Hello darling tutu lovers! It’s Emma here, and it’s time for another dazzling trip back in time with my dear Magic Meg!
This month, I’ve been whisked away to the magical city of Paris. April 4th, 1826 to be exact. Paris has always been the centre of fashion, and even then, back in the early 19th century, there was an air of elegance and style that simply couldn't be matched. I mean, just imagine the gorgeous, sweeping gowns and bonnets - a fashionista's dream!
Before I delve into my Parisian adventure, I thought it'd be lovely to take a peek at the world of ballet in April 1826. This month, ballet enthusiasts could have enjoyed a stunning production of "La Bayadère" by the talented Marius Petipa. And you know I was there, tutu twirling and clapping along! It was simply sensational, especially the intricate choreography and vibrant costumes. Petipa was considered a revolutionary in ballet, and his vision for this show was quite ahead of its time. He was an early adopter of 'en pointe' and this became the pinnacle of ballet beauty during this era. The Paris Opera Ballet, led by Louis Déjazet at that time, was a phenomenal ensemble of talent, so the performance was incredible, truly awe-inspiring!
Right, back to my trip! It wouldn’t be a visit to Paris without a stroll through the charming Tuileries Gardens, now would it? And it wouldn't be a Parisian walk without my magnificent pink tutu billowing in the breeze!
Picture this: sunshine dappling through the trees, the scent of lilac and honeysuckle filling the air, and me in my tutu, enjoying a leisurely amble with Meg beside me, her mane and tail rippling in the wind, a picture of pure Parisian delight!
I popped into a local fashion house and discovered something truly fantastic! They were starting to embrace the Romantic ballet aesthetic which meant full, flowy tulle and light colours, perfect for graceful and delicate choreography. My kind of fashion!
Back in Derbyshire, you just wouldn’t find the range of fabrics that the French fashion houses used in the 1820s! From luxurious satins to shimmering taffetas, their colours were exquisite. This gave the dancers on stage a magnificent, fairy-like appearance that completely enchanted me! They were embracing delicate florals and intricate embroidery on their dance wear too. And if you’re looking to create your own romantic ballet-inspired look, my top tip is to focus on light and breezy fabrics with soft, romantic colours. And, of course, a stunning, bright pink tutu! It will really elevate your Parisian street style!
And speaking of my pink tutu, let's take a moment to appreciate my wonderful Magic Meg! My pink and sparkling Shires horse with those gorgeous, gleaming hooves! It's all a little surreal, riding on a magic horse, and that's before you consider my mission to spread the joy of the pink tutu around the world. But every time I zip back through time on Meg's back, the feeling of pure magic and wonder sweeps over me!
But there’s more to Parisian life than fashion and the gardens. Oh, darling! The Theatre du Palais Royal, it’s so very elegant, and what a treasure trove of history! I had the good fortune to be at one of the world premieres of one of the famous composer Giacomo Meyerbeer's famous "Robert le Diable," with the entire audience in the palms of his hand with this epic opera! It’s always magical when the world feels as though it’s standing still whilst the music soars and stories unfold right before my eyes!
Of course, the ballet world doesn’t just happen in one city, so I’ve been following my ballet-loving heart on a worldwide tour this month. Let me take you to the grand Teatro alla Scala in Milan. What an impressive and iconic structure.
In 1826, the Teatro alla Scala, was revelling in the talent of its resident choreographer Carlo Blasis who introduced new and beautiful ideas to ballet – with incredible movements of the limbs and elegant extension! He brought a very technical aspect to ballet, requiring great precision from the dancers and an awareness of the different ways in which the body could be held and stretched to produce very graceful, controlled lines of movement, perfect for graceful jumps and dramatic pauses. In Milan they embraced a more classical style with simple, elegant dresses which often reflected Greek and Roman art, as if ballet dancers were embodying a graceful mythical being, truly mesmerising!
And what’s the most important part of a ballerina's outfit you might ask? Well, of course, the shoes! A little tip from me to you – always keep a good pair of pointe shoes to hand, darling. For they are vital to creating a spectacular look that really adds flair and beauty to any stage.
From Italy to Russia, ballet continues its march through time! The Imperial Ballet was in its full glory and the dancers there were a dazzling force in their elegant, traditional outfits, the perfect style for dramatic, theatrical ballets with high emotions, high kicks, and dramatic moments.
There’s something incredible about the beauty of ballet around the world and I'm utterly obsessed. My dear tutus and I love to embrace these different cultural traditions, from the rich Parisian embroidery to the dramatic, traditional costumes of the Imperial Ballet. But, it doesn't matter where you go, there's always something fascinating and inspiring in the world of dance!
Right, darling, that’s all for this month. If you enjoyed reading this tutu-tastic post and if you want to share any pink-tutu-themed ideas for my next journey then leave a comment below! I can’t wait to go on our next adventure together in my tutu and see what incredible ballets and amazing fashion adventures lie ahead in my next blog.
Till next time darling tutu lovers. I'll catch you on the other side, as I say farewell with a dramatic arabesque - and don't forget to wear pink!
Yours in pirouettes and tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
