Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things ballet, pink, and time-travelling, of course! I'm Emma, your Derbyshire-born ballerina, and this month, Magic Meg, my sparkling pink shire with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as snow, whisked me away to the glorious June of 1836!
Ballet Blooms in Paris
Our arrival, as always, was picture perfect. Meg's pink sparkle left a trail of glitter through the Parisian air, leading us straight to the Salle Le Peletier, home of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet. The Parisian crowd buzzed with excitement; this was a grand night for ballet! I was determined to soak up every detail - the fashions, the choreography, the sheer elegance of it all!
Imagine my delight when I discovered that tonight's performance was none other than La Sylphide! A captivating romantic ballet about a young woman's encounter with a sylph, a magical creature from the air. The swirling tutus and delicate movements of the dancers seemed to float on the stage, telling a story of longing, loss, and enchantment. It truly captured the romantic spirit of the era!
Of course, I couldn't resist slipping into the back of the theatre for a bit of audience observation. Such stylish ladies, decked out in beautiful ball gowns and feathered hats! And the gentlemen! Looking dashing in their tails, sipping on their glasses of wine... oh, it was a truly enchanting scene! But my favourite thing was seeing the tutus - though they weren't exactly pink like mine, the delicate silk and fluffy tulle were truly breathtaking!
Collecting Stories & Dancing with History
My rucksack was overflowing! Not just with sketches of the intricate set design, or even the little booklet on the history of the Paris Opera Ballet I'd picked up from a friendly gentleman selling souvenirs outside, but with stories - the hushed whispers about the upcoming ballet premiere, the snippets of conversation about favourite dancers, the buzz of anticipation about the new music and the excitement for the beautiful choreography.
It's funny how those small moments in time, like a ballerina carefully tightening her shoes backstage or the nervous anticipation on a dancer's face as she waits for her cue, can tell such big stories.
Beyond the Stage: 1836 Fashion
But my adventures in 1836 didn't end with just ballet. Oh, the fashion! As a huge fan of pretty clothes, I had to get a glimpse of the latest trends. I'm so glad I did, because let me tell you - these ladies weren't afraid of a bit of flair! Imagine my delight when I saw the stunning ball gowns, crafted with intricate lace, cascading ribbons, and colours that were vibrant and exciting. It was the epitome of femininity, elegance, and playful charm. And their hairstyles! Braids and curls adorned with sparkling gems, feathers, and fresh flowers. Pure enchantment!
A Glimpse of 'The Dancing Master'
And oh my goodness, did I find some amazing books in one of the many dusty bookshops! There I found "The Dancing Master," an absolutely fascinating 18th-century collection of dance manuals, featuring elaborate instructions for every sort of dance, from elegant minuets to spirited reels. You can almost hear the steps and the music as you read the words. And, of course, it wasn't long before I had purchased another one for my own collection back home, tucked safely inside my pink leather rucksack.
Spread the Love: Put on your Pink Tutu!
As my adventure in 1836 ended, leaving me feeling both wistful and exhilarated, I couldn't help but wonder - how can we bring this beautiful spirit of ballet and elegant fashion to our world today? The answer is simple - wear your pink tutus, ladies!
Pink isn't just a colour; it's a symbol of joy, a celebration of grace, and a testament to our love for the magic of ballet! Whether you're stepping onto the stage, attending a ballet performance, or just going for a casual walk, let your pink tutu speak volumes about your own unique style and the magic of movement. And if you ever see a pink shire with golden hooves, say hi! It might be me, just passing by with my rucksack filled with time-travelling treasures!
Remember, darling readers, the beauty of ballet transcends time! So, spread the love, spread the glitter, and never, ever forget - pink is the ultimate dance of life!
Love and pink sparkles, Emma xxx
P.S. Want to follow my ballet adventures in pink? Check out www.pink-tutu.com and stay tuned for next month's travelogue!
