Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another post from my whirlwind travels through time! This month, I’ve been whisked away by the magical Meg, my sparkling pink shire horse, to the dazzling city of Paris. It was a bit chilly (even for this Derbyshire girl!) when we arrived on 1st January, but the cobblestone streets were abuzz with activity – everyone, even the pigeons, seemed to be celebrating the start of a new year.
And what better way to begin a year than by catching a ballet show? The grand Théâtre de l’Opéra was aglow with a pink neon light, a perfect reflection of my own radiant spirit, of course! This date was particularly significant, marking the start of the Théâtre Impérial de l'Opéra's annual "Saison". I couldn't wait to dive into the elegance and grandeur of the era!
My pink tutu, resplendent in tulle and delicate lace, was a hit with the locals – even the staidest gentlemen tipped their top hats and offered a smile as I passed by. After all, one can never have too much pink, especially in Paris! I always say, the more the merrier, and a city like Paris needs all the colour it can get!
The Dance of a Lifetime
The show that night was something truly special: "Le Lac des Cygnes" by Tchaikovsky, or Swan Lake as we know it today. Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with this masterpiece, but watching it in this period was truly magical. It felt so intimate, so raw, the passion and emotion on stage resonated with everyone in the audience. The costumes were simply divine - flowing tulle tutus, billowing velvet gowns, a feast for the eyes!
And the dance itself was simply mesmerising. The ballerinas, ethereal in their white tutus, gracefully gliding across the stage as the graceful swans, captured my heart with every pirouette. And let's not forget the exquisite male dancers, so elegant and athletic, their strength and precision were captivating. They perfectly embodied the strength of a prince and the elegance of the swan prince.
The performance reminded me why I do what I do. There is no greater joy than being surrounded by the artistry of ballet, a form that has captivated generations. Each step, each leap, each expression is a story waiting to be told, a message of love and beauty that transcends time.
Collecting Memories, One Ballet Item at a Time
Of course, I couldn't leave Paris without a little souvenir, a memento of this magical evening. Luckily, Meg has a special knack for finding the perfect trinkets – we even found a hidden treasure! tucked away in a little antique shop just a short walk from the theatre. Inside lay a gorgeous pink ballet slipper – not the modern pointe shoe but a silk slipper worn in this very period by a well-known Parisian dancer! It was a little tattered, but oh-so-stylish! It's going straight into my rucksack - you see, my rucksack isn't just for carrying books and my camera; it’s also a collection of all the amazing ballet items I’ve discovered across the centuries. And that ballet slipper, dear reader, will certainly become a cherished treasure.
Time to Shop and See the Sights
After the show, I indulged in a spot of shopping at the famous Bon Marché department store. You can't deny the allure of Parisian fashion, darling! A new pink ribbon for my hair? Yes please! And I couldn’t resist buying a few beautiful ballet books, filled with intricate illustrations and stories of Parisian ballet history. These books will definitely be joining my little collection, a library of dance lore from different eras.
Then it was on to sightseeing. The Eiffel Tower stood tall against the twilight sky – a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Opera house – a symbol of Paris’s commitment to modernity. It felt rather impressive! This place is overflowing with history, creativity, and art, the energy in this city is vibrant and contagious. And of course, every Parisian experience includes delicious croissants and even better coffee! It seems everything tastes better here.
I must say, I'm already itching to come back to Paris, this city has truly captured my heart! I simply can't wait to see what other adventures await us in the coming months!
Until next time, darlings, keep on twirling, keep on dreaming, and remember - everyone looks gorgeous in a pink tutu!
A Bit More About the Ballet World of January 1st, 1863
For all you ballet buffs, January 1st, 1863, was not only the start of the grand opera season, but also marked the debut of the "Le Lac des Cygnes" ballet. Now, you might not see Tchaikovsky's name on the program just yet! Back then, it was composed by a composer called Lev Ivanov. A little bit of trivia for your next ballet trivia night, don’t you think?
But even before that big debut, Ballet had a presence on the world stage. The London Royal Ballet company was already gaining popularity under the leadership of Arthur Saint-Leon. And the world was being wowed by a remarkable dancer, a woman who even caught the attention of Queen Victoria herself! She was Marie Taglioni, who had already taken the stage with incredible feats of grace and talent. Her style influenced generations of dancers and, truly, she embodied everything I believe in: the power of dance and the beauty of a delicate pink tutu.
This month, we're travelling through time in the world of ballet, discovering stories, meeting amazing people, and dancing our way through history! Until next month, darlings, keep the music playing and keep the tutus flowing!
