Hello my darling darlings, and welcome to Pink Tutu Time Travels! Today, on our little website at www.pink-tutu.com, we are waltzing back to 10th October 1916 – it's post number 3070! This time, we’re leaving our beloved Derbyshire behind, hopping onto Magic Meg, our dazzling pink shire horse with golden hooves and a mane and tail as white as freshly fallen snow, and flying to Paris! Can you imagine, a Parisian soiree? Oh, I simply cannot wait!
Now, it’s true that in 1916, Europe was in the middle of a terrible war. The Great War was sweeping through Europe, bringing devastation and hardship. But you know, ballet is an art of joy and beauty, and even in the darkest times, it shines a light, bringing peace and escape to those who seek it.
So, where was the ballet world humming with excitement on this very date? Why, Paris, of course! This city has always been the heart of dance and fashion, and even during the war, its theatres continued to hold audiences captivated by the grace and artistry of ballet.
One such theatre, the Opéra Garnier, which with its dazzling architecture and gilded interiors has to be my favourite opera house EVER! (Let’s be honest, there’s never been another like it!) On this day, they were staging a magnificent revival of "La Esmeralda", the dramatic, romantic story of the alluring gypsy girl and the young and passionate poet. My darling, just the thought of this spectacle gives me shivers of excitement! I can almost feel the weight of the dramatic story, the swirling dances, the colourful costumes, all wrapped up in the grandeur of this iconic Parisian theatre.
And let’s not forget the fashion! Paris, as always, is brimming with style and elegance, even in wartime. While wartime rationing and the ongoing war meant simpler fabrics and minimal use of colour, Paris was still bursting with stunning ideas!
Think feminine silhouettes with the famous Parisian influence of longer skirts (as the shorter skirts of the Belle Epoque were replaced by a new longer length), fitted bodices and frilled lace collars. It was all about timeless beauty. The key look was elegance, femininity and sophistication, with accents like bows, a bit of ruche, a splash of black, and the occasional bit of lace for extra drama. It's all rather beautifully romantic, isn't it? I'm imagining my own pink tulle tutu shimmering under the Paris sky. Oh, to have lived for this Parisian soirée, where we'd all dance under a beautiful velvet-starry sky... Oh darling, do you agree that pink tulle would have been absolutely perfect in Paris on this date?!
I’ve already started planning my time travel wardrobe for this one, but I'm always open to your suggestions. And just imagine what gorgeous Parisian dance accessories and memorabilia I’ll add to my leather rucksack! My collection will be bursting at the seams! I'm already picturing delicate dance shoes in shades of silver and a delicate lace shawl to tie around my shoulders. My ballet memories are already brimming. I'll be posting those in my new Pink Tutu Travel Journal as soon as we get back!
I love these time travels to the heart of the ballet world! It’s so inspiring! I can’t wait to tell you all about the wonders of the Paris of 1916. It’s so fascinating to learn about the world’s connection with ballet and the extraordinary impact this beautiful dance art had even during the most challenging times. And you know me, darling! This is just the start. Soon, I will have you all dancing in a pink tutu! And until next time, please keep all your pink tutus in good order, as we are on the brink of a very busy time travel month, my dears!
Love,
Emma xoxox
