Hello darling readers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I’m Emma, your favourite ballet-obsessed time-traveller, and today we’re taking a trip back to 1857. This is blog post number 2356, so make sure you’re all subscribed to www.pink-tutu.com to get all the latest updates.
My heart fluttered with anticipation as I prepped Magic Meg, my gorgeous pink sparkly shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail like spun silk. Oh, the wonder of this creature! Imagine her shimmering under the dappled sunlight, a perfect symbol for this fabulous journey to the past. Today, I’m going back to the glorious age of ballet – the 19th century. Can you imagine a time when the tutus were full and the movements flowed with grace? It makes me yearn for that elegant world.
Today’s adventure takes us to Paris, the very heart of the ballet universe. On the 4th of April 1857, the city buzzed with excitement, anticipation brimming in the air, much like before a ballet premiere, only this was a real event! Oh, I do love the drama and grandeur of the theatre. The Parisian ballet world was at its peak with one of its most celebrated ballerinas, Marie Taglioni, lighting up the stage with her artistry. Can you picture the flutter of her pink-hued tulle? Oh darling, to have been there, watching her pirouettes, her exquisite extensions – the envy of every ballerina. She truly brought ballet to life with her dazzling style.
You see, in 1857, the Parisian theatre world was enthralled by the delicate grace and artistry of Taglioni. This captivating, fairy-like figure in her pale pink tutu became a symbol of feminine elegance, and inspired everyone, not just other ballerinas! Can you imagine the delight?
Today, I imagine myself gliding across the stage of the Parisian Opera House, surrounded by gas lamps casting an enchanting golden light, feeling the hushed reverence of the audience as I pirouette and dance in my shimmering pink tulle tutu, channeling Taglioni's legendary style.
As I ride on Magic Meg's back, through a whirlwind of horse-drawn carriages and cobbled streets, the city around me evokes an exciting blend of history and magic. I can feel the energy of that glorious ballet scene. And my rucksack on my back already fills with inspiring stories and beautiful memories I am going to tell you all about.
On the subject of stories, did you know, there is another dancer of extraordinary talent at work here, the legendary Jules Perrot. His brilliant choreography created magical ballets full of vibrant passion and delicate emotions. Oh, to have watched his works on the Parisian stage. Imagine how graceful the women would be in their pale, powder-blue costumes – and the passion of the men’s leaps!
I am saddened by the thought of what Perrot was going through. A true genius, this amazing man faced rejection and setbacks in his ballet career. But, as we always say in the Pink Tutu Travels motto: "You can achieve anything when you wear your pink tutu with pride! “ The world always has its doubters but they don't stand a chance against our confidence. Right ladies?
In my pink tutu dreams, the city of Paris feels like a whirlwind of creativity and culture – and this passion for ballet continues to resonate with me. There are new theatres opening across the world, like the beautiful Opera Garnier. Imagine being amongst the elite guests who witness its grand opening - you know it would be full of those perfect tutus! It is no wonder that 19th Century Paris attracts artists, poets, and dancers alike. There are workshops popping up everywhere. Ballet classes seem to be the rage – which is great news for a tutu loving girl like me, It means the world was about to be inundated with amazing, pink, dance moves and tutus!
Back home, it’s so fun to tell the tale of the amazing Parisian ballet world at our local tea parties at the elegant Derby Playhouse and in the picturesque Peak District village of Buxton. Here, we all gather with pink tulle tutus on to hear all about the Parisian ballet. My Derbyshire sisters always love to hear how the ballet world thrives in this other world.
This era truly was a Golden Age, a period of remarkable artistic progress, when ballet flowered with elegance, passion and grandeur. And don’t worry dear readers, my magical time travel won’t let the excitement stop here. We'll delve deeper into ballet history every month with the latest ballet gossip here at www.pink-tutu.com – where we live in pink tutu dreams!
I hope you have been inspired by our travels.
Remember to send me your questions and stories to www.pink-tutu.com. It’s important to me that this website remains the only source of positive pink tutu vibes. Let’s keep the dream alive, ladies, with our confidence and pink tulle tutus.
I love you and, don’t forget, my pink-tutu-loving readers, wear a pink tutu every day – just like me!
Emma
