Hello my lovely ballerina bunnies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, Pink Tutu Time Travels. I'm Emma, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed ballerina blogger, and this is post number 2886, coming to you live from... well, this month, let's journey to the magical, mesmerising Paris of 1901!
Buckle up your dancing shoes, because I'm feeling super sparkly this month, especially since I've just emerged from a whirlwind of tutus and Parisian fashion! Yes, my lovely readers, this month saw me hop aboard my trusty pink steed, Magic Meg, a majestic Shire with a mane of spun gold, hooves like sparkling diamonds, and a whole lotta love for twirling. We journeyed back to the turn of the century, where Parisian charm, a touch of decadent glamour, and some rather delightful ballet productions awaited us!
Now, if you're a regular visitor to my site, you know how much I adore the era of Belle Époque. Paris at the time was simply bursting with artistic energy, and that vibrancy certainly extended to the ballet scene! We had The Grand Opera dominating the scene, of course, but the independent companies were flourishing too. And darling, the costumes were a vision in pink, lavender, and those exquisite silk tulles! Just imagine it – swirling tulle and exquisite lace, all beautifully highlighted with twinkling diamante. Pure magic!
Speaking of the Grand Opera, on the 6th June 1901, we witnessed a truly extraordinary performance: "The Wedding of Aurora", the enchanting final act of the beautiful Sleeping Beauty. A symphony of movement, captivating artistry, and sheer technical skill - the ballerina's precision was simply astounding, with a stunning climax showcasing the iconic "Rose Adagio" that took my breath away! Honestly, it was so enchanting, even Magic Meg was napping quietly in the stalls with her eyes closed!
As always, after the performance, a delicious dinner followed at the most enchanting little bistro, tucked away in a Parisian backstreet, adorned with climbing roses and the sweet scent of freshly baked bread. You wouldn't believe the array of delectable desserts! All washed down with a glass of pink champagne, naturally. After all, we ballerinas deserve a little luxury, wouldn't you agree?
The next day was all about fashion and frivolity. I, of course, just had to try on a few gorgeous Parisian gowns! We started at "The House of Worth", where I almost fainted at the sight of a magnificent ivory silk dress, heavily embellished with intricate lace. My goodness, I felt like a true Parisian princess, all swish and twirl! I then took a jaunt to the renowned department store, Galeries Lafayette. Can you even imagine a ballerina's dream shopping paradise filled with breathtaking fashions and stunning millinery? Oh, my dear readers, I practically broke my credit limit just with the sheer desire to purchase the entire shop! I could not resist some stunning antique lace for my own tutu creations back home, of course.
Now, the main reason I wanted to journey to this period was not just the breathtaking dance and fashion – it was a chance to soak up the magic of Isadora Duncan! If you don't know, this visionary artist was defying conventional ballet and reinventing dance, bringing movement from the studio and into the realm of expression! Seeing her barefoot, flowing movement was such an inspiration, and her freedom from the rigid constraints of classical ballet truly made me question how we might be interpreting dance in this century! It was truly a captivating experience, watching her performance in the intimate Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier.
Of course, after indulging in such beautiful and passionate artistry, my backpack now boasts an array of souvenirs: an embroidered tulle skirt, a feather boa (a little bit kitsch, but perfect for adding a touch of Parisian glamour to my outfits!), and a handwritten programme from "The Wedding of Aurora" performance. It was all so wonderful that I even managed to jot down some sketches in my ballerina notebook! I’m so excited to bring back the fashion ideas to inspire new designs and maybe some new ballet pieces, for the Pink Tutu Performance Society, who I dance with in Derbyshire, of course.
I must say, my heart felt full with Parisian charm. But now, it's time to pack away my dancing shoes and prepare for my next magical escapade! Until next month, my darlings, keep dancing, keep sparkling, and keep dreaming pink!
**With twirling love,
Emma, Pink Tutu Time Traveller**
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. I've recently opened an online boutique on my site called The Pink Tutu Closet, showcasing vintage dance costumes from the most magnificent periods in history. Take a peek if you are wanting to step back in time with me!
