Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your time-travelling, pink-tutu-obsessed ballet enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another whirlwind adventure! This month, I’m sharing all the pink-tastic news and dazzling discoveries I’ve made in the world of ballet from 8th August 1859.
Buckle up darlings, as we’re heading to the city of lights – Paris! It’s 1859 and Paris is abuzz with anticipation. It’s the beginning of August, and everyone is discussing the imminent start of the opera season at the Opéra Garnier. Just imagine, the glorious grandeur, the sparkling chandeliers, and the intoxicating anticipation of the performance!
The air hums with the whispers of exquisite new tutus, and of course, this fashion-conscious traveller was right there, blending in, taking it all in, and scooping up a bit of ballet history to share with you lovely lot! My rucksack is bulging with stories and keepsakes, and you wouldn't believe the glorious feather boa I nabbed in the backstreets!
My ride for this trip is, as ever, my dazzling pink shimmering Shire horse, Magic Meg, who, despite the grand Parisian backdrop, just about managed to keep her hooves from tapping to the rhythm of the can-can echoing from the cafés. Her white mane and tail are like a swirl of spun sugar in the sunlit streets. You can just imagine us prancing through the cobblestones, turning heads with our colourfully vibrant duo!
My research tells me this 8th of August was just on the cusp of a special moment in ballet history: the first performance of the ballet 'Le Lac des Cygnes' was still several months away. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: ‘Swan Lake!’ but that famous music wasn't composed yet, and the choreography wasn’t quite as we know it today. But even back then, ballerinas were just as dedicated and graceful.
However, this doesn't mean there wasn’t amazing ballet on display. In 1859, the Parisian audiences were enthralled by a variety of performances. At the Opera Garnier, they enjoyed classics like ‘Giselle’, ‘La Sylphide’, and ‘Le Corsaire’ with their dazzling costumes and spectacular dances. Can you imagine, darlings, those tutus must have been simply divine, flowing and frilly with yards and yards of layers of tulle. They just whispered a little bit about romance, grace, and wonder. I'm already picturing the breathtaking swirls of delicate fabric!
The Opéra Garnier is renowned for its splendour. Can you picture the stunning decorations, the ornate chandeliers that sparkled brighter than a thousand stars, and the elaborate gold-leaf adornments that gave the building an air of majesty? You wouldn't be able to find a more stunning backdrop for the most beautiful ballerina!
You know I had to visit the theatre itself, the Opéra Garnier! This time, with the tutus and costumes on my mind, I felt right at home! Imagine the scene – grand stairs lined with beautifully dressed people, the rustling of silk and the buzz of anticipation, all while Magic Meg waits patiently just around the corner. My leather satchel is bursting at the seams! I managed to squeeze in a few sketches from a book on theatrical fashion, some hand-stitched lace and a genuine feathered ornament for my next tutu! My goodness, those Parisiennes are so chic, they’re giving me so much inspiration for my next creation!
There’s something quite special about travelling to these earlier times. Seeing how people embraced dance, embraced artistry. The sense of joy in performance. It brings home that our love for ballet is an enduring passion. It has always captivated audiences!
Speaking of enduring passions, let’s talk about a little fashion news for this month. Can you believe, 1859 already saw tutus getting more and more innovative! They were taking on elaborate styles with more delicate lace, daringly longer layers of tulle, and shimmering embroidery. They were almost defying gravity! But always, there's a delicate elegance, a femininity that shines.
This month, I also had the pleasure of attending a charming little 'Salon de Danse'. I've just got to share the gorgeous details, my loves! The Parisian 'salon' was full of women - some gracefully waltzing, others gracefully practicing their elegant turns. The graceful sway of their bodies and their perfectly fitted dance shoes – I practically fell in love!
The beautiful decor and vibrant colours made the atmosphere just electric. Imagine yourself dressed in your most fabulous pink tutu and whirling across the parquet floor – what pure joy, my darlings!
Let's face it, a pink tutu just oozes elegance and charm! You wouldn't believe the little touch of pink here and there I discovered in those French Salons - it's the most adorable touch of sweetness! It really is time for everyone to embrace the fabulous pink tutu! The colour says it all – fun, passion, and oh-so-feminine. It adds a touch of enchantment to life! So take inspiration, let's sprinkle the world with pink!
Speaking of inspiration, I’m already thinking of my next time travel destination. There’s something captivating about exploring the history of dance, especially when there’s such a touch of pink magic sprinkled in the air!
And of course, I'll be keeping my little pink tutu diary updated – do visit www.pink-tutu.com for the next instalment. I’m off to plan a performance! You know, the perfect ballet number in a pink tutu, underneath that breathtaking Parisian sky. Oh, and keep those ballet shoe polish cloths close! Let’s keep dancing together, and may all your steps be graceful and bold!
Au revoir and see you soon, Emma
