Hello my lovelies! It’s Emma, back from another time-hopping adventure and raring to share the delightful tidbits I’ve gathered! January 1st, 1845 was simply brimming with a charming mix of Parisian elegance and the promise of exciting ballet performances. This month’s journey saw me galloping through the cobbled streets of Paris on my darling Magic Meg, her golden hooves clopping with each joyful stride, leaving a sparkle trail of shimmering dust behind her. You know how much I love a pink tutu and trust me, this 19th century was all about delicate hues and flowing lines, a true dream for any ballerina!
We made our way straight to the Salle Le Peletier, home to the Paris Opera Ballet, its façade aglow with an elegant grandeur that hinted at the grand spectacle inside. It's hard to imagine a more exciting location for a ballerina – Paris has always held a special place in my heart as the birthplace of ballet itself.
Walking through the doors was like stepping back in time, yet still very chic and familiar! The theatre was packed with eager faces and I even spied a few ladies adorned in a shade of pale pink – a good start for spreading the love for my favourite colour!
Inside the magnificent Salle Le Peletier, I was blown away by the excitement in the air. The atmosphere was buzzing! This wasn't just any performance, this was an entirely new version of La Fille Mal Gardée, choreographed by Jules Perrot himself! I can't wait to share what I discovered about this exciting and colourful ballet with you all later on!
But first, let's talk costumes. Oh my goodness! You wouldn’t believe the elaborate fashion! A riot of beautiful fabric, satin, tulle and feathers! I saw some delightful designs, all of them perfectly reflecting the graceful flow of ballet – it was as if they had stepped out of a dreamy painting. I managed to snag a few costume details for my rucksack to inspire my own future designs - can't you imagine the blush pink ribbons with subtle beading and glittering sequin details? I’m thinking something truly magical for my next performance…
I'm absolutely mad for fashion! And the era was truly overflowing with intricate details that sparkled with opulence. I can see why ballet and its costumes were so popular back then – it allowed women to express themselves with such an extravagant style. A little peek at their sartorial splendour - think high-necked blouses adorned with lace and ruffles, paired with beautifully tailored gowns featuring layers of frills, bows, and ruched accents – divine!
But this trip was about so much more than fashion – it was all about the enchanting spirit of dance! It felt like a whole world of passion and elegance swirled before my very eyes – not only the story told in the performance but the emotion that vibrated through the air and connected me with every soul in the room. I can’t express how much the pure, expressive, and utterly timeless art of ballet still inspires me today! You really could feel the collective joy, the excitement, the yearning, and the magic. It’s no wonder ballet has such enduring power to move hearts.
After the performance, I wandered through the bustling Parisian streets, taking in the sights and sounds. I couldn’t resist stopping to browse a few antique shops – you wouldn’t believe the delightful treasures I found! Imagine my excitement when I found a dainty pair of ivory gloves, the softest silk I have ever touched – oh so perfect for adding a touch of vintage elegance to my next performance!
Now, before I continue with more about the thrilling performance, a peek into the ballet world at the time! There’s another famous performance on in January – Marie Taglioni was a real star. Can you imagine performing for a Queen, wow!
Oh, my heart was aflutter! Imagine me twirling in a tutu in front of Queen Victoria in the intimate setting of the Royal Opera House – just picture it! Isn’t that the most wonderful fantasy? And not just one Queen, she was performing for a royal couple! It truly is a dream for any ballerina to reach such heights of fame and artistry!
Taglioni, a ballerina truly ahead of her time - she was praised for her ethereal grace and artistry, making her one of the most revered dancers of her time. This elegant era was also marked by some truly fascinating developments – and we all owe them to Mr. Perrot himself, for it was during this very period he changed the face of classical ballet by introducing the concept of narrative in ballets – a true testament to how ballet can weave enchanting stories with every graceful movement! It truly made me even more in awe of his artistry – he paved the way for a more meaningful and expressive style of dance.
Oh my darling tutus! My heart still aches for that graceful period – but thankfully, with my dear Magic Meg, there are more enchanting adventures to be had in our magical ballet journeys!
Till next time, my lovely lovelies – Keep on twirling in style and let your own unique sparkle shine! Stay tuned, as my next adventure is heading towards a time filled with breathtaking stories and magnificent music! Until then, embrace the beauty and artistry of ballet - we’re all beautiful in our own way!
Emma 🩰
www.pink-tutu.com
