#BalletHistory during 1937 05 May

Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! Emma here, back from another exhilarating time-travelling escapade. This month, Magic Meg and I galloped our way to the enchanting city of Paris, on the 5th of May, 1937, to witness the breathtaking ballet scene. I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share this whirlwind of history and twirling magic with you all!

This is post number 3317 on my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where I chronicle my extraordinary journeys through time, fueled by the magic of ballet and a touch of pink magic dust! Just a quick reminder - if you're ever in need of some glittery joy, you can find me performing in London's West End - every ticket sold helps me keep Magic Meg in her sparkling shire horse form, ready for our next exciting escapade.

I had been absolutely yearning for a trip to the City of Lights! So, imagine my delight as we arrived in Paris – the air thrumming with the melody of street musicians, the sights a symphony of vibrant colours, and the scent of freshly baked croissants wafting through the air.

I quickly donned my latest vintage-inspired creation - a blush pink tutu adorned with sparkling crystals, and paired it with a cream satin jacket for a touch of Parisian elegance. It's a look that never fails to turn heads! (Especially in Paris, where fashion is an art form in itself!) Magic Meg, gleaming like a pink pearl under the Parisian sun, looked like she was straight out of a fairytale! She might have hooves made of gold, but she has a surprisingly delicate touch with her steps – especially important in the cobbled streets of Paris!

Our first stop was the breathtaking Grand Palais - an architectural marvel showcasing the grandest of art exhibitions. However, on this day, we were graced with the presence of ballet! The air hummed with anticipation as the Paris Opera Ballet prepared to take the stage.

You know, darling, ballet in the 1930s had such an incredible, elegant, and powerful feel to it! They were just coming out of the Romantic period, where storytelling was such a key part of the dance. There was an incredible grace to the moves, the dancers telling beautiful stories through their movements. The dancers - they looked absolutely stunning in their elegant, flowing tutus, their movements so delicate yet expressive, a veritable masterpiece of artistry! The music, Oh! it just swept me away into the beauty of the piece.

Two names shone brightly amongst the performers: The graceful, legendary dancer, Margot Fonteyn! You simply had to see her dance, her body, seemingly effortless as she navigated each intricate step and graceful pirouette. Her artistry was awe-inspiring - every gesture, a brushstroke on the canvas of emotions.

Then there was the majestic Serge Lifar, a Ukrainian prince turned dancer who had become the Ballet Master of the Paris Opera Ballet, with such passion in his eyes and an electrifying power to his moves. It was quite the treat! It felt like magic, a pure enchantment to be caught up in their incredible talents, to be part of that history, to understand how impactful it all was.

Oh, how I wished I could share with you the story told that day - "La Princesse de Navarre" (The Princess of Navarre) by Jean Françaix. It was based on a delightful ballet that premiered in Paris in 1916, which is the year I first donned my pink tutu! (How wonderful is that?!) This revival in 1937 brought a fresh, contemporary vision to a classic ballet, while still retaining its heart and charm.

Even now, the elegant dancers pirouette through my mind's eye as I write. The sheer artistry! It made me want to pack my rucksack and visit this grand theatre for myself in a flash of magic pink dust. Perhaps I should.

It wasn't all grand theatre and renowned dancers. My visit wouldn't have been complete without a stop at some of the adorable vintage fashion stores. Paris, with its love of beauty and chic styles, truly lives up to its title of the Fashion Capital!

Imagine my glee as I stumbled upon a Parisian atelier full of gorgeous pink materials - velvets, silks, satins! And those feathers, oh those feathers! I scooped up enough to make at least two new pink tutus - a bright flamingo pink and a dusty rose. Even my vintage shopping was inspired by ballet! (This is why my ballet history and ballet fashion blogs go hand in hand - and trust me, it all blends together wonderfully.)

My trip to 1937 Paris was an unforgettable ballet journey. The sheer talent on display, the intoxicating atmosphere, and the inspiring sense of artistry simply blew me away.

Of course, you know I can't forget to thank you all, my loyal readers, for joining me on this adventure! As you know, you help make these journeys possible! So keep spreading that pink magic dust, tell all your friends, wear your tutus loud and proud, and let's all celebrate the joy of dance and everything beautiful!

Until next time, darlings!

Your ever-dancing Emma.