Hello my lovely tutu-loving readers! It's Emma here, and I'm absolutely delighted to be bringing you another monthly instalment of my pink-tutu-infused time travel adventures! As you all know, this little corner of the internet is where we take a twirl through time, exploring the magical history of ballet with a sprinkle of pink fashion and, of course, my trusty steed, Magic Meg. This month, we're heading back to November 11th, 1828, and I've got a truly regal ballet tale to tell!
*(Remember, dear readers, you can find all my adventures on my website, www.pink-tutu.com! My latest ballet performance will be raising funds for my next magical journey through time, so be sure to check the website for dates and tickets. The more beautiful tutus we sell, the more adventures we can have!) *
My time travel plans had been set for weeks now, you see. This particular date in history marked the debut of the phenomenal La Sylphide at the Paris Opera. Now, this ballet is considered a cornerstone of the Romantic era, brimming with otherworldly fairies and heartfelt longing, all danced by the incredible Marie Taglioni. Marie, of course, is the ballerina whose leaps, known as "Taglioni leaps", changed ballet forever, making dancers look like delicate birds soaring through the air. I knew, deep down, this was an evening I just had to be at!
From Derbyshire to Paris: A Fashionable Journey
The morning of my journey found me in the heart of Derbyshire, the crisp November air making the leaves in our little English village shimmer with gold. I couldn't have been more thrilled about heading to Paris. A beautiful Parisian fashion exhibition at a museum in Derby sparked my initial interest in this historical moment. I wanted to get a firsthand look at the magnificent costumes from La Sylphide, with its romantic silhouettes and flowing lines, to see how it impacted the fashions of the day. Of course, a trip to the Opera was non-negotiable!
I had my pinkest, most whimsical tutu carefully packed (a glorious creation with delicate lace and tulle, a touch of silver sparkle, and an absolutely irresistible shade of pink - what else would you expect?) along with a cosy knitted shawl (because even in Paris, autumn evenings can be chilly!), my trusted ballet journal, and my trusty leather rucksack for gathering more ballet treasures along the way.
With a final flourish, I mounted my dazzling Magic Meg, her coat shining like the morning sun, her golden hooves catching the light. Magic Meg is a truly magical pink Shire horse - you simply wouldn't believe how she manages to traverse time. But let me tell you, with the gentle tinkle of her bridle and the rhythm of her powerful stride, it's the most wonderful feeling. And let's just say her pink and gold outfit never fails to turn heads in any era!
We reached Paris in a flash, with Magic Meg stopping gracefully at the heart of the city, not a sound breaking the bustling atmosphere. Paris has always held a special place in my heart. It's such a glamorous, exciting city - just imagine, all those beautiful Parisian balls, where women wore elegant dresses with billowing skirts, and the men waltzed in their elegant tails.
*(Tip for my fellow ballet lovers: A beautiful way to remember this historical moment is by learning a bit of waltzing! A good dance class will always incorporate beautiful ballet history. I always say, every ballerina is a bit of a history buff!) *
La Sylphide: A Breathtaking Ballet
That evening, the Paris Opera House buzzed with anticipation. It was electric. I knew just where to be - sitting in one of the boxes with a crystal chandelier glittering above, and a sense of theatre history surrounding me. A thrilling anticipation hung in the air as the music started - what I would give to be in the midst of that 19th century crowd, seeing and hearing their reaction!
And then, the curtain rose. And there she was - Marie Taglioni. I gasped. She was breathtaking - her grace was astounding, light as a feather, and so beautifully fluid in her movement, as if she were floating on air.
Her costume was incredible - a diaphanous white tulle dress, and an enormous veil cascading behind her like a gossamer dream. She moved with such tenderness and ethereal beauty, I truly thought she would just fly away. And as for the choreography - simply divine! Romantic, full of emotion, and, dare I say, just a bit rebellious in its elegance - Marie's movements challenged the stricter norms of the time, showing how beauty can lie in fluid movement, delicate and weightless, an amazing influence for the ballet world.
The audience was mesmerised. Even the men looked enchanted - there was a hushed silence after her every leap and pirouette, followed by roaring applause at the end of each scene. It was the beginning of an era of grace and airy lightness in ballet.
I don't think I can express my awe! I wrote in my ballet journal with frantic excitement, jotting down details of the costume, the stagecraft, even the little details like the flowers Marie had tucked into her hair, because truly, I wouldn't trade that evening for the world!
*(By the way, I took a *beautiful picture of the scene with a small, hidden vintage camera - I'm afraid my photos can't be displayed online! They look amazing in person, and even have a few little "sparkle fairies" showing up - truly magical, don't you think? I wouldn't be surprised if it was Magic Meg doing her part, though it was always her who took the blame for any unexpected sparkle in a photo...)
**
Post-Show, Parisian Style
The evening didn't end with the ballet, of course. It was time for Parisian fashion shopping! I always enjoy discovering a touch of Parisian flair - after all, my aim in life is to get everyone in a pink tutu, and every now and then, I have to visit Paris, for inspiration, to see the latest in tulle trends and delicate fashion details!
We started by walking along the fashionable streets of Paris, just a little ways from the Opera House. You just couldn't help but admire the Parisian shops with their gleaming windows, filled with elegant fabrics and sparkling accessories! I found a beautiful little antique shop full of dainty jewellery that sparkled under the shop light. It felt like stepping back in time! I bought myself a little rose-gold locket as a souvenir of my visit to Marie's era - the shop owner told me it's in a 'Romantic' style, like La Sylphide. It matches my pink tutu perfectly, don't you think?
And of course, I wouldn't leave Paris without seeing a new Parisian tutu! You might be thinking, 'Emma, it’s not the right era for pink tutus!', but oh my dear readers, even back in 1828, women wore amazing pink fabrics, like silk and taffeta, so finding some beautifully rosy hues in Paris, that time period or any time period, is never a problem! The lace in Paris, for instance, was simply phenomenal! They always say Paris knows how to do glamour!
After an amazing day of fashion inspiration and cultural delights, we made our way back to my dear Derbyshire village, leaving a touch of Parisian magic with every gentle click of Magic Meg’s hooves.
I can't wait to return to Paris, my favourite city for both fashion and ballet - who knows, what incredible ballet performance might we discover together in the next blog? Remember to keep your eyes peeled, my sweet tutu-wearing readers! My next ballet adventure might just be waiting around the corner.
Until next time, dear readers! Keep twirling, and remember: It's never too late to embrace the beauty of a pink tutu!
*(This was Post 2015 - but don’t worry, I’m posting more ballet time travel every month. Make sure you check in to my site, www.pink-tutu.com - I will always post about how you can keep track of where I’m headed!) *
P.S. For any other fans of La Sylphide: Don't forget to check out our website's resources section! We have amazing stories from the time, including original reviews of the premiere, which is just wonderful! Plus, some exciting ballet fashion tutorials. You might find yourself inspired to make your own dreamy romantic era tutu, complete with billowing skirts and a sparkly tiara!)
This blog post should hopefully meet all your requirements - remember to be kind, safe and keep up with your passion! And of course, do share your passion with the world! You'd be amazed how much more sparkly everything looks in pink!
Keep on twirling, lovely readers! 💕
