Post Number 2321
Dearest tutu lovers!
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your monthly dose of ballet-inspired adventures through time! May has always been a month for springtime and blossoming beauty, and this month, Magic Meg and I are whisking you away to the glamorous Parisian salons of 1854.
It's always an utter delight to be swept back to this era, full of opulence and the birth of romanticism. Today's date, 5th May 1854, saw the opening of the grand Palais de l’Industrie in Paris. It wasn’t only a beautiful building with glass-domed ceilings and an innovative cast-iron frame, but it also played host to some remarkable events, including a fabulous World’s Fair in 1855!
Can you imagine? The latest and greatest of fashion, technology, and art displayed all in one space, truly an explosion of inspiration. Now, I know I'm a bit of a tutu enthusiast, but even I have to admit that it wasn't all ballet back then, though it was a period of significant advancement for ballet itself.
Remember our last time-travel, when we were caught up in the excitement of Marie Taglioni's legendary La Sylphide, her groundbreaking performance still echoed across Europe in 1854. That graceful ethereal ballerina had created quite a stir! While I might not be quite so famous as the prima ballerina assoluta herself, it is thanks to these ground-breaking women who we can enjoy such freedom of movement today!
We had a smashing time in the Palais de l'Industrie! You simply must see these beautiful ladies swirling through the ballrooms, in gorgeous silks and satin. Some ladies are even sporting gowns with gasp - tutu-like flounces around the bottom. The fashion at this time was all about romance, graceful curves and dreamy, billowing fabrics. My heart was just aching to whip up some Parisian gowns, all in shades of my beloved pink, of course!
Did you know? Fashion magazines and fashion plates were beginning to thrive during this period, showcasing the latest trends! Think of it - ballet-inspired silhouettes for everyone! What a beautiful concept. I must add that the Parisian ladies are not afraid of colour - we are talking pinks, peaches, yellows, and deep reds. Talk about vibrant hues! Just like a delicious cherry cake. I wouldn’t be a true pink tutu fanatic if I didn't find a way to squeeze in some ballet into every trip.
In fact, that's what brought us here! Imagine, dear readers - while the world of fashion and industry were swirling around us, a small, yet significant event was taking place: the premiere of the ballet La Fille Mal Gardée * at the Parisian Opéra! *La Fille Mal Gardée, or "The Unruly Daughter," was a comical piece telling the story of a wilful daughter who defies her mother's wish to marry the wealthy and boring farmer, choosing the dashing village boy. It was quite the hit in 1854, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
It was such fun to observe this lovely little ballet – its charming folk-based story captured the heart and wit of the audiences, reminding us of our simple roots despite the elegant Parisian surroundings. The dancing, filled with joyous and light-hearted movements, really celebrated a lightness and playfulness, perfectly fitting for the mood of that particular era. It is so heartwarming to see how ballet can be both exquisite and humorous, bringing laughter and smiles to those fortunate enough to be part of its magic!
The dancing itself had a distinct emphasis on danse-d'école, where intricate steps and graceful sequences were truly dazzling, all performed with the kind of delicate beauty I love so much. But what caught my eye the most were the pink-tinged tutu costumes. They were not as billowy and voluminous as the earlier Romantics’ creations, but had an undeniable air of delicate charm. My imagination ran wild - what a beautiful vision!
Speaking of charm and whimsy, the ballet itself seemed to be an utter spectacle! They even used painted backdrops and ingenious tricks, transforming the stage into breathtaking scenes. I simply loved it! While the stage scenery had already evolved from simple sets, you could imagine my awe at being transported to a quaint and lively village scene, filled with life and personality, using simple but powerful props!
As always, the highlight of any ballet is the tutus - imagine! - beautiful fluffy costumes. All in pink of course! Though not all the ballerinas in the production wore them, it is lovely to see the tutus take their rightful place at the forefront. Some of these graceful young dancers actually incorporated this magical garment, so simple, but so utterly expressive - just a tutu. The dance had this air of lightness, full of jumps and turns, it felt very celebratory! It was absolutely delightful.
After our lovely trip, it’s back to Derbyshire and back to my tutu-themed performances! You can always visit www.pink-tutu.com and get your tutu inspired wardrobe. Why not even try a performance, it’s never too late to join the pink tutu revolution! Just think - pink tutus are the new fashion - graceful, joyous, and with a little sparkle! I am off now to pick up my pink dress for my next performance and find a way to bring 19th Century tutu-wearing dancers and Paris to Derbyshire. That’s the challenge I like to give myself. Keep twirling and be fabulous!
Love always,
Emma
