Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time, and this time it's Paris in 1829 we're visiting, specifically 10th October, darling! It was simply magnifique!
Now, I must confess, getting to 1829 required some extra effort, even for me. Magic Meg was a little nervous about crossing the English Channel (don't worry, she wore her life jacket and a sparkly pink saddle cloth, just in case!), but with a little extra sugar and a song about all the lovely pink French ribbons I planned to purchase, she bravely set sail.
Reaching Paris felt like stepping into a painting. I imagine it was much the same back then, except for the cars and buses. Thankfully, Magic Meg is very good at navigating the cobblestone streets, with nary a bump or jolt in her ride.
My first stop was the Opéra Garnier, and I must say, darlings, I was simply dazzled! Built in 1869 (yes, a little after our journey, but I had to stop by), this masterpiece of architecture housed the most beautiful theatre imaginable. Sadly, this 1869 jewel hadn't been constructed yet when I arrived, but I was assured it would be worth the wait. For now, I settled for strolling through the stunning "Palais Royal" area with its bustling cafes, gorgeous shops, and theatres that echoed the spirit of Parisian ballet.
The atmosphere here was intoxicating, filled with music and laughter. My senses were overloaded with the delightful scents of freshly baked bread, elegant perfumes, and - to my sheer delight! - pink silk! Now you know my darling readers, this is just the sort of adventure my pink-loving heart beats for!
And speaking of ballet, oh my, darlings! I stumbled upon a most delightful discovery! On this very day, October 10th 1829, a brilliant young ballerina named Carlotta Grisi made her debut at the Opéra-Comique, in "La Somnambule" (Sleepwalker), a charming and romantic opera that everyone here seemed to rave about! I just had to find out more!
Thankfully, with the power of my ballet historian-tutu combo, I was able to watch Grisi dance, even though this opera premiered before 1829. (It seems the world of theatre has a penchant for revival productions just like in our times.) I simply had to include a photo in this post - a sketch I found of her in the ballet’s first costume - just look at her elegance and graceful movements!
Oh, but there is more to this historical story! Not only was the premiere of this particular ballet special but also, as it turned out, it was also one of the most popular pieces performed for years and years and years in France! This ballet proved so popular that it even made its way across the channel and was presented in London to great fanfare a mere 6 years later, which just goes to show that ballet truly transcends time and place!
Oh, and darling, as much as I love Paris, I simply must gush about this magnificent tutu Grisi was wearing! It's like a pink cloud of elegance, so much so I decided to recreate it. Let me tell you, it is quite the challenge! So many layers and so much detail... such exquisite crafting. And the pink - it just oozes charm and sophistication! Just look! (Here she is on www.pink-tutu.com.)
I spent a gloriously pink afternoon immersing myself in Parisian life. From indulging in exquisite pastries at a cafe filled with the scent of coffee and laughter, to exploring a world of dazzling colours in silk stores (the pinks there were incredible!), I just had a fantastic time.
But the biggest highlight, darling, was witnessing Grisi dance. Her movement was pure poetry in motion, her passion burning like a thousand pink candles, and her artistry filled the entire space! She reminded me that a good tutu isn't just an article of clothing, but a powerful tool that allows the soul to speak.
I finished my trip with a pink rose that Magic Meg helped me pick. It now resides beautifully tucked in my leather backpack - a precious memory of this incredible time travel journey. Oh, and if you see me on the streets of Derbyshire any time soon, be sure to watch out for me! I'll be twirling, naturally. And maybe I’ll even find myself inspired to add another layer to the next tutu I create in tribute to Carlotta!
Until next time, darlings, happy dancing and may your own tutu journey lead you to wonderful places. Don't forget to check out our newest post about "La Somnambule" at www.pink-tutu.com for even more fascinating tidbits about this incredible ballet.
Keep on twirling!
Your Pink Tutu time traveller,
Emma
