Hello my darling dancers,
Welcome to another magical edition of Pink Tutu Travels! I'm so thrilled to be back with you all after a whirlwind month. February was simply brimming with ballerinas, both on and off stage. You wouldn't believe the fabulous finds I managed to snag for my collection!
As you all know, I'm utterly devoted to pink - it's the colour of passion, creativity, and all things feminine and enchanting. It's only fitting, then, that my loyal steed, Magic Meg, is a shimmery pink Shire horse, her golden hooves and flowing white mane a match for my own pink tutu. She’s quite a sight in any timeline, let me tell you!
But enough about me. Today, my lovely readers, we're diving back into the fascinating history of ballet, and this month, I've set our sights on March 3rd, 1837. Imagine it: the bustling London streets, horse-drawn carriages clattering by, gas lamps flickering, and the exciting buzz of a new reign about to begin! Queen Victoria is poised to ascend the throne, and the world of ballet is no less enthralled by what lies ahead.
And where was I, you ask? On that momentous day, I was in Paris, right in the heart of the world's most renowned ballet centre. This era is a veritable ballet bonanza! Paris was bursting with ballet studios, dazzling theatres, and legendary dancers gracing the stages.
Parisian Perfection:
Paris, darling readers, was truly where it was at for ballet back in 1837. You wouldn't believe the incredible performances I witnessed. The Opéra de Paris was buzzing, filled with the music and magic of a performance by Jules Perrot. His "Giselle" - what a spectacle! It's no wonder it went on to be such a classic, its haunting story and delicate choreography enchanting everyone, including myself!
Speaking of Jules Perrot, you simply MUST know about this extraordinary dancer and choreographer. A master of romanticism and beauty, his legacy in ballet is legendary. And the Parisian ballerinas! They were simply stunning - all grace and elegance, their white tutus swirling as they pirouetted, each movement a work of art. It was like watching a dream unfold. I collected a precious little ballet shoe from this time - it’s made of silk and is incredibly fragile, you’ll be seeing it on the blog in a few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
I couldn't resist getting my own tutu swirling in the Parisian ballet schools, too. The excitement and camaraderie of the young dancers was infectious! You know I'm a huge advocate for making ballet accessible to everyone, so to see these hopefuls, all decked out in their finest practice outfits, it truly filled me with joy.
The Tutu Whisperer's Treasures:
Of course, no trip into the past is complete without some amazing souvenirs, darling! My trusty leather rucksack is now filled to the brim with amazing treasures. This time, it's an embroidered piece of fabric I'll use to make the most beautiful ribbon for my tutu. The embroidery on it is of butterflies and roses. They were the trend in Paris during this era. And just imagine, this exquisite detail graced the ball gowns of Paris's elite, perhaps even the costumes of the dancers at the Opera!
Another fabulous find was a handwritten notebook by a young ballet student from the time. It's filled with notes and sketches, giving a fascinating glimpse into the world of a young aspiring ballerina. I'm looking forward to sharing this glimpse into 1837 with you, my dear readers!
Time Travel Tips:
You all know that I adore sharing my adventures, so here's a tip for aspiring time-travelling ballerinas like yourselves! A little knowledge goes a long way! This time, I made sure I brushed up on my history - I knew about the social customs of 1837 and even practiced my French so I could join in with the conversations at the Opéra! I highly recommend you do the same - it makes the whole experience even more enriching. It’s important to respect the culture and language of the era you visit!
I always pack a little guidebook and a map with me too - that way, if I do need a bit of a guide around the era, it can help. It’s wonderful when I get to see historical landmarks, for instance. In the French capital, I always pop into the Tuileries Garden - it’s a favourite haunt for Parisians during the 19th century. There’s a grand feeling in these gardens, perfect for thinking about the Parisian dancers I’ve just seen dancing.
I can't wait for my next trip. Who knows where Magic Meg will take us next?
As always, remember, darling readers: spread the joy of dance! Embrace your inner ballerina, wear your pink tutus with pride, and remember, there's a magical ballet adventure waiting for you in every corner of history!
With love and pirouettes,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
