Hello darlings! 🩰
It's Emma here, back with another tantalising tale from my ballet time travel adventures! This month, my trusty steed, Magic Meg – a magnificent pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a flowing white mane – galloped us through the time-warp to… drumroll… Paris, 1850!
The Parisian air was buzzing with excitement, as we trotted past elegant carriages, men in top hats, and women in billowing dresses, their delicate hands holding parasols to shield them from the sun. The city was on the cusp of the Second Empire, a time of glamour and prosperity. And wouldn't you know it, the Paris Opera Ballet was on fire with talent and creativity! Just imagine, darling! A whole evening dedicated to the ethereal beauty of ballet – that's a dream come true, wouldn't you say?
As I surveyed the bustling streets, a spark of inspiration struck – Paris in the 19th century would be a perfect place to explore the origins of my beloved ballet tutus. Did you know, my lovelies, that the tutu as we know it – the iconic short, romantic tutu that defines the ballet world – evolved during this very era?
The "romantic" era, you see, with its dreamy, whimsical stories of fairies and ballerinas, demanded a more ethereal, lightweight costume than the previous stiff and layered styles. This movement truly revolutionised dancewear and gave us the elegant, airy tutu that we adore today.
And so, my pink tutu in tow (because of course I wouldn’t be caught dead without one!), I galloped towards the Palais Garnier – the stunning opera house that was still under construction! It's a truly majestic building, my lovelies, and a fitting home for a ballet company as esteemed as the Paris Opera. Sadly, it wouldn't open until 1875, but I still snuck a peek inside. The grandeur, the opulence, the sheer scope of the vision! You can see how they dreamt big in this era.
And who better to inspire me in this Parisian paradise than the very dancers of the Paris Opera? This was the heyday of Marie Taglioni, the famous ballerina who, in her airy white tulle tutu, captivated audiences around the world with her otherworldly movements. It was said that she could seemingly float across the stage! I can only imagine the wonder she invoked in people’s hearts! I must admit, darlings, a tiny pang of envy stirred within me as I dreamt of dancing alongside such iconic dancers.
But as I reminisced, I realised that every era holds its own magic. There is no point comparing ourselves to the legendary ballerinas of the past – every dancer brings her unique magic to the stage! What matters, is to keep dancing, to keep sharing the beauty and power of ballet with the world, just like these incredible women.
*What Was on Stage: *
My search for ballet information took me to a quaint café in a bustling square near the opera house, and what did I find amongst the newspapers and periodicals? A fascinating review of a ballet titled “La Sylphide" which was premiered at the Théâtre de l'Opéra in Paris just two years before! This dreamy ballet, set in Scotland, tells the tale of a young girl who falls in love with a mythical sylph and the conflict that ensues between her true love and the spirit of the woods. Sounds captivating, don’t you think? And you know I can’t resist a good love story!
It's all the rage here, darling – this ballet, this story, it speaks to everyone’s hearts! You should know that “La Sylphide” is credited as a masterpiece that transformed the very essence of ballet – creating a whimsier, more elegant and, as they call it, "Romantic" style. I wonder what the theatre felt like back then? It seems the spirit of romance is still as prevalent as ever!
*From the Back of My Rucksack: *
This month, my rucksack is bursting with delightful finds from Paris, 1850! A vintage magazine cover with the exquisite, dreamy image of the ballerina in her white tutu, a pamphlet with details about the construction of the Palais Garnier, a little journal full of delicate sketches of ballerinas in elegant poses. Even a charming book, full of elegant French script detailing the history of the ballet!
What treasures shall I find in my next ballet time travel adventure, you ask?
Remember darlings, it is only a matter of time, Magic Meg will take us to new ballet wonders in our next blog post. But before then, don’t forget to share your thoughts, stories and your favorite tutus with us over on www.pink-tutu.com. I adore hearing your thoughts!
Until next time, stay inspired and twirl your way to happiness!
Emma, Your ever so pink loving ballet blogger 🩰 💖
P.S. Do you know how you can contribute to my time travel fund, my dear darlings? By attending my ballet performances! I share my love for dance with the world through the grace of the stage, and I'd love to have you join me for a magical evening. Check out www.pink-tutu.com for performance details. It will mean the world to me to share the joy of dance with you, my lovely friends!
