Post 2836
Hello my lovely tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where pink is the new black, tutus are the new trend, and ballet is the language of the soul!
Today, I’m whisking us back to the elegant and romantic year of 1897, the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. As a little girl, I adored Queen Victoria. She was so much like the embodiment of ballet; steadfast, dignified, a little dramatic, always immaculately dressed - a queen in a pink tutu if you will! Today, let’s see if I can unearth any stories to prove I am not simply being a little dramatic!
You can imagine my delight when, riding on the back of my trusty, oh-so-pink shimmering steed, Magic Meg (did I mention her hooves are pure gold? Absolutely exquisite!), I found myself at the Grand Theatre in Bordeaux. It was a sight to behold! This was the date that La Source, a new ballet from the Paris Opera Ballet made its premiere. The story is a whimsical romance with a story inspired by a famous painting. The stage was set, and the performers took their bows. I can’t imagine a more elegant and charming setting. It’s amazing how little some things really change; today the stars are all clamouring for their instagram posts, but the magic of that first night and those nervous curtain calls is the same.
And I was on the front row! My heart a flutter! I can tell you I was giddy with excitement. The story is a bit complicated; it’s about a goddess who falls in love with a human boy - of course a romance - but then gets banished to the forest as a punishment… ouch. Thankfully, things end well. But my absolute favourite part was La Source’s iconic waltz, set in the woods, as she, the now forest nymph, and a handsome hunter are enraptured by each other. Oh! And don't even get me started on the costumes, a cascade of silks and lace with a palette of creams, blues and soft pink. Such romantic beauty!
Speaking of costumes… the ballerina, who I’m guessing must be called Mlle. T. - you just know a name this good has to be a beautiful ballerina, right? - is truly captivating! It was during the third act that she truly captured my attention, she performed in a costume which you just have to picture: a perfectly cut silk pink bodice with lace trimming, matching bloomers with a cascading tulle skirt, all finished off with a delicate spray of lavender in her hair… just darling, and I don’t use that word lightly!
The perfect inspiration for this month’s pink tutu. Why? Because this is the perfect blend of elegance, whimsy and beauty.
There is also something special about being transported through time to a performance. And this date, April 4th, I believe you would agree is just the most special date, as it commemorates Queen Victoria’s birthday. It has to be noted her diamond jubilee was only four months later, and the ballet world truly did have a taste of that celebratory sparkle and delight…
After Bordeaux, Magic Meg galloped me straight over to the Vienna State Opera. I love it how time really seems to disappear and that is the beauty of time travel… we just teleport into time - Magic Meg can move that fast, don't you just adore her? It’s just another day at the office, I suppose!
On this date the celebrated Giselle made her Vienna debut… now who doesn’t love a story of love, deception and despair?! What would a ballet season be without a classic? It’s as if we just step into the classic and elegant waltz!
My lovely reader, did you know that a ballerina on stage is wearing something special: point shoes? It may seem simple, but they were so elegant with that light touch. Imagine how those talented dancers perfected such small items, that detail… just fascinating!
Speaking of perfection… Vienna’s performance really took the breath away with a simple and striking elegance in the performance of the beautiful Marie Taglioni. You know what I like best about her style? She’s graceful. And powerful. It’s not a ‘Look at me’ performance. She just simply floats effortlessly across the stage. It is no surprise she was crowned the ballet legend of her time. No doubt the audiences were all simply captivated.
My, but this is such a whirlwind day - did I tell you about the real reason I came to Austria? You see, I love a bit of opera – no one quite does it like the Viennese, you must visit if you’re in Vienna! The Vienna State Opera - a jewel of classical grandeur! That’s the real gem - if we’re discussing ‘gem’ I will leave you to draw your own conclusion about the glittering jewels adorned upon the costumes - pure brilliance, darling. You must try it for yourself. But I cannot give too much away about this experience… the secrets I am gathering will need to wait until next months’ blog!
If you haven’t joined me yet in my adventures with pink tutus, get on it, lovelies. You can find me here at www.pink-tutu.com. We’re more than just tutus, we're a community, we’re all about exploring history in style! Join me on the next journey… I’m always seeking out those little gems! Until then, dance your heart out in your pinkest of tutus and enjoy the beautiful dance that life has to offer!
XOXO Emma
Emma's Little Pink-Tutu Diary:
My darling reader…
I must say - as I prepare my bag and a light afternoon tea for tomorrow’s travels, this trip was simply glorious. I may have returned without any real treasures from the Vienna State Opera… well except the Giselle programme (you should see it darling – absolutely divine!)… however I did take my new pink sparkly tutu into the Royal Court of Vienna - Magic Meg knows a trick or two about finding those special moments! And to see those magnificent women and men all dressed in velvet, lace, gold and jewels...it’s as if they just stepped out of the paintings I love - so exquisite!
In the bag of historical delights I acquired this month… just for you - my readers! I found a wonderful book about Vienna’s dance scene, some silk from Vienna - such lovely soft shades of pink… and a pamphlet from La Source’s premiere… well I would be rude not to add that to my collection! It has already gone in my archive with a little pink ribbon… don’t you adore it?
The perfect souvenir for a wonderful ballet month in history! Oh my! It was truly wonderful.
And now… off to find another exciting new chapter of the pink-tutu journey!
See you soon
Emma
