Darling readers, itâs time for another jaunt through the wonderful world of ballet with your favourite time-travelling ballerina, Emma! As the snow starts to melt in Derbyshire, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, has finally settled her cough (too much Parisian cobblestone!), and we are off to another adventure!
This month, we're heading to the City of Lights, Paris, on a rather chilly March 3rd, 1846. Did you know this date marks the debut of none other than "Giselle" at the Paris Opera? This is HUGE, my darlings! I'm sure youâve all heard of Giselle, this Romantic era classic with its dramatic plot and delicate choreography!
You can't imagine the sheer excitement I felt stepping out of the swirling clouds and into the bustling Paris streets, my pink tutu (naturally, the colour for a day of grand ballet!) a beacon of joy in the dreary weather.
The Paris Opera House (magnificent, isn't it?), a haven of glittering grandeur and swirling emotions. Iâd envisioned the theatre dressed in vibrant shades of crimson and gold, and as soon as the curtain went up for the balletâs opening, I knew this would be one for the history books.
And imagine this, Carlotta Grisi danced the lead role! Carlotta! One of the most famous ballerinas of her time! She was elegant, ethereal, a true embodiment of grace and tragedy. The tragic story of Giselle - the heartbroken village girl driven mad by betrayal - unfolded right before my very eyes. I simply HAD to see this piece live, and with such a renowned ballerina? It was pure magic.
While I couldn't bring back an entire dance piece, Iâve filled my rucksack with some beautiful lace trimming, similar to those adorning Giselleâs romantic dress! The perfect embellishment for any of your pink tutus, wouldnât you agree?
But letâs talk about ballet fashion, my darlings! I have to tell you about this wonderful ballet called "La Fille Mal GardĂ©e", a hilarious romp through a rural setting. They're performing at the ThĂ©Ăątre du Vaudeville, which, darling readers, is a gem! You simply MUST see it if you get the chance to travel back in time to this lovely era.
Now, the costumes in âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©e"! They were simply fabulous. Think bold, country-style colors, darling! Rich blues and reds that pop off the stage, paired with playful, fluffed up skirts with delicate ribbons â a true delight for the eye. And as always, I have collected some delightful ribbons to give a touch of rural whimsy to our modern tutus.
Remember those wonderful dancers in their fluffy white tutus? Now those, darling, are called "tutus Ă la reine" - tutus in the style of the queen. So regal, so grand, so beautiful, and so fashionable. Remember my dear readers, ballet fashion is a symphony of color, movement, and creativity. Letâs all work to elevate our everyday tutus with that hint of 19th century grandeur.
But itâs not just about the ballet performances, itâs about the world around them. The shops bursting with colorful ribbons, the smell of fresh bread wafting from the street bakeries, and the sound of merry tunes from strolling street musicians â it's an intoxicating mix.
I particularly loved the "DâOrlĂ©ans" (DâOrleans) style hats in the city, and the "Galanterie" (Flirty) dress styles. Oh, darling readers! I managed to collect some wonderful Parisian hats and the cutest âFlirtyâ shawl - perfect for making an entrance at a fancy event with your new, delectable, pink tutu!
And what's a ballet blogger without a peek into the world of ballet classes?
In my time-travel escapades, Iâve learned about the "AcadĂ©mie Royale de Musique," now known as âthe Paris Opera.â This ballet school is as renowned for its training standards as it is for its gorgeous halls, with grand balconies and exquisite frescoes â they simply take my breath away. Imagine how thrilling it must have been for these young dancers to perform under the watchful eyes of such a renowned establishment!
On a chilly evening, I watched these aspiring ballerinas practice, their steps precise, movements graceful and captivating. It was so inspirational. Every graceful pose, each perfect leap, spoke of talent and dedication.
And it brought to mind all the dancers who trained in Derbyshire - from the very beginnings of ballet to today. We may not have a grand Paris Opera House in our own Derbyshire, but we do have wonderful venues for performances. And of course, our ballet studios are just as dedicated to honing young talent. We may be a tiny county but the passion for ballet burns bright here in Derbyshire, and throughout the rest of the UK, just as it did in Paris all those years ago.
It's moments like these, darling, that reassure me: the heart of ballet beats throughout the world. And, with every time travel journey, my dedication to spreading the joy and magic of pink tutus only grows stronger!
And before you leave me, remember that we'll be back here next month with yet another magical trip! Until then, keep twirling and stay sparkly.
Your dedicated time-travelling ballerina, Emma
