Hello lovelies, it's Emma from your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller! The calendar whispers March 3rd, 1899, and guess where I've ended up? Cue the sparkling fanfare It's the Belle Époque in Paris, darlings, a period positively dripping with artistry, elegance and a passion for the fabulous! This time travel adventure took Magic Meg and me on a whirlwind tour across the Channel - oh, my rucksack is positively bulging with new stories and treasures from my journey!
Now, let's be honest, there's nothing more enchanting than a Parisian ballet in full bloom. So, I just had to put on my most gorgeous pink tutu, you know, the one with the gossamer tulle and glittering sequins. It practically sparkles like the chandeliers at the Opera! I always say, a little pink magic makes everything more exciting, especially time travel, wouldn't you agree?
Speaking of time travel, how exciting is this! Just this year, the Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique, the one with the magnificent glass façade and chandeliers twinkling like a million stars, was just renovated and reopened. You know, I always dreamed of being a Parisian ballerina, gracefully swirling through that space, every move mirroring the glittering glass panels. Can you imagine? Absolutely exquisite!
The 3rd of March in 1899 wasn’t just about opera houses, though, darling. In London, it was all about theatres! That evening, The Haymarket Theatre in London played host to "The Marriage of Kitty," starring the ever-talented Cyril Maude. And did you know, there were already talks of "The Marriage of Kitty" being staged at the New Theatre at Oxford? So much to see, so little time, you know!
While we're in the land of fabulousness, I simply had to find a local boutique, a tiny shop crammed with lace, silks, and exquisite ribbons! They had the most delightful velvet sashes – the perfect accent to my pink tutu for any evening out, wouldn't you agree? Oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the treasures I've collected for my backpacker ballet collection - imagine, little ballet slippers from the 1890s, dainty bonnets worn by ladies attending the opera, a gorgeous feather boa that must have been worn by a famous dancer at the Belle Époque - it's practically bursting with history!
You see, darlings, ballet's beauty lies not only in the graceful steps, but in its historical context too. That's why my passion for this time travel is so important to me. The story of ballet is full of intricate movements, daring feats, and beautiful stories, each one worth sharing and celebrating!
So, do you have your favourite ballet outfit ready, my lovely readers? Remember, you don't have to travel to Paris or London to embrace the enchantment. I bet your ballet studio has something equally charming and whimsical. Just put on your best tutu and twirl, like a tiny pink blossom dancing in the spring breeze. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Celebrating the magic of ballet and spreading a little pink happiness along the way!
Catch you next month with a new post and another exciting journey through time. Keep twirling, lovelies!
Lots of love,
Emma
