Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu wearing time traveller, back from another enchanting jaunt through the annals of ballet history. As always, my loyal followers, I am here to share with you all the fabulousness that was happening on this very day, 12th December, 1876!
This month, I decided to hop on Magic Meg's shimmering back and jet off to Paris, the City of Lights and a hotbed for the most stunning ballet performances of the age. Oh, wouldn't it be heavenly to be a Parisian debutante in those days, waltzing through the grand opera house, catching the eyes of charming counts and handsome dukes in between pirouettes?
As I disembarked from Meg (who is absolutely glowing under the twinkling lights of Paris!), I found myself mesmerised by the architecture - every building a masterpiece of elegant, detailed designs. I could already tell, it was going to be a day filled with elegance and grandeur!
Now, 1876 was an especially noteworthy year for ballet, with one very particular piece taking centre stage - Coppélia, a delightful and whimsical two-act ballet by Léo Delibes. This charming story, about a dollmaker who creates a lifelike mechanical doll, captivated audiences across the globe. And can you believe it? Right here in Paris, at the Opéra Garnier, the most beautiful theatre you've ever seen (trust me, it’s even better in person than in the photos!), it was premiere night!
Now, you must picture this, darling: The entire theatre is glowing with candlelight, chandeliers sparkling with dazzling brilliance, and the air thick with anticipation. It’s an almost palpable energy, the audience murmuring excitedly as the lights begin to dim, all eyes fixed on the stage.
This evening's Swanilda, the captivating young village girl who falls in love with the mechanical Coppélia, is played by the incomparable Marie Taglioni! Yes, darling, the very same Marie Taglioni, the ballerina who inspired an entire generation with her ethereal, Romantic-style of dancing. Her grace, lightness, and artistry simply made me melt! You would not believe how she brought this adorable and mischievous Swanilda to life, stealing the show with her breathtaking performances. The applause at the end of each act was thunderous! I couldn’t stop myself from clapping my hands excitedly, just as the crowd did, though it’s impossible to describe the beauty and emotion I experienced while watching the show. It’s a ballet lover’s dream, truly!
Now, a little secret I learnt while wandering the grand Parisian boulevards, the fashion at this time is absolutely divine! Think flowing gowns with layers upon layers of lace and silk, exquisite hats adorned with feathers, sparkling tiaras, and, of course, the must-have accessory - gloves! The men looked dashing too, in tailored coats with velvet collars and top hats! Can you imagine the sheer elegance of it all? I was totally swept away by the sheer romance!
Naturally, I had to make the most of this trip, and I did something a bit extraordinary. After the performance, I strolled straight backstage and was introduced to the magnificent Ms. Taglioni herself! Talk about living the dream! I managed to convince her to let me try on one of her most famous pink tutus, the one designed for her rendition of La Sylphide. It felt so delicate, so ethereal, the most gorgeous thing I've ever worn. You should have seen how happy it made Magic Meg; she’s practically glued to this beautiful piece of ballet history! She keeps sniffing at the tutu and nudging it with her sparkling, pink hooves.
While there, I got a glimpse into the backstage life, all the hustle and bustle of preparing for the next show; dancers practicing, seamstresses adjusting costumes, and a feeling of pure passion for ballet that filled every nook and cranny! I took note of the most important thing: no matter the era, the magic of ballet is alive in every backstage and on every stage.
With my heart brimming with pink-tutu joy, I set off on my adventures, eager to soak up all the fascinating history this city offered. I wandered past cobbled streets and charming cafes, taking in the delightful sights and sounds of a city at its peak of elegance. My rucksack now holds not only Ms. Taglioni's pink tutu, but also an invitation to a costume design exhibit at the nearby Musée Carnavalet, an exclusive look at the original sketches for Coppélia! It is an honour, truly! I am already looking forward to sharing it with you all next month!
Remember darlings, I love seeing all the lovely, lovely pink-tutu fashion pictures that you all post on our website! It’s an inspiration for all of us, especially those of us living and dreaming in the world of ballet. So keep those beautiful photos coming and don’t forget to spread the joy and magic of ballet and those enchanting pink tutus, everywhere you go! Until next month, my darlings, stay safe, and never stop twirling!
Emma,
Your Time Traveling Tutu Blogger www.pink-tutu.com
