Hello my darlings! Emma here, back with another exciting entry from my pink tutu adventures through time! August has arrived, and the air is thick with anticipation for a very special ballet trip. You see, I’m in Paris! This month, we’re travelling to 1842, and the French capital is brimming with a vibrant artistic scene, especially for the world of ballet.
I must tell you about my stunning new arrival – a Parisian silk pink tutu that my mother found in an antique shop back in Derbyshire. It’s simply divine! I imagine it might be like the ones worn by the talented dancers at the Opéra in this period.
Speaking of the Opéra, you won't believe what I stumbled upon! I was wandering through the grand Parisian streets with Magic Meg (my trusty pink shire horse, you know the one with the golden hooves!), when I stumbled upon a notice for a ballet performance at the Théâtre de l'Opéra – “La Fille du Régiment!” A truly exciting, historical opera ballet in five acts! You just can’t get any better than that, darling!
So, naturally, Magic Meg and I galloped our way to the Opera House. It's even more breathtaking in real life! You wouldn't believe the gilded detailing, the intricately carved marble, and the incredible chandeliers that gleam like stars. It was just so glamorous and utterly exciting!
We were swept up in a sea of ladies in elegant gowns and gentlemen in tailored suits. Imagine, I even spotted a handsome young man with a dazzling top hat - perfect for waltzing in the foyer. Magic Meg even gave him a little nudge as we went past! I believe his name is Jean-Baptiste, oh dear, perhaps I’ve dreamt this little romance up again.
Once inside, I had my little heart stolen by the performances! Such grace and talent - the leaps, the pirouettes, the captivating storytelling told solely through movement. The energy and emotions felt so tangible - I even had a tear in my eye during one of the powerful scenes.
One particular highlight for me was the ballerina, Carlotta Grisi. I imagine she had such passion for her art, a passion that I can so easily relate to. Her artistry and elegant form were so breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but admire the detail of her pale pink costume and those flowing, ethereal skirts - they really are a thing of beauty! It just reaffirms my love for the soft and delicate grace of the pink tutu! You could see why it’s the dancewear of choice for so many!
My travels to this era are also allowing me to understand more about the early evolution of ballet, and its emergence from opera into its own, magical world. It’s truly remarkable.
My dear friends, don’t forget! The more people we inspire to embrace the wonderful pink tutu, the brighter and more fashionable our world will become. So go forth, wear your pink tutu with pride, and make sure to visit the www.pink-tutu.com website for my latest adventures, just like this one!
Until next month,
With love and a touch of pink,
Emma x
My Pink Tutu Time Travel Journal
It's quite hard to resist collecting special treasures from every time period I visit, so naturally, I always bring my trusty leather rucksack. It’s stuffed with treasures!
A Tiny Porcelain Ballerina - I’m going to cherish this one! I discovered her tucked away in a charming antique shop in a side street, hidden away behind shelves of colourful trinkets. I imagined this tiny little dancer was purchased by a little girl in Paris, long ago.
A Programme from *La Fille du Régiment - The elegant French print has been well loved!
A French Ballet Costume Design Sketchbook - An unexpected find in a quaint bookshop near the Opéra. It’s so wonderfully detailed - I especially love the use of soft pastel colours in many of the sketches!
Until next month, darlings, remember, let’s spread the love of the pink tutu far and wide!
