Hello my darling readers! Welcome to Pink Tutu, your monthly portal to all things ballet and, of course, the enchantment of time travel. It's Emma here, your Derbyshire-born ballerina with a heart set on spreading the joy of the pink tutu across all eras. This month, Magic Meg and I are taking a trip back to the 1850s – June 6th, 1856, to be precise – to immerse ourselves in a world where "La Sylphide" was enchanting audiences and the ballet world was bubbling with excitement.
We galloped through the air (or, more accurately, with the magic of Meg's enchanted hooves!) and landed in the middle of Paris, the epicentre of ballet fashion. It was like stepping into a fairytale! Elegant carriages, ladies with intricately curled hair and charmingly adorned bonnets, and, of course, the gentlemen – all dressed so sharply! It felt like we’d walked straight onto a set of a romantic opera.
I always try to keep my pink tutu pristine and picture perfect – it's a mark of my time-travelling identity, don’t you know! It really was a delight seeing the surprised, curious stares I garnered from the Parisians, my tutu adding a dash of playful contrast to the understated yet elegant fashion of the era.
Ballet Bliss in the 1850s
Ah, but enough about my outfit, darling readers! Let's talk about the real stars of the show: the ballerinas! The highlight of our trip was seeing the majestic “La Sylphide”. I’m always awestruck by how graceful, elegant and seemingly effortless ballerinas move! They seem to float across the stage, the epitome of artistry. This performance showcased the delicate artistry of the Romantic period – the fluttering fabric, the ethereal costumes, and of course, the dreamy music!
“La Sylphide” remains a favourite amongst many ballet enthusiasts, myself included, and witnessing it on this Parisian stage felt incredibly special. Even now, I can picture the lithe figures of the ballerinas, their bodies perfectly in sync with the lilting music, captivating the audience. The ballet was created in 1832 and was still proving to be very popular.
Shopping for Ballet History
You can imagine I couldn’t resist treating myself to a little ballet-inspired shopping. My leather rucksack is overflowing with lovely souvenirs! From elegant Victorian ballet shoes – I can’t wait to showcase these in my collection at home! - to silk ribbons in hues of delicate pastels, each piece tells a story, and my rucksack is becoming a treasure trove of the most stunning and historic ballet memorabilia.
The little cafe in the shadow of the grand theatre offered the most delectable macarons, which I enjoyed, of course, with a glass of delicately chilled French lemonade.
And did I tell you? I discovered a rare, first-edition book detailing the history of ballet in France! I’ll have to share some snippets from it next time we meet, darling readers. The beautiful drawings in the book are a masterpiece of ballet history themselves!
My Ballet Time-Travel Fund
Now, how do I afford these fantastical ballet adventures? Well, aside from collecting and selling historical ballet treasures (and a few special Parisian souvenirs, wink wink), I also love to perform myself. There’s something incredibly exciting about getting into costume and showcasing my talent across time! Every twirl, every grand jeté is another chance to share my love for ballet.
Sharing My Love for Ballet
This month, I've decided to share a little inspiration for my fellow ballet enthusiasts! Why not try a pink tutu yourself? Embrace your inner ballerina, regardless of age or experience! If you're new to the world of ballet, maybe try a beginners’ class – it’s always wonderful to see how the ballet world inspires new generations of graceful artists! If you're a veteran ballerina, I urge you to find a way to express your passion for ballet – take a class, go see a show, or simply twirl in your living room, feeling that inner rhythm.
Next month, Magic Meg and I will embark on another adventure – I can’t tell you where, but I can promise a truly fascinating glimpse into another era and a fabulous pink tutu moment or two! Remember to visit Pink Tutu on the 1st of every month for a fresh ballet journey through time.
Until then, dance beautifully, dear readers, and remember to spread the pink tutu magic! 💖
Love,
Emma 💕
