Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the annals of ballet history. December has always been a magical month for dance lovers, but this December in particular took me straight to the heart of Parisian fashion and creativity. And yes, my pink tutu, of course! It's the ultimate time travelling outfit, and nothing less will do!
Now, where do I start? Picture this: I'm riding my darling Magic Meg, the pink sparkling Shire horse, with a little nip in the air and the promise of adventure in the frosty air. She's a vision, with those gorgeous golden hooves, white mane and tail - she knows just how much I love to feel like I'm in a fairy tale. And off we gallop to 1922!
My heart always races with anticipation, but this trip felt special. Why? Because we landed right in the middle of Paris' famed Théatre des Champs-Élysées. You could say the scent of creativity hung in the air - it's like the world just took a deep, collective breath for a spectacular performance.
Oh my! Let me tell you, this theatre is something else. Just the grand, glamorous exterior sets the stage for something extraordinary. It's no surprise it's attracted some of the most famous ballerinas and choreographers in history. But hold your tutus, this is about the real stars of the day!
Today, 12th December 1922, we're here to see The Ballets Russes, a truly legendary company founded by Serge Diaghilev. If you don't know this name already, then I suggest adding it to your "to-be-loved" ballet list. This company didn't just perform - they revolutionised the very idea of ballet!
From exotic costumes to mind-blowing choreography, Diaghilev and his dancers weren't content to just dance; they painted a vibrant tapestry of music, art and storytelling, with their dancers at the centre of the action. They challenged everything that was thought to be ballet and made the art form bigger, bolder, and more magnetic than ever before.
We settled into our seats and watched as the lights dipped. What followed was a whirlwind of expression, with every dancer like a flame that ignited the theatre's energy. The costumes were simply exquisite, each one like a painted poem coming to life. They were exuberant, romantic, and had this air of whimsy that simply had me enchanted.
My rucksack was overflowing with sketches, fabric scraps and notes! It's just such a joy to catch a glimpse into this fascinating world where ballet was being redefined. Each performance is a treasure trove, offering a glimpse into how people felt, what moved them and how they understood beauty in that time.
But of course, no Parisian trip is complete without a dash of shopping! Oh, the delight! Imagine the cobbled streets lined with shops selling gorgeous fabrics and costumes - the perfect place for a ballerina with an insatiable hunger for inspiration!
There are these little boutiques selling the most exquisite ballet shoes, slippers, and ribbons in all the colors you can imagine. Even a ballet fan like me is simply swept off her feet by the elegance of these items.
The fashion is simply divine - sleek lines, shimmering sequins, a bit of feather here, a touch of velvet there. And then there are the hats! You wouldn't believe the creative cap designs in the shop windows - with feathers, lace and ribbons galore. But, nothing is quite as breathtaking as the sight of the beautiful French ladies in their long flowing gowns. Elegant, stylish and full of life, it makes you want to pirouette into every single shop!
But darling, there’s no denying that my absolute favourite part of this whole adventure was sitting with a cup of hot chocolate in a quaint Parisian cafe, absorbing the energy of this vibrant city. The people were warm and welcoming and the sound of French in the air made me feel as if I were waltzing in a timeless, charming film.
Paris has a magic about it that seems to weave its way through your soul. From the grandeur of the theatre to the whimsical delights of the boutiques - I just couldn’t help but fall head over heels in love with the spirit of this historic, enchanting city.
As always, I’m already longing for the next adventure! You can find me back at my desk now, dreaming of the next chapter, dreaming of dancing in pink tutus across the world and, of course, making sure everyone has at least one tutu of their very own.
Join me for another trip through the ages on www.pink-tutu.com!
