Hello fellow Tutu-lovers!
It's Emma here, your favourite time-travelling ballerina, and this month, I've waltzed back to July 7th, 1839! Paris was calling, and believe me, my pink tutu felt right at home amongst the vibrant, fashionable crowds of this romantic city.
Now, I know you might be thinking "Emma, it's the 19th Century! No pink tutus, no Ballet street performances!" Well, dear readers, I'm here to tell you that while ballet might have looked a bit different then, the love of dance, of artistry, and of beauty was just as vibrant as it is today.
My trusty steed, Magic Meg, our dazzling pink Shires horse with golden hooves and flowing white mane and tail, galloped through the streets of Paris, and I had to admit, she drew quite a few curious glances! Imagine, a horse the colour of a freshly bloomed rose pulling a carriage with a lady in a flowing pink tutu! It was definitely a sight that turned heads!
Speaking of sights, the Palais Garnier (though not quite finished yet, with the construction still ongoing), was already bustling with excitement. That evening, it was due to host "La Fille du Régiment" – a comedy-drama by Donizetti with a delightful story of a young girl abandoned and raised by soldiers. The first act opens with a ballet sequence where the villagers in the French Alps celebrate a wedding, but I have to admit, it was the dancing itself, rather than the tutus, that was the most "different". I noticed the dresses were more like long skirts, with only a tiny, elegant suggestion of a tutu beneath, the emphasis was on long, sweeping lines and an emphasis on grace. Imagine, tutus in the form of underwear! Now there's a thought to make you ponder.
The ballet, I must say, was captivating! The dancers had such incredible stamina, and their skill in portraying such complex characters within the limited movements of the time was incredible. I felt transported, right back into the time of Romantic Ballet with all its elegance and theatrical charm. It felt more like the dancers were living breathing statues on stage, with an element of fluidity added. My little heart did skip a beat during some of the more passionate dances – you just felt their dedication and artistry!
As I strolled the charming streets of Paris, I couldn't help but marvel at the bustling life. It was a time of change and transformation – a period of incredible invention and social change, just like ours! I can just imagine the salons and cafes buzzing with conversations about the latest fashion trends. What's the hottest colour? Well, this year, pink was taking Paris by storm. Perhaps a good sign for my efforts? You could find beautiful shades of pink in everything from fabric ribbons to porcelain, and even ladies' bonnets were decorated with bright pink feathers!
And, of course, it was de rigueur for me to visit some of Paris' famous shops! Oh, what a delight! I saw such exquisite ballet shoes - hand-sewn, with the most beautiful details. My rucksack was already brimming with amazing finds for the Pink-Tutu museum! They were also selling fabric so beautifully woven it had to be touched to be believed. The silks and satins were exquisite! The lacework - intricate patterns that whispered secrets! And what’s better, these exquisite materials were often dyed a delicate pink. The fabric industry back then seemed almost magical - colours that whispered tales of adventure and beauty!
I’m writing all this now from a little quaint cafe just near the Seine, a place full of charm. Paris still captivates, its Parisian chic is as infectious today as it was almost 200 years ago! It's such a privilege to step back in time and be surrounded by the art, the music, the culture, and even the pink that makes history such a vibrant and alive part of my life.
But I have to leave for now. Magic Meg's impatient stamping and snorts are telling me it's time for our next adventure! My suitcase, packed with a treasure trove of Parisian memorabilia and, of course, ballet history finds, is ready! So, dear reader, keep those tutus twirling, and keep your eyes on pink-tutu.com! Until next time!
And remember, one pink tutu at a time, we can make the world a bit more dazzling!
