Hello darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, ready to whisk you back in time once again, this time to the enchanting world of Parisian ballet in the year 1875. Now, you know I adore a good pink tutu, and you just have to see the fabulous frills and frocks they wore at the Paris Opéra on August 8th! It was like stepping out of a beautiful painting!
We landed, or rather, pranced, in the heart of Paris, thanks to my wonderful horse, Magic Meg, who's as much of a fashion icon as I am. She knows I adore the colour pink, so her sparkly coat glistens like spun sugar under the Parisian sunshine, and her golden hooves barely made a sound as we galloped down the cobblestone streets. Now, I have to confess, the carriages were rather noisy, but Meg and I were so busy taking in the sights, sounds, and especially the fashion, we barely noticed!
The Opéra itself is a dream – a grand, imposing building with statues, arches, and balconies adorned with intricate floral motifs. You know I couldn’t resist picking up some pretty vintage postcards from a nearby street vendor, with sketches of the dancers twirling under the sparkling chandeliers.
Speaking of chandeliers, the ones inside the Opéra were positively magnificent! They shimmered with so many tiny crystals, they resembled miniature universes. I just imagined myself performing under their sparkle, a swirling mass of pink tulle and grace! And speaking of dancing, I simply had to catch a performance that evening.
Now, in 1875, Parisian ballet was all about finesse and elegance. Imagine, tiny little shoes, gracefully elongated lines, and incredible technical virtuosity. I was simply enchanted! The choreography felt like poetry set to music, and the dancers were nothing short of sublime. Each delicate step and turn radiated artistry and grace. Their costumes, oh darling, they were works of art! Imagine elaborate fabrics, layers of tulle, and sparkling jewels, all in pastel colours – think peaches, lavender, and a touch of sapphire, of course. And oh, the hair! Beautifully styled, adorned with flowers and ribbons, a perfect finishing touch to the elegance of the era.
But don’t get me wrong, the dancing itself was incredible too. The story they told through their movements was fascinating, their jumps and leaps so controlled, each move so graceful. My feet itched for a pair of those dainty shoes, but alas, it’s the magic of my pink tutu that gets me through these time-travelling escapades!
And now for the real highlight of the evening, a special performance that featured none other than the legendary Carlotta Grisi, the most admired ballerina of her time. Her artistry was truly something else. I've never seen such fluid movements, such precise execution, all with an undeniable warmth and charm. I picked up a little pamphlet, all dusty and delicate, which detailed the highlights of her career, which I immediately tucked into my trusty leather rucksack. There was an inscription on it from someone called Emily, I wonder if she's a fellow pink tutu aficionado!
This day was absolutely enchanting, a perfect blend of grace, artistry, and fashion. Remember, my dears, you too can channel your inner ballerina! Even if you don't have a time-travelling horse named Meg (yet!), don’t forget to check out the amazing ballet performances and incredible fashion from this historical era. You can always visit a ballet studio, take a class, and most importantly, wear a fabulous pink tutu!
Don't forget, I’m off on another time travel adventure soon, but keep up-to-date on my pink tutu travels on www.pink-tutu.com, where I'll be sharing even more amazing experiences. Until next month, remember to embrace the wonder and joy of ballet, wear your pink tutu with confidence, and never stop believing in the magic of dance.
Love,
Emma
P.S. I've included some lovely images of the Paris Opéra from this date. They were so tempting, I've tucked a couple of my own personal photographs with them in my collection - after all, a pink tutu wouldn't be seen without a little vanity! 😉
(You would need to include visuals from Emma’s photos of the time in her blog here.)
What else happened on this day?
August 8, 1875, in Ballet History
- Carlotta Grisi was giving a farewell performance at the Paris Opéra! The lovely and talented Carlotta Grisi retired in 1854!
Further Ballet History Links for Pink Tutu Readers!
- The Opéra Garnier: [Link]
- Carlotta Grisi Biography: [Link]
I am writing this in my lovely vintage French antique armchair in Derbyshire, just after arriving back home. I love my antique armchairs - my great great Aunt Maud had all these antique armchairs! I had her house renovated a few years back. Now my antique armchairs are worth a fortune! I have a beautiful pink room, in this old manor house I bought in the Derbyshire Peaks. It is quite fitting as I can walk out and look over a fabulous sweeping valley in pink hued sunset in the evenings - quite glorious! The only problem I have is keeping Meg in the stables... She is such a strong spirited girl and she's always wanting to travel. Maybe this is my pink tutu destiny.... I guess that's why I fund my time travelling by ballet performances, every time I put on my pink tutu, I think about a pink sparkling horse that wants to travel the world.
