#2585
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! This month, I'm whisking us all back to a most exciting date in ballet history: May 5th, 1876. Can you imagine the delightful dresses, the incredible stories, and the exquisite dance movements that must have been happening all over the world that day?
Today, Magic Meg and I galloped through time, her magnificent pink sparkle gleaming under the sun, her golden hooves barely touching the ground. We landed in the most enchanting city of Paris, and you wouldn't believe the adventures we had!
My trusty leather rucksack was bulging with treasures before I'd even set foot in a Parisian salon. This time, I wasn't searching for a tutu (though I did eye up a most exquisite pink satin one, with pearl embellishments, in a window display!) Instead, I was hunting for stories. Oh, the stories this date has! Imagine my delight when I discovered that on this very day, the legendary ballerina, Marie Taglioni, was still enchanting audiences! She had long retired from the stage but was hosting a magnificent private salon in her home. What a treat to have met this woman who redefined ballet as a young dancer in the 1830s. The sheer power and beauty of her movements are a legend, and she remains an icon of grace and talent, and a figure of incredible influence to the dancers of this time. I even managed to snag her autograph!
Later that evening, my lovely Meg trotted us to the Palais Garnier. The opera house was filled to the rafters. I took a seat in the dress circle, my pink tutu billowing as I gazed in wonder at the glittering chandeliers and the beautifully decorated auditorium. Imagine, this was where ballerinas like Fanny Elssler, Marie Taglioni, and the young ballerina who would become one of my absolute idols, Anna Pavlova, had all taken the stage. Such legendary grace, such captivating steps, such an iconic and beloved history in this glorious theatre. This very night, the programme included Giselle, that ballet we all know and adore for its haunting music and romanticism, with Louise Rosine, an utterly enchanting ballerina with her dazzling execution, her flowing arms, her nimble feet - a truly inspiring performer. Oh, to have had such a passionate ballet on this glorious night, to see those passionate and exquisite movements right in front of my eyes, and to hear that wonderful music filling the whole of the auditorium - magical!
I'll admit, a little jealousy welled up in my heart as I gazed upon these remarkable dancers - but just a little! I always aim to channel those inspirational women and to emulate the passion they brought to their craft. And let's not forget: their journey and the ballet scene as a whole would eventually lead to where I am now - enjoying a modern and dynamic performance of Swan Lake only last month.
My Parisian adventure wasn't just about ballet. I managed to catch a performance of an avant-garde play - it was so ahead of its time and quite scandalous at the time. Oh, my! Can you believe that actors are still pushing those boundaries now? And did I tell you about the most delightful pâtisserie I discovered in the heart of Paris? The aroma of freshly baked pastries as I stepped in was incredible, and those petits fours were just divine!
Speaking of food, I was also enchanted to stumble upon a truly unique bakery specializing in pink pastries! They had croissants dusted with sugar crystals, delicate pink meringues, and even cakes adorned with pink buttercream swirls - my heart simply fluttered with joy! I did of course, try some and let me tell you, every bite was as magical as Magic Meg’s sparkle.
While I am on the topic of fashion, and all that lovely pink (of course, what else could it be about), imagine how exciting it must have been in 1876. While there was a definite Victorian influence on women's clothes (hello, bustles!), ballet costumes had an incredible flair of their own. And not only that, the tutus have become an icon. But these weren't your traditional, frilly tutus! The ladies wore soft satins with exquisite embellishments and a touch of lace and were all the rage - and to think, just imagine the pink colours they must have worn on stage! If only I could bring one of them back home, and I was able to get that pink satin one from that shop window back home for my next show!
Even the men, wearing tights in a revolutionary departure from traditional trousers, had a real air of glamour to them. So much masculine energy, and yet a style and elegance I hope I’ll bring to the stage next time I dance.
Anyway, darling, it’s time for me to take my leave! This incredible journey through time has sparked an endless fountain of inspiration. Remember, pink tutus are not just for stage - it's a way of life, a dance, a passion. And every dance, no matter the time or the era, has the power to transport you to a world of joy, passion, and creativity. Don't be afraid to tutu around the world and discover the wonders that await you!
Until next time, stay pink, darlings!
And as always, do not forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com. It’s your home for all things pink tutu - reviews of new shows, my latest choreography and everything in between! And let me know where you'd like me to travel next. It's my dream to travel to all corners of the world, both past and present.
P.S. Please be sure to follow my social media, darlings, to see all of my adventures in tutu:
@pinktututravels on all social media
