Post Number: 2142
Hello my dearest fellow tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! This month I'm whisking you away to Paris in 1839! Buckle up, grab your most fetching pink feather boa and prepare to be whisked back in time with Magic Meg!
You know me - I live for all things pink and fabulous, especially when it comes to tutus. But, beyond the swirling skirts and twirling, my passion for ballet includes delving into its history.
The first thing I noticed about Paris in 1839, even before reaching the Opera, was the abundance of fashion! It felt like every street corner was teeming with extravagant ladies, their gowns a kaleidoscope of colour and style. The boulevards were a riot of Parisian flair - the bonnets! The gloves! And oh, the carriages, all lacquered and elegant, with those beautiful horses bedecked in feather plumes! Even the everyday ladies had an undeniable elegance. They werenāt wearing tutus, but their stylish ensembles definitely had a ballerina-esque feel ā all those graceful flowing lines!
You see, I've been thinkingā¦ why can't we bring a touch of the Paris of the 1830s to our modern dance scene? Imagine ballerina street style incorporating those chic silhouettes and colour palettes. My mind is whirling with possibilities!
And then, there was the Opera! My, oh my, my dear tutus, the Paris Opera was everything Iād ever imagined. The grandeur, the lights, the sheer drama! It truly took my breath away. I had the privilege of witnessing a performance of the āLa Fille Mal GardĆ©e" ā what a delight!
The story was delightful, a comedic and whimsical take on a young girl choosing her own path rather than being betrothed to a wealthy man.
As for the dancing, it was so elegant and powerful. It felt more intricate and more grounded than what I am used to at the Derbyshire ballet company. But equally exciting, each ballerina's every movement seemed imbued with such character. The male dancers were phenomenal too, so strong and powerful with the most captivating stage presence. You could just feel their passion and joy!
What amazed me the most was how different the theatre felt from our modern performances. The sets were far less detailed but created a beautiful ambiance through sheer inventiveness and theatricality. I even noticed, with a gasp, a few audience members enjoying refreshments - wine and canapƩs! What a decadent touch for the stage and for the crowd!
This historical journey was such an eye-opener. Even the ballet dresses differed! Not a tutu in sight, instead they had beautiful ankle-length gowns with an elegant, flowy feel. This got me thinking about our modern dance sceneā¦ why canāt we incorporate more historical flair? It could create a wonderful juxtaposition with contemporary moves, an artistic play on both traditional and modern aesthetics.
Now, I understand some of you are more āpracticalā and might say, āEmma, what about the functionality?ā Well, just like those Parisian ladies I mentioned, even if our modern world isn't about extravagant, billowing skirts and dramatic lace ruffles, the principle still stands ā thereās an elegance to be embraced in clothing choices. Itās not about the material itself, itās about the elegance and style we choose to express!
Even the smallest things captured my attention ā the programmes, which were filled with the finest copperplate script. The way the stage was illuminated with candles instead of our modern electric lights, the smell of gaslight that still lingered. Each little detail painted a vivid picture of ballet life in the 1800s, and I just had to pack these pieces of history into my leather rucksack. These details make our history come alive and we can never have enough inspiration for our own tutu-tastic journeys!
Speaking of the programmes, thereās this fabulous lady called Carlotta Grisi - such a talent! The program called her āan absolute sensation!ā Apparently, she's one of the leading ballerinas of this period. Just imagine - graceful and elegant with a stage presence to make everyone swoon! I just can't wait to learn more about her, maybe I'll travel back to see one of her performances!
On a practical note - what's really exciting for you lovely lot, is that thanks to this trip, I discovered some stunning tutu patterns inspired by those flowy, elegant gowns! They're already in the shop! So go check them out and let me know which ones are your favourites! Itās important to have a range of choices in your pink wardrobe, donāt you agree?
Iām already planning my next journey, a quick trip to the opera in New York, they say it's a must see! Let me know if you've got any destinations for me! As you know, this isn't just about pink tutus ā itās about the passion for dance that connects us all through the centuries.
So remember to keep those pink tutus twirling and embrace your inner ballerina wherever life takes you. Don't forget to pop by next month for another magical journey, and share your thoughts on the Pink-Tutu.com page!
Your ballet bestie,
Emma xxx
