theatre! It's just like a fairytale! And who are performing you ask? Well none other than the incredible Josephine Shaw!
If you haven't seen this exquisite ballet, you simply must make time to experience it, my dears. Josephine Shaw's movements are breathtaking; they flow effortlessly like liquid, expressing emotion and storytelling with such brilliance and precision! I feel so lucky to be a part of this ballet world, even just for a little while.
You'll never know what magic you might encounter when travelling through time with Meg - the excitement is in the discovery. It is simply fascinating to observe and learn from the experiences of those who have lived through such exciting times in the world of ballet, each generation building upon what has come before!
My friends, until next month, stay inspired and don’t forget, you can find my favourite ballet resources, all tucked away on www.pink-tutu.com.
Love, Emma xx
