Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels, darlings! Itâs Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad time traveller. This monthâs journey whisks us back to the vibrant, bustling Paris of 1881 â the very heart of ballet history. Grab your favourite pink ribbon, grab a glass of something sparkling and settle in as I recount this utterly enchanting adventure!
This monthâs travel was all about celebrating the ballet, dear readers, and what better place to do so than in the City of Lights, with its iconic opera houses and pulsating energy. I arrived on the 2nd of February, perched upon my fabulous steed, Magic Meg. (Sheâs a shimmering pink Shire with a golden mane, tail, and hooves, and as everyone knows, the pinker, the better!). I can tell you, dear readers, Paris in 1881 was positively alive with the joy of dance! I even heard a delightful rumour, (a tiny bird whispered in my ear) about a new ballerina taking the stage by storm. She was known only as âThe Little Rose.â
Of course, being a responsible traveller, I began with a good olâ fashioned sightseeing trip, and what better place to start than the Palais Garnier â oh, such architectural wonder! The OpĂŠra de Paris itself is truly magnificent, a testament to the sheer creativity of the human spirit. Stepping into its foyer, itâs like entering a scene straight from Swan Lake, but far, far more grand and elegant! It was almost a crime not to twirl for at least three full minutes in its glorious spaces!
Speaking of ballet, this period was awash with dazzling premières, so of course I just had to slip into a captivating, oh so pink theatre seat (one adorned with elaborate brocade, naturally!) for a special performance at the ThÊâtre du Châtelet. The curtain rose, the orchestra tuned up and the excitement bubbled within me! The show? Why, none other than Giselle, the romantic masterpiece, of course! The passion and storytelling, oh, the pure beauty! I couldnât help but notice a couple of little nods to fashion throughout, with exquisite lace and swirling tutus â quite the theatrical treat for this little ballet fashionista.
Then came the ballet, an absolute swoonfest. It seemed as if I had waltzed straight out of a Degas painting! The stage glowed with the sheer power of the ballerinasâ movements. The fluidity, the elegance, it was all so graceful. Of course, I found my self a little stage-door back door ticket. Where better to hear backstage gossip, right?
Oh! You simply must know, dear readers, that even way back in 1881, ballet had its fair share of fascinating figures! We are all too familiar with the stories of those ballet titans like Marius Petipa and the incredible Carl Maria von Weber. But I had the privilege of meeting a woman with such vibrant spirit - one Caroline Fiocre, who became a famed ballerina, all while raising four children. That's dedication to the art, my friends! Now, if that's not inspirational, then I don't know what is!
Paris itself seemed to hum with a joyous symphony of life. The cobblestone streets echoed with the clip clop of horses' hooves and the melodies of street musicians. There was a contagious energy in the air, and every step seemed to propel me into a whirlwind of historical wonder. It is amazing how fashion remains so similar. All those lace and frilly frocks of yesteryear - with the only difference being I'm wearing a little bit more pink than these Paris ladies! I do enjoy collecting a ballet themed memory or two along my travels and with such beauty everywhere, youâd be hard pressed not to pick up an inspired piece of fashion! This monthâs back-pack booty? Well, I snapped up a glorious feather boa, (just like those worn by ballerinas, I bet) in the very latest, très chic blush pink shade, of course!
For my time traveller readers, Paris of 1881, a must visit destination. But take it from a seasoned time traveler, donât just admire the artistry and wonder. Dive head first into the stories that are tucked away within its walls and under the twinkle of Parisian gas lamps. Every story, dear readers, is just waiting for a ballerina like you to bring it to life. And with a final, swirling flourish, remember: the pinker, the better.
Til next month!
Find Emma's blog on the web at www.pink-tutu.com, or join her at the monthly time travelling ballet performance, usually taking place on the second Tuesday of the month. Her last ballet performance raised enough to fund next months' journey back in time. This was her blog post number 2642.
(Please note: The information about ballet performances in February 1881 is not easily found, and the name âThe Little Roseâ is a fictional character.)
