Hey my dearest ballet bunnies, it’s Emma here, ready to whisk you off on another adventure through the annals of ballet history! Today we're waltzing back to the 12th of December, 1831. That's right, the very day, if the old diaries are to be believed, that an intriguing event took place in the ballet world, and you won't believe who I bumped into...
As usual, my faithful steed Magic Meg and I were raring to go! I’d lovingly tucked my latest pink tutu (a particularly vibrant shade with a touch of lilac sparkle - absolutely dreamy) into my trusty leather rucksack, and even Magic Meg was looking extra sprightly in her pink-kissed mane. We galloped through time and landed…drum roll, please…in Paris!
Now, Paris in 1831 was a whirlwind of fashion, artistic energy and... can-can dancers. I mean, can-can dancing had already been all the rage in the salons and boudoirs for some time, and seeing those fabulous fringed skirts swirling through the air was truly electrifying! We even bumped into Marie Taglioni herself, the queen of Romantic ballet, her dancing as graceful as a snowflake drifting on a crisp winter day. Of course, she looked utterly stylish in a billowing white tutu, and even I couldn't help but blush a little in the shadow of her graceful elegance.
We spent the evening at the grand Palais Royal Theatre. The programme boasted none other than 'La Sylphide', a masterpiece by Jean Coralli, which debuted a mere five years before. Can you imagine seeing that ballet so close to its premiere? I’ve gotta tell you, even with its lack of dramatic twists and turns, 'La Sylphide' transported me with its sublime ethereal grace, a real breath of fresh air, if you will. I can see why this particular style of ballet was so popular during the Romantic Era.
After the ballet, the real surprise awaited us. Remember how I told you I met a famous face? We waltzed into the salon of a charming Parisian couple - Marie and Charles. Now, Marie wasn’t just any Marie. She was Marie-Geneviève de Villeneuve-Givry, an accomplished dancer in her own right! She’d even appeared as a ‘première danseuse' in operas such as 'La Donna del Lago' and ‘Don Juan' at the Palais Royal Theatre. How amazing! To have met such a talented woman was a truly humbling experience.
She was the most gracious hostess and regaled us with stories of the world of Parisian ballet in the early 19th century. We chatted for hours about ballet, fashion and of course, the importance of having fun! She was thrilled to hear about my pink tutus, giggling as she reminisced about her own costume designs - even showing me sketches for some particularly spectacular feather plumes and dramatic necklines.
It was Marie, with her charming anecdotes, who sparked the biggest inspiration for my latest design idea! It was a rather grand and elaborate design involving a pink tulle skirt, featuring hand-painted lace depicting the graceful curves of the ballet positions. Think swirling skirts, intricate patterns, and a touch of ethereal romance, all tied together with a single white rose tucked amongst the ruffles. Marie even told me a delightful story about a certain Countess, who insisted upon wearing an ornate rose in her hair while dancing at the opera. How charming, don’t you think?
As the clock chimed midnight, we bade farewell to Marie, leaving the salon filled with the aroma of bergamot tea and the music of an enchanting waltz. It was another day of enchanting memories and inspiration for my ballet adventures.
Oh, and guess what else? Magic Meg and I, along with all my gathered stories and treasures (and maybe even a few Parisian souvenirs, just for me!), are headed for Vienna! Vienna in December, I’m already excited to see what magical ballet adventures lie in store!
So until next time my lovely ballet bunnies, don't forget to twirl with joy and embrace the enchantment of dance. Remember, life is always better with a touch of pink… and maybe a touch of sparkling glitter! 🩰💖
Yours always,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Ballerina
Don't forget to visit my blog at www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet-filled escapades!
