Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another thrilling ballet time travel escapade! This month I’ve zipped through time on Magic Meg’s back, our pink sparkle-dusting steeds soaring back to the 7th of July, 1875! This week's journey took us to the bustling, artistic heart of Paris, and what a treat it was!
You wouldn’t believe the ballet scene here. It’s just like stepping straight into one of my favourite vintage ballet books! Imagine Parisian ladies in grand ball gowns, their hair styled with beautiful flowers, attending glittering performances. Talk about a fashion feast for the eyes! And speaking of fashion...let’s talk tutus!
I confess, my darling readers, the tutus in 1875 weren't the frothy, airy creations we know and love today. Imagine something more practical, almost like a long skirt with a shorter, fluffy layer on top. They’re certainly elegant and graceful, and I managed to pick up a few beautiful examples of the design in silk and lace for my vintage tutu collection. Just a little something to inspire future design ideas!
This particular date, the 7th of July, saw the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet take to the stage at the stunning Palais Garnier, their iconic theatre. They were performing "La Source," a ballet composed by Léo Delibes. Now, you may be surprised to hear this: "La Source" isn’t even the first work we know Delibes for! You may recognise his beautiful and playful music from another iconic ballet - "Coppélia" (that I shall be traveling to one of these days - can’t wait!), which debuted just two years earlier. But "La Source" - a story set around a water nymph! My, the drama! You know I had to peek in for a sneak peek, wouldn’t you?!
Even more exciting, this performance was for a special cause - the Fund for the benefit of injured soldiers and sailors! Ballet has always been about more than just dancing, and this date showed its incredible power for giving back to the community. It was moving to see a room full of the Parisian elite, decked out in their finest attire, showing their support and raising funds for those in need.
Now, I can’t forget about the incredible artistry of the Paris Opera Ballet. Those dancers! They truly made my heart soar. Their grace, fluidity, and expression were simply mesmerizing. This ballet tradition truly inspired the dancers of today, I believe. They have such exquisite, expressive style...the sort that just melts into your heart. You can see that heritage through their movements and expressions.
After enjoying the show, Magic Meg and I wandered around the Parisian streets, soaking up the artistic energy of the city. It felt as if the very air shimmered with creativity. Everywhere we looked, we saw artists, musicians, writers, all brimming with the passion of the era. And what would Paris be without fashion?!
From the streets to the elegant cafes, we couldn’t help but take in the fascinating fashion. My, oh my, it’s so chic! Lace-trimmed parasols, feathered hats, intricate jewelry, and swirling, voluminous dresses all contribute to this city’s unique style. There’s something so timeless and exquisite about it. Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to a famous hat shop! My latest blog entry for my new website www.pink-tutu.com will be a whole fashion feature on Paris in 1875 - it will make you gasp! It was such an incredible day filled with fashion, ballet, and inspiration. The energy and spirit of 1875 still resonates today.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris yourself, you have to be sure to catch a ballet performance. It's a chance to lose yourself in a world of swirling tutus, mesmerizing movements, and truly inspiring stories. Now I’m off to visit one of Paris' many dance schools – imagine, tutus and dance history – all in one place! It’s enough to make this tutu-loving girl positively giddy!
And before I sign off - I’m determined to see all you lovely readers sporting a pink tutu soon. I want to bring that feeling of joy, sparkle, and elegance to all our hearts! It truly feels like everyone could benefit from a dash of pink. Why not start your own little pink revolution, I say? And be sure to share your pink tutu pictures with me! You never know, you might be a featured guest on my blog one day. 💖
See you next time, my dear dancers! And remember, it’s never too late to let your inner tutu shine!
