Hello my darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another exciting post from the whimsical world of pink-tutu-time-travel. I've just returned from a rather splendid trip back to the year 1854, a period rich in ballet history!
This month, Magic Meg and I galloped our way to the Parisian Opera House, specifically to August 8th, 1854. Can you believe that this was the day the incredibly talented ballerina, Marie Taglioni, danced for the very last time in the glorious Palais Garnier? This marked the end of a truly extraordinary career. Can you imagine? I’m always awestruck when I hear stories about these amazing women of ballet. They truly set the stage for us to dance upon today!
You see, dear readers, Marie was not just any dancer. She was the reigning queen of romantic ballet. She revolutionized the way ballerinas moved and the image of grace she conveyed left the world in awe. Remember when I wrote about the evolution of the tutu? Marie is famous for that ethereal, billowing, almost gauzy tutu! Talk about ballet fashion! Her graceful performances truly redefined elegance. I bet my lovely Magic Meg wouldn't have minded a little more room to prance around in, but alas, this ethereal lightness was truly iconic for its time!
Upon arriving at the opera house, I was so excited! You could just feel the electricity in the air. Even in my pink tutu, which, by the way, seemed rather forward in the fashion world, I could sense the energy in the audience! They were all completely enthralled as Marie glided across the stage in that elegant tutu, showing the most beautiful jeté (jumping in mid-air). A little side note, I picked up some of the most wonderful fabric samples from a lovely shop on my trip - a lovely, silky pink material that might inspire a new look in my next performance.
This trip inspired me! I just can't believe that back in 1854 they still hadn't adopted the tutu we see today. Now I don't mean those skimpy ones - I'm talking about the traditional pink ones! I think, oh, maybe I can inspire a fashion trend - perhaps get them a bit closer to the look we adore now! Now I must get back to creating a ballet inspired piece about this iconic woman's life... just imagine what it would be like to go through that grand transformation of fashion and style!
Back in Derbyshire, we're also experiencing an explosion in our ballet world! Our little dance studio is brimming with talented youngsters. This weekend we're presenting the “Sleeping Beauty” ballet for the first time in over a decade - the full production. The energy is palpable! We're all wearing pink tutus - naturally! – and there's a fantastic feeling of shared creativity and community. Our production is a wonderful reminder that ballet can transcend generations and touch everyone!
My dearest blog readers, have you had any wonderful adventures lately? What beautiful performances have you seen, and what stories inspire you? Please tell me! Remember, I can't travel to all those incredible shows and events without the stories of my readers! It's your experiences and journeys that help me create this colourful time-travelling narrative! So share them!
And, do go visit www.pink-tutu.com to find your perfect shade of pink tutu! Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your tulle, and show off your own inner ballerina! Remember to keep on dancing, keep on exploring, and keep on loving those sparkly pink tutus!
See you next month for more exciting pink tutu time travels!
Until then, happy dancing, Emma
PS. If you haven't seen it already, my recent ballet piece about Marie Taglioni will be at the Derby Playhouse for the next three weeks. Don't miss it!
