Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling, ballet-obsessed blogger! This month I'm taking you all on a journey back to July 7th, 1887, and let me tell you, this trip was simply divine!
Now, before I dive into the glittering world of ballet history, let me just say - finding a suitable pink tutu for this trip was a real challenge! Imagine, trying to find something that wouldn't wrinkle after a trip back in time, and wouldn't make me stand out too much. Luckily, I found the most glorious vintage number in a shop near my Derbyshire home. Itâs a soft blush with layers of tulle, practically shimmering like spun sugar.
And Magic Meg, my trusty steed â a pink sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves and a white mane and tail â is positively gleaming today, her coat catching the sunlight. She really is a magnificent creature, perfect for galloping through time!
Speaking of glorious things, our journey this month takes us to Paris! Oh, Paris! A city so enchanting, a veritable haven for the arts, and especially for the most beautiful, expressive form of art â ballet!
Now, Iâll be honest â trying to navigate Parisian streets in the late 1800s is no easy feat, with those horse-drawn carriages flying past at a rapid pace! Thankfully, Magic Meg seems to have a natural instinct for dodging anything that could turn into a chaotic situation. Plus, all those cobblestone streets make it a dream for her!
Our destination? The Palais Garnier â a breathtaking, majestic opera house, built by the remarkable architect Charles Garnier! Just looking at its ornate façade, the sheer scale of its grandeur, and the intricate carvings all around gives me goosebumps! I just wish you all could experience its majesty in person, with its marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, and that incredible sense of history clinging to every corner!
Now, inside this magnificent building, the world of ballet was about to be graced by one of the most iconic names in its history - the inimitable Marius Petipa.
You might be thinking, "Petipa? I haven't heard of him." Oh my dear darlings! Marius Petipa, a Frenchman born in Marseilles but most notably celebrated as a ballet master for the Imperial Ballet of Russia, is considered by many as the father of modern ballet.
And today was all about Petipa and his groundbreaking masterpiece - âLa Bayadèreâ - being performed in this spectacular venue. "La Bayadère," a story about love, betrayal, and ultimately, the strength of true love overcoming even the darkness of death, is an absolutely beautiful spectacle.
As the curtain rose and the orchestra began, the Palais Garnier transformed into a symphony of movement, grace, and beauty. Each step, each pirouette, each arabesque by the dancers was a mesmerizing blend of athleticism and artistry. I felt as though I had stepped into one of my ballet dreams, watching those ballerinas weave their magic onstage. They all wore stunning costumes, their every move creating an unforgettable display of passion and elegance, especially the ethereal, almost mythical âKingdom of the Shadesâ scene with its hauntingly beautiful and fluid movement.
You can't possibly imagine how hard it is to contain my excitement when witnessing a performance of this calibre, with the glorious stage design, the exquisite costumes, and of course, the breathtaking, expressive artistry of each ballerina. Imagine a vast and majestic scene where, in the heart of India, the story of a beautiful temple dancer is unveiled - you get a glimpse of this in the âKingdom of the Shadesâ - you feel transported right to the heart of the performance and its stunning world.
I managed to collect a beautiful antique silk fan and a delicate program for my collection. This trip is proving to be very inspiring. Imagine how grand those sets must have looked lit by the magic of candlelight â I felt a surge of envy.
I think itâs fair to say that July 7th, 1887, will forever be a memorable moment in my ballet history â what a breathtaking day for the artform.
But what is there to be enjoyed in the world of ballet today, I hear you ask?
Oh, my darlings, let me tell you, there's a dazzling amount of shows and performances happening this very minute all around the world, showcasing incredible talents, and offering some dazzling inspiration.
Here are just a few that caught my eye, showcasing the breadth of the ballet world, both traditional and experimental:
The Royal Balletâs production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in London's Royal Opera House: I can almost feel the magic in the air â with this classic ballet.
The Bolshoi Ballet's presentation of âSwan Lakeâ at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow: With this incredibly breathtaking, beautiful story.
The San Francisco Balletâs âGiselle,â a re-telling of a classic tale set in a Parisian hotel room: Itâs thrilling to see classics reimagined! This sounds like an absolute triumph of creativity.
And remember my little loves, while tutus and the ballet world seem utterly captivating in their historical forms, never fear! There's an amazing amount of innovation and experimentation going on today that celebrates tradition while taking dance and the world of performance to breathtaking new heights.
From incredible dance films to cutting-edge contemporary creations, itâs a wonderfully exciting and constantly evolving time for the ballet world â a vibrant world for us all to embrace.
Donât forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest happenings in the ballet world, as well as my fabulous vintage tutu finds!
But thatâs enough talk from this blogger - I must go. The urge to dance is irrepressible and Magic Meg needs to get her hooves a-hoofing! Stay beautiful and wear your tutus proudly my lovelies! Until next time...
