Welcome back, my darling readers, to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month's adventure takes us back to 1881, a glorious time of change and wonder, to a date that holds a very special place in ballet history – the 7th of July. This, dear friends, is the date of the legendary première of "Sylvia, or the Nymph of Diana" at the Paris Opera. Imagine the excitement! Can you feel it, the air buzzing with anticipation for this groundbreaking ballet? It's so infectious, even Magic Meg – my lovely pink sparkling shire horse – can't help but paw the ground excitedly.
For this trip, we've packed our leather rucksack full of new pink ribbon, a vintage lace parasol to shield ourselves from the sun (and a bit of a Parisian drizzle), and, of course, our trusty ballet shoes! You know how much I love a good performance. I can't help myself. As the clock ticks over to the 7th of July 1881, we find ourselves in Paris, ready to immerse ourselves in this exciting period in ballet history.
Let's imagine, darling friends, as we stroll down the bustling streets of Paris. It’s such a spectacle, all around. We can hear the chatter of gentlemen in their top hats, ladies in billowing gowns, children chasing each other through the cobblestone squares… it’s all just so enchanting. We pass charming boulangeries overflowing with tempting pastries, admire the architecture and art nouveau displays in windows… And, my darlings, did I mention the exquisite clothes?! Fashion is just SO much more interesting back then! Imagine! Bustles, frills, velvet… oh the gorgeous colours! You can’t tell me these aren’t worthy of a ballet show. Just like the costumes for Sylvia! Just looking at them makes me want to take a twirl and burst into an impromptu performance.
As for the Paris Opera House, it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Grand staircases, magnificent chandeliers, and of course, the majestic auditorium - oh, the sheer grandeur! Imagine a performance within these walls, bathed in the soft glow of the stage lights... This is where Sylvia, or the Nymph of Diana was brought to life! This is where a young Léon Minkus, the composer, and the famous French choreographer Louis Mérante, first combined their talents to present a story about a young hunter called Aminta, a nymph, Sylvia, who he falls in love with and then... the story unfolds from there. A love story and adventure combined.
This premiere wasn't just a theatrical event, my darlings. It was a ballet-filled night of celebration, of new creations, a ballet to savour! It was the debut of a ballet destined for the history books, for our beautiful ballet storybook! The audience buzzed with excitement as the curtain rose. And can you just imagine that glorious dance between Sylvia and Aminta, full of such drama and romance. How exciting must it have been, to watch this ballet dance to life!
Even better, we could peek into the greenroom and get a glimpse behind the scenes – meeting the dancers and feeling that creative spark that brings ballet to life! The dedication to their craft! Just to watch those graceful steps as they warmed up in their tutus was amazing, even if, of course, they were not pink (but I’m going to start working on them.)
Oh, my dears! I just can't get over the thrill of this time travel journey! A chance to see the première of Sylvia! Even with Magic Meg's impressive size and dazzling golden hooves – attracting a few questioning stares – it was all worth it. But let's talk tutus, darlings! You all know I can’t resist a fabulous tutu, so of course, I've been snapping photographs and taking notes on every fabulous frock and ballet skirt I’ve spotted!
Parisian fashions are just divine, with beautiful colours and designs! And, the tutus – just spectacular. Delicate layers of tulle and lace, delicate embroideries, the soft colours. Just heavenly! This period's fashion is certainly making my heart flutter!
One can't discuss Paris 1881 without a moment for Madame Pauline Grégoire - a lady known as “The Fairy Godmother of ballet" who just made me so proud. It seems she designed some truly beautiful costumes. With the ballet booming, costume designers were also bursting onto the scene. Such talented women.
This is just a little peek, dear friends, into my amazing journey to the world of ballet back in 1881. The magic of ballet, it seems, transcends time. This world will forever enthral me! So next time you’re taking a walk and fancy an elegant, enchanting trip back to the 1880’s - try slipping on a pink tutu, and imagine yourself joining the crowd at that stunning Opera House. Who knows what treasures you might uncover.
This has been your friendly, pink-loving ballerina blogger Emma, and I'll be posting again next month! If you like what you see and fancy following me on Instagram or Twitter you’ll find me there - it's @PinkTutuTimeTravel - and of course, head on over to www.pink-tutu.com for more pink tutu stories and historical adventures.
Now, off to hunt down a perfect pink tutu, suitable for my next ballet-filled time travel journey! Until next time, darlings! 💖
