Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller! Welcome back to the Pink Tutu Time Travel Blog, where we journey through the glorious history of ballet!
Today, my fellow ballet enthusiasts, we're taking a magical leap back to 12th December 1835. I'm currently nestled in a quaint, cobbled square in Paris, watching the Parisian snowfall cloak the city in a frosty embrace. As usual, Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire horse, with her golden hooves and flowing white mane, is snoozing quietly, a veritable pink fluff-ball amidst the grey Parisian landscape. She's quite a sight, trust me!
But back to 1835. The air is thick with the scent of gingerbread and spiced wine, a festive aroma that fills me with the joy of the season. This, my dears, is the very same date that a legendary ballerina, Marie Taglioni, first graced the stage at the Theatre de la Porte Saint-Martin. I simply had to be here for this momentous occasion, didn't I? It's just the sort of historical ballet treat that sets my pink-tutu heart aflutter!
Imagine, if you will, the shimmering chandeliers casting a romantic glow upon the audience, a hush descending upon the theater as Marie, in all her ethereal beauty, pirouettes into view, a vision in white tulle. My dear friends, her dancing that night was the stuff of legend! The crowd, mesmerised by her graceful movements, were truly transported. And for a moment, so was I!
It’s these kinds of historical moments, you see, that I find absolutely thrilling, especially with the chance to meet fellow ballet enthusiasts from times gone by. Today I've already had the most delightful chat with a lady dressed in an extravagant gown, sipping hot chocolate at a nearby café. She was so thrilled to hear my own experiences with ballet – all the way from Derbyshire, England! We even managed to squeeze in a quick waltz before her husband came rushing in, asking "what on earth" she was doing "pirouetting with a young woman who has the most ridiculous amount of pink around her!"
It was so lovely to hear stories of how ballet captivated the imagination in 1835. They talk of the intricate choreography of the era, the opulent costumes, and the passion for the art form, just like we see today! The lady at the café even recounted how everyone would crowd into the theatre for the ballet performances, the excitement in the air electrifying. Oh, how I wish I had been there in those glorious days!
I think I have just snagged an intriguing anecdote about an aspiring ballerina at this moment too. She confided that, whilst her family is wealthy and would quite like her to be a society wife, she would much rather "spin and twirl!" So inspirational, wouldn't you say? I imagine we'd be very good friends, even if we'd need to find her a nice pink tutu to go with her talent!
The day is flying by as we speak. I have a secret stash of beautiful fabrics from local Parisian shops, inspired by the era, for my tutu collection! A magnificent burgundy velvet and some pearl-encrusted satin, and even a pair of silk pointe shoes, just perfect! I have added these to my collection in the leather rucksack, along with my sketches and anecdotes.
I also had the absolute joy of seeing a grand ballet show today, at the beautiful Opera House, that left my pink heart bursting! I was completely captivated by the story and the beautiful dancing – they're really taking pointe work to new heights, or should I say "totes". You will have to trust me, the outfits and performances were mind blowing and very "à la mode."
I do hope this little peek into 1835 has ignited your own love of ballet! I'm simply overwhelmed with the beauty and the grace I’ve witnessed on my latest journey. There is just so much inspiration to be found in the past and as my dear friend always says "it all goes round" – that includes fashion and dance! I'm off now to slip into my newest pink tutu (courtesy of the amazing French milliners here), grab Magic Meg's reins, and perhaps, just perhaps, inspire the entire city of Paris to take to pink! Until next month, my loves, happy pirouettes!
Keep dancing, keep exploring, and remember to "tutu, my dears, tutu!"
Emma xxx
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