Hello my dearest Tutu-lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind ballet journey. As always, I'm perched precariously atop Magic Meg, our trusty pink sparkling Shire horse (did I tell you her hooves are now gilded with real gold? A treat for her good behaviour!), ready to take us back through the shimmering, twirling tapestry of time!
This month, I've landed smack-bang in the middle of Paris, the heart of the ballet world, on 11th November, 1839. And guess what? We're in for a real treat – a world premiere!
Now, let me tell you, a Parisian premiere is always an event. Imagine a symphony of whispers, a flutter of exquisite gowns, a hum of excitement buzzing through the grand theatre, and everyone - everyone! – dressed to the nines. It's a sight that could melt a stony heart (though why would anyone want to be stony? I'm sure we could make them twirl right out of it!). I've always felt at home in a swirling symphony of silk and velvet, but I can assure you even I get giddy around this much elegant, fashionable frolicking.
This particular premiere is for a new ballet – Giselle, a story of a peasant girl who, broken-hearted after a betrayal, loses herself to the spirits of the forest, only to be redeemed by a true love. I already know the story, of course – we studied Giselle back in my Derbyshire days when I danced at the Academy. But it’s just so wonderful, this ballet! The drama, the ethereal dancing, the beautiful story – it tugs at the heartstrings even a ballerina can have!
As for my Giselle- inspired outfit today – well, you already know me, I have to have some pink involved. Today's masterpiece is a sheer tulle tutu in a shade of blush pink, perfect for that airy, ethereal look Giselle is so well known for. I’ve added a fluffy white feathered trim because, well, let's face it, a ballet performance demands the very best, right? My pink ballet slippers are laced with shimmering gold ribbon, for a bit of that Parisian glitz. As for Magic Meg… Well, a blush-pink satin ribbon and a sparkling silver head-piece seem fitting, don’t you think?
It is absolutely pouring down in Paris today, which is quite frankly awful when I’m dressed like this. You know, with a tulle skirt that billows around my ankles and these fluffy feathers - not good weather for getting to the theater without making quite the entrance! Luckily I have my trusty leather rucksack (it's from the year 1720 - a rather lovely antique from a ballet enthusiast in London - you’d never know it isn’t brand new!), crammed full with waterproof goodies from my most recent time travel trips.
A little rain will never stop me from dancing! You’ll find me inside, right at the heart of this beautiful story of love, loss and forgiveness.
Oh! And talking of heart-fluttering fashion... there was such a buzz around Parisian haute couture this month. Can you believe they even tried to have "pantaloons" become a fashionable item for women! Luckily that madness never stuck… can you imagine having your ankles imprisoned in such unfeminine coverings? A real tragedy!
If you're feeling adventurous this weekend, do join me on my online tour – I've recorded every detail from today's performance on Giselle for www.pink-tutu.com . I'll be there in a flash of pink and sequins – but of course!
Until next month, keep dancing!
Love,
Emma
xxx
*PS: * Speaking of Giselle, wouldn’t it be wonderful to find a Giselle-inspired pink tutu from that era? That's just one of the reasons why I have to visit the Theatre Costume Collection in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum... Watch this space!
*PPS: * For more historical information about Giselle, check out the world famous Victoria & Albert Museum!
