Blog Post #2742
Bonjour from your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller! It's me, Emma, reporting live from... wait for it... the 1889 Paris Exposition! I've left my Derbyshire home once again, hopping onto the back of my beloved Magic Meg – the most gorgeous, pink-sparkling Shire horse with a mane and tail like spun gold! We travelled in style, naturally, her golden hooves clicking merrily along the cobblestone streets as we arrived in the City of Lights just in time for this incredible event.
The Exposition is unlike anything I've ever seen before, bursting with colour, architecture, and incredible inventions. The Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold – so impossibly tall and majestic, it seems to touch the clouds! And it’s everywhere I look, a constant reminder of this magical, vibrant time. But of course, we’re here for the ballet!
I’ve donned my new blush pink tutu – perfect for strolling the Exposition’s grand avenues. Ahem, you’re thinking – a pink tutu at the Exposition? Yes, darling, pink was everywhere in 1889! Imagine an explosion of beautiful, vibrant pinks - from salmon and cherry to lavender and rose! It was just divine. My pink tutu? It fit right in!
Speaking of divine, the ballet scene in 1889 was all about grandeur! I’ve been indulging in several magnificent performances at the Opéra Garnier, a gorgeous theatre where I saw the exquisite choreography of the famed Marius Petipa. The atmosphere is simply electrifying - so full of romance and drama!
The ballerinas in this era are something else, with their delicate tutus and graceful movements, they appear almost ethereal. But the best part? It's all about technique and artistry! No extravagant jumps or over-the-top theatrics. It’s pure, exquisite movement, leaving you breathless. My trusty leather rucksack is overflowing with fascinating dance programs and sketches I found at a delightful Parisian art shop. I simply adore collecting the snippets of ballet history that add depth to my understanding of the dance!
While the Exposition buzzes with excitement, I’ve had time to indulge in some serious fashion inspiration! I must say, Parisian fashion in 1889 is truly magnificent! They embrace exquisite elegance with beautiful gowns adorned with lace and ribbons, hats adorned with flowers and feathers – and the shoes! The shoes are everything! The colours are divine, the embellishments, ah… I could go on and on. It's truly an era of chic and femininity!
Of course, my fashion diary is overflowing with inspiration. You can bet that some 1889 elegance will make an appearance on pink-tutu.com very soon! Maybe I’ll even incorporate a touch of this fabulous era into a future costume! Think tutus inspired by the iconic Parisian women of 1889! Swoon!
However, I wouldn’t be a true ballerina-blogger without mentioning what I’ve discovered about ballet specifically:
- The French Ballet Academy was celebrating its tenth anniversary this year – a truly impressive feat! They’re a powerhouse of dance, influencing ballet in Europe and beyond.
- The Opera Garnier, a breathtaking piece of architecture, is bursting with exciting performances, including "The Sleeping Beauty, a ballet that has swept across Europe!" – the rumour is, there’s talk of an upcoming world tour! I'm dying to see it!
- Did you know August Bournonville, a Danish choreographer, was in Paris this year? A master of his craft, his influence on Danish ballet is unmistakable, but he's spreading the love across Europe!
It seems that ballet is everywhere, growing in leaps and bounds, reaching ever wider audiences – exactly what this tutu-wearing traveller wishes for! The world is starting to understand the magic and power of dance.
And who knows, maybe someday, a pink tutu will be worn in every ballet class around the globe. Just imagine the sight – a wave of vibrant, elegant tutus – all reminding the world of the pure, beautiful, joyous power of dance!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo
