Hello darling dancers, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It’s October 10th, and this month I’m whisking you off to the magical Paris of 1890. It's such an exciting period for ballet – and, of course, for fashion!
As you all know, my beloved Magic Meg and I are passionate about ballet. It’s our mission to spread the joy of the dance, to celebrate the exquisite beauty of tutus, and to share the wonderful world of ballet history with you all. And you're gonna adore this little snippet from history!
The weather in Paris is just delightful this time of year, a touch of crispness in the air with golden leaves twirling through the city's famous boulevards. You just know we’ll be needing that special little pink sparkle! And darling, my darling Magic Meg, she knows how to make an entrance – she shimmers and shines as we trot through the city!
Oh, before I get sidetracked (because a pink tutu and Parisian boutiques – is it even possible to stay on topic?), let me tell you what I’ve unearthed about the ballet scene in Paris on this day in 1890!
The Opera Garnier is bustling with excitement for their latest production: “Le Roi de Lahore,” by the one and only Massenet. The production is absolutely grand! The costumes, the sets, everything is bursting with opulence! This opera had the perfect blend of drama and music, making it a real hit. You know me, a drama queen at heart!
But let's take a peek at the world beyond the Opera Garnier. On this very date in 1890, the famous "Folies Bergère" (don’t be shocked at the name - it’s just French!) was holding one of its incredible ballet spectacles! I hear it’s scandalous! The “Folies Bergère” was all the rage – a riot of colour, music, and dance. My dearest dancers, picture this: the dazzling costumes, the playful can-can routines – this was Paris nightlife in its full glory. You simply must add a trip here to your ballet travel bucket list, darlings!
But it’s not all about the dazzling big performances, though. In the city’s smaller, more intimate dance halls, ballets in the Russian style are becoming increasingly popular. Ballet lovers are going wild for the dazzling footwork, the grace and athleticism. I must say, these Russians certainly know how to move!
Speaking of movements, oh, you would adore the dance salons in Paris in 1890! The elegance! The ladies with their delicate silks and the gentlemen in their formal suits. It was simply enchanting to see! You can bet I made the most of these fabulous occasions. The waltz and the polka - they danced until dawn!
My darlings, I’ve been learning all about this time period, and honestly, I could talk about it for hours. Let me tell you, there's an electric excitement surrounding ballet that really took my breath away. People are fascinated by its beauty and the artfulness of the movements. I absolutely love seeing everyone so passionately engrossed in this magical artform.
My Fashion Musings
Naturally, I wouldn't leave you without some Parisian fashion notes! It's all about big skirts with yards and yards of frills. Think elegant bonnets, delicate gloves, and the most captivating jewellery. I absolutely adore the elaborate lace, the exquisite embroidery. I must say, my Parisian visit sparked so many ideas for my pink tutu!
But it's the delicate detailing in these outfits that really makes my heart flutter. Just imagine a satin bustle, trimmed with delicate velvet, with sparkling jewels. These gowns truly made you feel like a ballerina. It's a perfect blend of romanticism and elegance. The gowns themselves were just as impressive as any tutu, truly works of art!
I just can't get over the elegance of the time. It’s not only the beautiful clothing and jewellery but the way everyone carries themselves. There's a grace and confidence in every movement – which I found truly inspiring.
Pink Tutu Inspiration
Oh my dears, I know what you’re all thinking. “How does she fit all this into her pink tutu?” Honestly, it's not the tutu, it’s the special rucksack. I always pack this rucksack when I travel, with plenty of space for the beautiful ballet stories I find!
I have collected the most magnificent ballet pamphlets! One particular one, with a beautiful ballerina gracefully twirling in the middle, has the words, “Ballet: The Art of Grace and Beauty,” written on the front.
I’m going to spend some time in my little pink tutu paradise in Derbyshire today to unpack and study them. They’ll be the basis for some very special upcoming tutu posts!
I do hope this trip to 1890 has been an absolute delight! Remember, darlings, that ballet, just like our beautiful pink tutus, will always be in fashion! Keep those twirling toes moving and share your ballet stories with the world! And as always, let's keep on making the world a little pinker, one tutu at a time.
Don’t forget to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest ballet adventures, and subscribe for your monthly dose of pink tutu magic!
Until next time, darling dancers!
Emma 💖
