Dearest fellow tutu-wearers,
Welcome to my monthly wanderings through the wonderful world of ballet history! As you know, this month, my fabulous pink tutu (let's call her "Pinkalicious," yes?) and I are back in time, galloping through history on the back of the magnificent Magic Meg - a sparkling, pink-hued Shire horse with a heart of gold, hooves of spun sunshine, and a mane and tail like the snowiest clouds! Today, we've travelled back to the glorious September 9th, 1833. Can you imagine, 190 years ago? And what's a better way to celebrate such an epochal occasion than by attending a truly unforgettable ballet performance, right here, in the heart of Paris?
Oh my dears, I must tell you, Paris is positively bursting with vibrant life in 1833! We're surrounded by charming, cobblestone streets, exquisite boudoirs decked with colourful silk and frilly lace, and a cacophony of sound. Carriage wheels click-clacking on the cobblestones, street vendors hawking their wares, and, yes, even the strains of lovely music, flowing out from grand theatres and ballrooms. I am just positively enchanted by the elegant carriages, overflowing with ladies in beautiful, billowing gowns, gentlemen sporting top hats and mustaches, all making their way to the Opéra Garnier for a thrilling evening of ballet.
Speaking of, darling, you won't believe this! This evening we have a treat waiting for us at the Theatre de l'OpĂ©ra: a production of none other than "La Sylphide" - an absolute triumph of a ballet with an almost mythological allure. You know how I adore the delicate beauty of a classic Sylph story! Just imagine - a beautiful young man, mesmerized by a graceful sylph, with her ethereal movements and ethereal charm, a story told with the language of ballet! Oh, itâs simply magical. And letâs not forget the costume â it was quite an elegant affair for the time! This was truly a ballet for all tastes! I could have happily lost myself in this romantic, otherworldly ballet for hours, I'd quite fancy being whisked away by a charming, dashing young sylph myself!
I mustnât forget, it's important to remember that this performance was in a different era. In the 1800s, there wasn't the abundance of ballet techniques, styles and genres we have today. This time, they danced in a very elegant style. I was delighted to note the dancers' delicate elegance and the use of elegant gestures that added a charm to the piece, highlighting the grace and finesse of the dance, a testament to the dedication of those brilliant ballerinas. Even the choreography seems more delicate. Itâs fascinating to observe the evolution of ballet, don't you agree?
I do try to be careful where I time-travel, ensuring itâs always at a safe time in history. However, while 1833 may have been a wonderful era for ballet, letâs just say it wasnât a time to be wearing my beautiful pink tutu! The style of dress was a bit more demure â not necessarily âpracticalâ â think long gowns and puffed sleeves. Thankfully, even in 1833, people were keen on fashion and quite fond of pink, I was happy to notice a little bit of blush creeping into their gowns and I spied one gentleman with pink striped trousers. Such a lovely touch, wouldn't you say? Of course, this time, my trusty leather backpack on my back comes in handy - a wonderful, leather rucksack in which I can carry home the ballet history and fabulous items from that time. So far, it contains a beautiful silk handkerchief that belonged to a Parisienne and a lovely miniature theatre programme. The handkerchief I think is beautiful for an elegant ballet gown embellishment and I will happily add the theatre programme to my extensive collection of historic ballet ephemera - such treasures!
Well, darlings, thatâs my whirlwind trip through history today! Itâs time to pack up my things and set off with Magic Meg towards another time. But first, let me share with you some ballet happenings for September 9th in 1833. This is truly a special day in ballet! Here is the highlight of todayâs news â youâll be delighted:
- In Paris: "La Sylphide" was a smash hit! Not only did I see this ballet on the stage but I saw people talking excitedly about the ballet's recent premiere and what an exciting show it had been.
Now, darling, until next month! And remember, if you fancy a little time travel to another era and you wish to see some wonderful ballet, then come along and dance in a beautiful pink tutu with me. Just remember, when travelling through time, a bit of glitter never hurts!
With love and tutus, Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
