Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, the place where history and ballet meet in a dazzling flurry of pink tulle! This month, we're taking a twirl back to the 5th of May, 1834. Hold onto your tiaras, lovelies, it's going to be a whirlwind adventure!
Before I leap into our journey, you just have to hear about my latest ballet extravaganza! Last weekend, I had the most splendid time seeing Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House in London. The performance was absolutely breathtaking, the ballerinas were so graceful, and the costumes, oh my! So much glorious pink tulle! It was truly inspiring and gave me a delightful dose of ballet bliss.
Now, back to 1834! This month, I'm venturing back in time, riding on my magical steed, Meg, a pink sparkly shire with hooves that glimmer like gold, a flowing white mane and tail that trails behind us like a plume of powdered sugar. Meg always enjoys these time travel escapades, even if she can't always quite understand where we are!
As always, before hopping aboard Meg, I have a quick costume change. Today's ensemble? Why, a perfectly pink tulle tutu with delicate, hand-stitched silk flowers around the bodice. My pale pink velvet bodice and lace-trimmed shoes add a touch of regal elegance. A matching feather boa (always the perfect accessory for time travel!) finishes off my look.
I've just stepped out of Meg's gleaming pink carriage, right into the bustling streets of Paris. The air is filled with the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the excited chatter of street vendors. I breathe in the heady fragrance of flowers and pastries wafting from the bakeries, while trying to avoid the pungent smells of uncollected rubbish – the Parisian sanitation systems really are something else!
Paris in 1834 is a hive of activity, and ballet is very much alive in the French capital! If you're looking for a grand show, you'd be best to head to the Grand Théâtre de l'Opéra, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. In the past few years, they've staged incredible productions of La Bayadère and The Corsair, featuring stunning dances, intricate sets, and glamorous costumes. Even with its recent history of artistic turmoil, the Paris Opera still draws some of the world's most talented dancers, and audiences from far and wide flock to witness the breathtaking spectacle.
But for a less formal, and dare I say, more charming ballet experience, you must check out the Théâtre de la Gaîté. This is where the Parisian working-class, known for their vivacious spirit and love for dance, gathered for theatrical delights, showcasing lighter and sometimes satirical plays. Think pantomime, dances with beautiful melodies, and performances filled with laughter and good fun!
It’s a whirlwind, isn't it, darlings? Even today, nearly 200 years later, ballet still captures the spirit of Paris! From the Grand Opera to the small-scale Gaîté, there's always a ballet performance waiting to captivate your senses and ignite your inner ballerina. And let's not forget the ballet dancers, themselves. Each performance is a spectacle of elegance, a whirlwind of energy, and a symphony of movements – they truly embody the beauty and joy of ballet!
Oh, speaking of the elegance of ballet! I found the most wonderful piece of fashion ephemera while exploring a dusty attic yesterday. An elaborate, hand-drawn costume design! It featured a sweeping pink silk skirt and delicate lace trims, much like a tutu but a little more elaborate with tiers of rhinestones!
The intricate beadwork was almost too much to bear – and yet, so incredibly lovely! If I wasn’t afraid of ruining this rare piece of history I'd be wearing it! (Perhaps Meg will deliver me some fresh pink sequins while we travel. You can’t be too safe!)
As always, I'll be keeping you posted on my time travel adventures here on Pink-Tutu.com. So, if you’re ever longing for a little ballet magic, be sure to join me for another dance through time! And remember, darlings, a pink tutu can take you anywhere!
Till next time, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
About The Pink Tutu Time Traveller
Emma, a twenty-something time-traveling ballet enthusiast from Derbyshire, England, uses her ballet performances to finance her exciting time travel adventures. Emma hopes to share her passion for all things ballet with the world! Join her on her exciting, whirlwind time-travel ballet adventures here on Pink-Tutu.com! Emma can be found sharing ballet inspiration through her monthly blog, her adventures documented in a leather rucksack (and perhaps sometimes on the back of a horse). Her aim in life is to get everyone in the world wearing a pink tutu, and spreading joy and grace through her time-traveling escapades!
A Glimpse Into Emma's Wardrobe
Emma lives by the motto "More is more" – when it comes to pink tutus, that is! Each month, she adds to her collection of exquisite tulle tutus and fashionable balletic wardrobe accessories.
Emma's closet is full of carefully curated finds, each with its own unique history and story. From delicate pink satin gloves to shimmering, silver-studded ballet shoes, Emma carefully selects each garment for a certain je ne sais quoi, a specialness, and a charm that only vintage pieces can offer!
Let's Get Social!
Share your love for all things ballet! Connect with me on all social media and be part of the #pinktututravel community:
Instagram: @pinktututravel TikTok: @pinktututravel Facebook: www.facebook.com/PinkTutuTravel
You can also join Emma’s online community and chat with other ballet enthusiasts on her website: www.pink-tutu.com
Remember: It's never too late to start a ballet adventure. Embrace your inner ballerina and join Emma on the journey to spreading pink tutu magic around the world!
