#BalletHistory during 1895 11 November

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back from another dazzling adventure through time, and this time, I've been waltzing through the cobbled streets of Paris in 1895. Can you imagine? I had to keep a firm grip on my pink tutu, dear, it was quite a windy day, and the air felt so full of Parisian joie de vivre - oh, how I do adore France!

As always, my trusty steed, Magic Meg, transported me through the years - she's a magnificent pink sparkly Shire with golden hooves and a snow-white mane and tail, just utterly enchanting! She galloped us straight into the heart of the City of Lights, where we encountered a ballet world so rich, so passionate... just waiting for me to immerse myself in its magic.

This time, I decided to bring my very special, vintage-style leather rucksack along, so I could pack away all the delightful stories and treasures I find during my trips. This is one of the great joys of time travelling - collecting little snippets of history, and this trip has been brimming with discoveries, my darlings.

Firstly, let's talk about the date itself, the 11th of November 1895, a Wednesday, and a day that marked the birth of La Belle Époque, an era that absolutely pulsated with energy and creativity, reflected in everything from art and fashion to music and of course, ballet. Imagine Paris in 1895: the cafes overflowing with laughter, the shops brimming with decadent designs, the theatre halls bursting with elegant crowds and swirling waltzes. It was a time for artistic revolution and breathtaking performances, and you just know I had to experience it for myself!

Now, every good ballerina needs to know what was captivating audiences in the world of ballet on November 11th, 1895! Luckily, dear friends, that day saw a brilliant double bill at the Opera Garnier, the Parisian home of opera and ballet, two fantastic ballets.

First, there was the pas de quatre La Esmeralda by Jules Perrot, featuring the gorgeous ballerina Carlotta Grisi as Esmeralda and the extraordinary male dancer, Lucien Petipa. This piece was all about romance and dramatic artistry - a real tearjerker!

And then, there was another jewel, a ballet d'action, The Fairy's Kiss, a work full of dramatic flourishes and delightful, sparkling costumes. You can imagine me just absolutely loving the outfits!

Parisian ballet fashion in the late 19th century was utterly dreamy. The delicate tutus were incredibly elaborate with ribbons, feathers, and beads, each a piece of art in its own right. It was a feast for the eyes, and, oh my, I couldn't help but imagine how I would look in them! It wouldn't be at all out of place, of course, for a little pink tutu to stand out amongst the vibrant silks and flowing designs of 1895, wouldn't you agree, my dears?

I also discovered how different life in Paris was at this time, my dears. It was an era when the grandes dames of ballet ruled the stage with their grace, and where dancers had to be impeccably trained, and beautifully presented. Of course, it wasn't always easy - I hear tales of long days of rigorous practice, but then again, those ladies knew their craft, they truly were some of the best!

That very evening, I managed to snag a ticket to a soiree (what they call a soirée) at one of Paris's most charming cafes, The Café de la Paix, located on a boulevard. The cafe buzzed with a mix of dancers, writers, and artists. Imagine all the conversations about life, and love, and oh, the ballet! It was like stepping into one of those delightful historical novels, so inspiring!

Now, let me tell you, Paris truly is the City of Light when it comes to pastries! I had a croissant for breakfast and macarons for tea. So decadent! And the buns? Just imagine, my darlings, sweet brioche buns with delicious sugary bits inside - heaven in a bun, if you ask me! I'm thinking I should add these into my pre-performance regime back in Derbyshire, wouldn't that be delightful?!

It was amazing to observe the fashionable women, wearing their beautiful silk gowns and delicate lace hats. I took the liberty of trying on one or two - nothing beats a lovely bonnet on a Parisian afternoon! And imagine, my dear, they were often covered in lovely delicate flowers, so romantic!

## Magical Moments & Memories

Honestly, darling, this trip has just filled me with the most incredible energy. It made me realize the extraordinary power of ballet – how it crosses borders, cultures, even time! I believe we're all a little bit ballerinas inside, yearning to twirl and move gracefully, to connect with the beauty of life through movement and emotion.

Oh, I had so much fun just twirling around in the Place de la Concorde with Magic Meg, all in the shimmering pink tutu that brings so much joy into my heart, the perfect outfit for a magical day in Paris!

Before I knew it, dear friends, the evening arrived, and Magic Meg, that clever horse, brought us safely back to Derbyshire, my own little corner of the world. But even now, I'm still feeling the thrill of my Parisian adventure, the inspiration, the stories that will always fill my ballet rucksack, the little memories that I will carry in my heart for as long as I live. Oh, how I do adore time travelling, my darlings, and how I do adore Paris!

It's true, my friends, Paris really was the ballet capital of the world in 1895. And for me, this trip was the perfect blend of Parisian charm, dancing joy, and timeless style. Remember my friends, a tutu is not just a costume, it's an attitude, a spirit of playfulness and joy that we can all embrace, whatever era we're dancing in!

You know, my dear, the thought just occurred to me - why don't we all start a pink tutu revolution ? I can just imagine it - all those pink twirls and dazzling sequins flooding the world with joy and elegance. And imagine, darling, how fabulous the photographs would be! Maybe that's what my next mission will be!

Until then, stay glamorous and keep your pink tutus at the ready, because you never know where your next magical dance journey might take you!

Don't forget to catch me on the web at www.pink-tutu.com - where we’ll be talking more about our journeys in pink.

Yours in Pink,

Emma