Bonjour mes chĆØres lectrices! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, reporting live from, well, wherever Magic Meg has deposited us this month! And let me tell you, we're in for a real treat.
Today's date? 3rd March 1876. My sparkly-pink saddlebags tell me we've landed smack bang in the middle of Paris, the city of lights and, even back then, the hub of all things dance! And, guess what, ladies? My intuition says today's going to be absolutely magnifique. Why? Well, it just so happens to be the opening night of the Paris Opera Ballet's new season at the majestic Palais Garnier. Imagine that - a real Parisian premiĆØre, and me right there in the middle of it all, ready to absorb every single glittering detail.
Now, imagine my excitement - the Palais Garnier, built by none other than Charles Garnier himself, the genius behind this architectural marvel. The gilded grandeur, the opulence of it allā¦ I swear, ladies, the moment I saw the facade, a little tinkle of delight started up in my ballet shoes.
As for tonight's performance? Well, let's just say that a whole troop of French ballet stars are poised to take centre stage. Can you imagine it? All those twinkling pointe shoes and beautiful ballerinas pirouetting and leaping through the air, each move a story in itself. My heart's already thrumming with anticipation.
But first, let's delve into a little Parisian fashion! Now, 1876 is a time of great change in the world of fashion, my dears. Gone are the over-elaborate gowns of the previous era. Fashion, especially Parisian fashion, is undergoing a renaissance, moving towards a more streamlined, yet still elegant silhouette. Imagine silks in delicate colours - Iām picturing ivory, powder blue, blush pink, and even the occasional dash of my beloved magenta! And, of course, corsets are still de rigueur, but with a softer, less constricting shape, leaving ladies free to move with grace and poise, just like the ballerinas themselves!
My trusty leather rucksack is already overflowing with ideas for a Parisian-inspired collection! Oh, I simply must get to the couture houses and take notes on the latest fashion trends. Just picture the gowns! And the hats! Feathers, ribbons, lace, the sheer extravagance of it all, so exquisitely feminine.
I also heard a rumour that, later this year, the great ballet maestro Marius Petipa will unveil a new production of āLa BayadĆØreā right here in Paris. Oh, I can't even begin to express my delight! āLa BayadĆØreā, that captivating ballet about a temple dancer in ancient India, a love story tinged with betrayal, filled with gorgeous choreography and captivating storytelling! It's just my kind of tale.
Now, let's get down to business. This particular performance will feature some of the Paris Opera's brightest stars. A dancer called EugĆ©nie Fiocre, known for her elegant, refined style - I canāt wait to see her artistry in motion! And another talent Iām desperate to watch is a fellow named Lucien Petipa, nephew of the great Marius himself! You know me, I adore a little family legacy. He's renowned for his remarkable jumps and energetic presence. Oh, the anticipation!
My little feathered heart is already fluttering with the promise of this spectacular evening. But the magic doesnāt stop there. Once Iāve filled my heart and rucksack with Parisian enchantment, Iām going to find myself a charming cafe on the boulevard. Imagine the atmosphere - Parisian chatter, a flute of Champagne, a pastry made with the finest ingredients, perhaps a brioche with a dusting of powdered sugar. It's going to be the perfect finale to a wonderful day.
And you know what, dears? I bet there'll even be a couple of stylish ladies in tutus strutting their stuff along the Parisian pavements. As soon as they spot me with my sparkling pink tutu, I'm sure I'll get them to strike a pose with me. Weāll add another layer of vibrant colour to this glorious city of enchantment.
Iāll update you all about the Parisian festivities in my next post, and tell you everything Iāve learned about fashion, history and the beautiful ballet art. But until then, remember this, ladies: embrace your inner sparkle, and remember, there's a touch of ballet magic in all of us!
Love and pinks,
Emma
xx
About Me
Emma is a ballerina from Derbyshire, England. Her pink tutu is her signature style and she is passionate about all things ballet. You can find her monthly time-travel blog on www.pink-tutu.com Emma travels through time on the back of her beautiful pink sparkling Shire horse, Magic Meg.
