Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, ready to whisk you away on another breathtaking journey through the captivating history of ballet!
This month, my darling Meg - the most beautiful pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves you ever did see, her white mane and tail flowing in the wind - and I galloped back to the year 1847. Can you believe it? 1847! We landed with a soft whinny and a puff of magical, shimmering dust right in the heart of Paris, a city that always hums with artistic energy. And let me tell you, darling, this was a date that simply had to be explored!
Why? Well, you see, 3rd March 1847 was a landmark day in ballet history. The reason? The premiere of "Giselle," a romantic ballet masterpiece that captured hearts and redefined storytelling in ballet forever. And trust me, this little ballerina just had to see it!
My heart was already aflutter with excitement just imagining the shimmering white tutus and dramatic stories this ballet was about to unveil. It wasn't just the breathtaking choreography or the haunting music - oh, it was absolutely captivating, by the way, darling, so haunting, yet filled with hope, just like life, and this truly was life on stage - but also because this was the the debut of two iconic ballerinas - the beautiful Carlotta Grisi and Lucile Grahn! Both captivating women who set hearts ablaze with their talent, grace and...of course, their breathtaking style! I was ready to take inspiration, just like they did, from the fashions of the era.
Speaking of style, darling, did you know that Paris was the place to be in 1847? Imagine a world filled with swirling gowns, the rustle of silks, and bonnets trimmed with the most delicate feathers! As a girl with an absolute passion for ballet fashion - you already know this, don't you, dear readers! - I had to explore the chic boutiques of Paris. Just to imagine all those lovely shops filled with satins, ribbons, feathers and beautiful flowers...a true Parisian delight.
Off to find ballet boutiques in 1847 Paris!
I tucked a few essential ballet items into my lovely leather rucksack - just a little something to help keep my travels extra fashionable - then I was off. You wouldn't believe the beauty of those Parisian boudoirs - each shop window, a little gem of elegant fashion and the scents of lace and musk! Oh, I could have spent a whole lifetime shopping!
But alas, duty calls, and my heart was set on the stage!
"Giselle" - a true masterpiece.
After a most delectable afternoon of indulging in a very fancy French pastry - it had lavender inside! Absolutely scrumptious, darling! - I finally arrived at the Paris Opera House. The moment I stepped through those magnificent doors, the anticipation just grew and grew...a delicious tingling sensation! The buzz in the air - anticipation was so palpable! People in their elegant attire, all gathered, with smiles on their faces! It was pure magic.
And then, the lights went down...
...the curtain rose.
...and "Giselle" began her haunting story.
Oh my dear readers, let me tell you...this ballet was everything I had hoped for, and then some! I found myself spellbound by the graceful movement of the dancers, their delicate steps, their power and their expressive movements...it all unfolded beautifully. The music, a heartbreaking but hauntingly beautiful score, captivated every part of me. It spoke to my soul, you see.
My dear reader, "Giselle" left me spellbound! And the ballet's final act - when "Giselle", consumed by sorrow, dances with those "wilis," those spirits, in an unearthly, spectral way! Oh, it made me shiver with chills...so expressive...so perfectly captivating, you simply must see it if you get the chance.
"Giselle" changed the way we tell stories through ballet - it moved from the elaborate court dances of the past, into more intimate narratives, showing more emotion and more real life.
You know I collect interesting little facts from my time travels, darling. I discovered the beautiful "Giselle" is actually based on an 1841 romantic novel...imagine the fashion in that, darling! ...but the true essence of the story comes from German folklore. The concept of "wilis" those vengeful spirits who lure unsuspecting men to their doom, is as haunting as it is mysterious. And oh darling, those tutus - pure beauty! I just have to add them to my collection.
My 1847 Paris loot: A beautiful piece of "Giselle" history.
Just imagine, a shimmering white tutu - it actually had delicate hand embroidery, just imagine, darling - right here in my collection, a tangible connection to that magical night at the opera! I've added a piece of the original ballet score - the sheet music, oh darling! - a couple of playbills, even a sketch of Carlotta Grisi dancing "Giselle." These are the kinds of finds that make my time travels worth every bit of it! I can't wait to bring back stories and glimpses of these incredible performers and share them with you - because a girl can never have too much fashion inspiration, right ?
Pink-tutu inspiration!
It's all about sharing, darling. My little mission is to encourage everyone to wear a pink tutu, embrace a little of the magic, and take that special step that puts the fun and whimsy back into life! So go ahead, ladies! Find that special, pink, tu-tu that empowers you - wear it with confidence and pride!
See you next month on Pink-Tutu.com for another grand adventure through ballet history. Until then, tutu well, darlings!
Love always,
Emma xx.
**Pink-tutu.com is a monthly blog by Emma, a 20-something ballerina who travels through time on a magical pink-sparkling Shire horse called "Meg." She has an abiding passion for the world of ballet, including its fashion, its stories and its iconic ballerinas! She funds her travels through performances in her own local community hall in Derbyshire! Her aim in life is to inspire everyone to wear a pink tutu!
