Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where time-travelling in a pink tutu is the only acceptable mode of transport. Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to January 1st, 1835, a date that's as important for the world of ballet as a perfectly executed pirouette.
Magic Meg, my magnificent pink-sparkling Shire with golden hooves and a flowing mane and tail, was as excited as I was. We trotted down the cobblestone streets of Paris, a city pulsating with life and history. I can just imagine the buzz in the air, with the first days of the new year upon us. My pink tutu fluttered playfully with every step, catching the Parisian sunlight and adding a splash of whimsy to the grey cityscape.
You know me, I can’t travel without a little shopping, and Paris was just calling to my inner shopaholic! So, before I plunged headfirst into the world of 1835 ballet, I popped into a lovely boutique filled with exquisite lace and satins, imagining the costumes these fabrics would be fashioned into.
We finally reached the Théâtre de l'Opéra, a magnificent building brimming with the anticipation of a brand-new year. It was there that I was to witness history unfold; the grand premiere of "La Sylphide" by Filippo Taglioni, one of the most significant ballets ever choreographed. Imagine the scene – the gilded décor, the orchestra tuning, the swish of velvet gowns and the flutter of whispers...
As the curtains rose, I was captivated. The dancers, with their romantic movements and delicate footwork, brought the fairytale of a love story with a mischievous sprite to life. The whole thing felt like magic, a timeless ballet masterpiece that still entrances us today.
Now, "La Sylphide" might not have featured a pink tutu in its original form (I mean, the trend was yet to explode!), but imagine the impact had it done so! I could just envision a mischievous Sylphide, twirling and flitting across the stage in a blush pink tulle confection, her ethereal movements captivating the audience even more.
From there, we dashed off to the bustling Opéra Garnier, still under construction, a grand and iconic structure even then. My imagination was brimming with the dancers that would grace its stage, and the stories of their lives. I imagined a flurry of pink tutus across the ornate spaces – from rehearsals to dressing rooms, a vision of pink ballet perfection!
As I travelled through the day, I picked up little tidbits for my collection – a snippet of lace from the boutique, a handbill advertising "La Sylphide" with a delicately drawn illustration, a programme, even a fallen feather from one of the graceful dancers. I love piecing together these little moments, creating a scrapbook of the past in my leather rucksack.
Back in my time, January 1st marks a fresh start, a blank canvas to paint with hopes and dreams. My time in 1835 Paris, filled with ballet beauty, reminded me that history, just like ballet, is a constant dance, an unfolding story. I believe the world is ready for a pink tutu revolution! Let's keep sharing this joy, this expression of art and beauty, and bring a little pink to every corner of the world!
Join me again next month, my loves, for another ballet escapade. I have a hunch the pink tutu will travel further afield then…
Until then, keep dancing!
Love, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
