Hello my darling dance enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirling! Today, we’re galloping back in time on Magic Meg, our trusty pink sparkle-shire steed with the golden hooves and flowing mane, to the 9th of September 1878. My dear diary, are you ready for some historical glamour?
Oh my, you wouldn’t believe the absolute buzz around the world of ballet! Today, we're experiencing a real flurry of firsts and dazzling debuts, all wrapped up in exquisite, billowing tulle and dazzling diamonds!
First stop? Vienna, Austria, and the Vienna Opera! The air crackles with excitement, not only for the opening of their brand new Opera House, a glorious spectacle of architectural grandeur, but for the debut of their resident ballet company - the Vienna State Ballet! Can you imagine, darling, opening a new stage AND presenting a dazzling ballet company all in one go? Pure brilliance! They’re kicking off with a show-stopping rendition of Giselle and rumour has it, the lead ballerina is quite simply divine. I’ve got my eye on a stunning hand-painted fan from Vienna’s finest for my collection - it’s just sooo elegant.
Meanwhile, a little closer to home, my love, across the channel in Paris, we have another reason to celebrate. A young French ballet starlet by the name of Louise Chéret makes her Parisian debut, stepping onto the stage at the beautiful Opera Garnier. Chéret, renowned for her delicate artistry and expressive beauty, is already drawing raves, and even has her very own dance piece titled Louise commissioned specifically for her. How divine! Just picture her graceful moves, like butterflies in flight, taking over the Paris Opera, captivating every heart with her skill and charm!
Speaking of Parisian charm, I must absolutely swoon over the sheer brilliance of La Belle Époque! The 1870s are truly an era of style, grace, and innovation. Imagine waltzing through grand ballrooms in luxurious, decadent gowns and shimmering jewels, surrounded by exquisite music. Ballet was practically the ne plus ultra in the salons and grand parties of the era! Every dancer became a muse, every performance a masterpiece. This era, darling, has captured my heart.
Shopping for the Soul
One can’t talk about La Belle Époque without indulging in a bit of shopping, don't you agree? Oh, the fabulous shoes! Parisian shoemakers are making marvels with satin, silk, and delicate embellishments - pure ballet-inspired elegance! They even incorporate ribbons and ruffles in the designs for that extra feminine touch. Don’t even get me started on the sheer magnificence of the opera gloves, the feathery boas, the intricately woven parasols… oh darling, the extravagance of it all!
But what truly steals the show? Pink! The most exquisite shade of rose, vibrant and lively, is taking the world of fashion by storm, from ballet slippers to bonnets. I absolutely had to procure a charming parasol with a lace trim in the most luscious shade of pink - perfect for twirling in Parisian squares!
Time Travelling in Style
The whole affair is simply divine, wouldn’t you say, my darlings? It’s an absolute dream, to be transported back in time and soak up this world of art, fashion, and pure beauty. My little diary is overflowing with snippets of ballet stories and beautiful fashion finds, not to mention a sketch of Louise Chéret, in the act of a graceful, sweeping turn, drawn by none other than my own little hand.
But alas, even a Pink Tutu Time Traveller has to eventually return to the present. As I pull the reins on Magic Meg and wave goodbye to the glamorous 1870s, a faint whisper echoes in my mind, “Don’t forget, dear lovelies, embrace your inner pink, let it bloom in your wardrobe, your attitude, and your every step!"
Until next month, dear hearts, may your twirls be delightful and your smiles as radiant as the ballet stage.
Stay beautiful, stay pink,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
