Hello, darling dears! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling guide to the world of ballet. This month, we're taking a little trip back to July 7th, 1830 - and what a trip it is!
As you all know, Iâm a Derbyshire girl through and through, but today weâre leaving the rolling green hills of England and heading for the bustling streets of Paris! Why Paris, you ask? Well, darling, itâs all about the ballet, naturally. You see, 1830 was a very important year for the Parisian ballet scene, with all sorts of exciting things happening.
My trusty steed, Magic Meg (don't worry, my lovely pink sparkly Shire horse with golden hooves and white mane is safely stabled at home!) brought me here to see what's hot in ballet on this date, and let me tell you, Iâm in my element! Itâs just positively buzzing with ballet!
Parisian Style and the Debut of La Sylphide
Paris, 1830, is the pinnacle of Parisian chic - think big skirts, lace, ruffles, and, of course, feathers! You canât imagine how excited I am to have landed in the midst of all this fashion!
Speaking of fashion, one of the most important ballet debuts in Paris on this very date was La Sylphide. Now, you may be thinking, âLa Sylphide? Doesnât that sound a little dated?â Oh, honey, this was a HUGE event for the world of ballet! It's a tale of a young woman and a mysterious creature (oh, the romance!) that set the stage for what we know as Romantic Ballet.
A Tale of Magic and Romance
La Sylphide is just about my favourite kind of ballet story - full of romance, beauty, and just a touch of the supernatural! I just know youâre going to fall in love with this enchanting story! And oh, the music! So beautiful! It perfectly captures that airy, dreamy atmosphere of the Sylphide herself. I must add, the ballet costumes are quite something â a sheer and flowing tunic, a head wreath of white blossomsâŠso whimsical!
Not Just the Ballet, the Opera House Itself!
The Opéra Garnier (it wouldn't be built for decades, but you know me and my time travel!) is where it all happens, a majestic palace of art and drama, glittering with crystal chandeliers. Imagine the hushed anticipation before the curtain rises! I bet everyone in the audience was glistening in diamonds and pearl necklaces. The opulence and grandeur are just breathtaking!
Beyond the Dance - Parisian Life
I can't talk about Parisian ballet without mentioning what's happening in the wider city! It's a place brimming with culture, music, and creativity, darling! You wouldnât believe how much it reminded me of my trips to London - the cafes bustling with artistic types, artists creating masterpieces in the studios... the city is truly alive.
I'm going to take some time to experience all this Parisian wonder and explore the Parisian cafés. After all, what better way to end the day than with a warm, flaky pastry and a steaming cup of coffee in a charming café, and dream about all those graceful ballerinas on stage!
Back in Time with My Ballet Collection
Now, before I set off to enjoy Parisian treats, letâs not forget about my rucksack full of balletic treasures and stories. This trip, itâs absolutely overflowing with information about the creation of "La Sylphide," sketches and photos from the Parisian Opera House (the design from the time â you'd think the building is straight out of a fairytale!), a few vintage opera glasses for future blog posts⊠and maybe even some French fabric for my own tutu creations! Youâll just have to wait until next month to find out what those are!
Well, darlings, this has been a whirlwinds day! Next time, we'll be taking a look at ballet during Victorian era! And who knows? Perhaps it might lead to me adding a vintage Victorian hat to my next performance ensemble. Stay tuned, my loves, as our ballet adventure is far from over!
Until next month, keep those tutus twirling and your spirits high!
Lots of love and twirls,
Emma xx
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