Oh, darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! I'm Emma, your resident ballerina extraordinaire, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be taking you all on a journey through time, all wrapped up in a fabulous pink tutu of course. It's the 2nd of February, 1909, and the air is positively buzzing with excitement! Can you believe we're stepping into the Edwardian Era? Buckle up, dears, because this trip is going to be absolutely divine.
This month, my lovely pink-sparkling steed, Magic Meg, has whisked us toā¦drum roll pleaseā¦ Paris! Ah, Paris! The city of love, of fashion, ofā¦ ballet, naturally. Imagine all the enchanting cobblestone streets, the charming cafĆ©s filled with artistic souls, and, of course, the incredible theatres! The perfect setting for an absolute dream of a time travel escapade, if you ask me.
Speaking of dream escapes, Iām quite giddy at the thought of my latest fashion discovery: The Crinoline Tutus! Imagine, darlings, the most beautiful and billowing tulle skirts with delicate embellishments. Just think of the graceful, whimsical dances these creations would allow. We have to give credit to Carlotta Grisi for this delightful invention, itās a true marvel. It makes you twirl with the effortless grace of a feather caught in a summer breeze!
Before we delve into the heart of Parisian ballet, let me fill you in on the latest happenings from around the globe. London's Covent Garden is all a-buzz with the delightful āGiselleā starring none other than the enchanting Adeline GenĆ©e. Iām desperate to experience her effortless performance firsthand, to catch a glimpse of the iconic leaps and graceful arabesques that have captivated audiences for years! And speaking of London, don't forget to catch a performance at The Empire Theatre, their vaudeville acts and beautiful music hall are always a pleasure.
And what's on the other side of the channel in Paris? Letās visit The OpĆ©ra Garnier! The grand building is not just a sight to behold, itās the birthplace of some truly incredible ballet masterpieces. Currently on the bill is the legendary āLa Sylphide', with Anna Pavlova stealing the stage with her exquisite grace and otherworldly moves! Imagine those famous ethereal leaps that seemingly defy gravity, she is quite the mesmerizing performer. This enchanting ballet will transport us all to another realm, Iām just longing to hear that iconic waltz!
It's all quite fascinating to see ballet evolve across the globe, isn't it, dears? One minute youāre admiring the traditional French style with their structured elegance and dramatic expressions and the next, youāre experiencing the sheer lightness and fluidity of the Russian ballet. Each style brings something unique and captivating to the art form.
But now, letās focus on this trip's exciting discovery! My vintage finds: The thrill of the hunt is always exciting. While wandering the beautiful Paris streets, I stumbled upon the most enchanting antique store. The antique books on dancing, oh my! The details and the diagrams within the pages are so detailed, it's simply exquisite! Of course, I had to secure some exquisite dance ephemera. How could I possibly leave without them?
First up, my rucksack now boasts some vintage theatre programmes with the most captivating covers - featuring elegant ballerinas with long flowing skirts and exquisite jewelry. These are so reminiscent of those grand, majestic ballerinas, just oozing that theatrical charm. There was a stunning dance programme with the āPaquitaā design, which just had me absolutely smitten. Next, imagine my delight when I found an antique box filled with an exquisite collection of vintage costume jewellery! Think twinkling crystal, silver pearls, and some delightful velvet ribbons, ready to add an extra sprinkle of charm to my own tutu creations. It will look simply divine at the next performance. Finally, imagine my glee when I uncovered a little notebook filled with handwritten ballet notations. Oh the stories those little notes hold! The notes are full of interesting techniques, a few historical anecdotes and snippets of dances from yesteryear. I cannot wait to share them with all of you.
The pink tutu brigade and I were delighted to attend a luncheon at La Maison du Ballet. Such a treat! Thereās just something incredibly sophisticated and elegant about enjoying French cuisine surrounded by passionate dance enthusiasts. Imagine being surrounded by such talent! The afternoon was filled with delightful conversation about all things dance, punctuated with the sounds of the famous "French waltz.ā I discovered so many lovely ballet studios and quaint little bookshops hidden amongst the bustling Paris streets. The city truly oozes charm and history!
Oh dears! Youād think a mere ballet performance would end my adventures for this trip but noooo, there is more! After a wonderful ballet at LāOpera Garnier ā filled with the most exhilarating jumps, beautiful turns, and delicate extensions - I managed to snag an impromptu tea with Miss Lillian Gish! Imagine, my darling! This theatrical goddess had her first role in a vaudeville performance! She shared some captivating stories of her journey from humble beginnings in Ohio to making it in the world of entertainment. She even showed me some of the costumes from her early plays! You see dears, my time-traveling adventures are more than just ballet! I'm soaking up all that the period has to offer, and the history is simply captivating!
Until next time dears, continue to embrace your love of dance and let your own unique sparkle shine through. Remember to twirl with grace and always, always, keep dancing!
P.S. Donāt forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com to view the gorgeous ballet finds from my travels, itās sure to be full of pink tulle, gorgeous photos and lots of ballet inspiration! šš©°
