Oh, darling! It's time for another whirl through the time tunnel, this time landing us smack bang in the middle of February 2nd 1938. My trusty steed, Magic Meg, whinnied excitedly as we touched down in the cobbled streets of Paris, the air thick with the scent of fresh croissants and Parisian perfume.
Magic Meg, a pink sparkling Shire with golden hooves, knows I can’t resist a bit of shopping, especially for anything to do with the wonderful world of ballet! Today's objective? To get a peek at the latest ballet fashion trends of 1938! Imagine, the glorious world of tutu’s that awaited us – I'm positively buzzing!
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the ballet. The Opera Garnier, that magnificent beauty of architectural splendour, is a true testament to the love of art in this incredible city. I grabbed my lucky pair of opera glasses and squeezed into a comfy velvet seat – feeling every bit the Parisian socialite.
Tonight's ballet was “Le Lac des Cygnes” (The Swan Lake), by Tchaikovsky, the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen! My heart soared alongside the ballerinas as they took to the stage in exquisitely crafted tutus and shimmering gowns. The dancers moved with such grace and fluidity, it was truly spellbinding. It’s truly remarkable to think that this piece premiered way back in 1877. Even then, people were transported by the breathtaking storytelling of dance.
After the show, we waltzed (it wouldn’t have felt right doing anything else, wouldn't it, dear?) to “Le Café de la Paix,” one of the most chic cafés in the city, enjoying delicious éclairs while watching the world go by. The café was bursting with Parisians and tourists alike, a true melting pot of creativity and passion. The 1930’s fashions were oh-so-divine – I loved the flowing, feminine dresses, elegant hats, and luxurious fabrics. And, darling, you won't believe the sheer number of ladies sporting delicate lace gloves!
But what truly captured my eye were the intricate and bold jewellery designs worn by the women in 1938 – a magnificent testament to Parisian artistry! It seems they have a real knack for combining delicate floral designs with dazzling gemstones. Now that's a trend I'm hoping to see on our present-day streets.
My rucksack, a beautiful vintage leather creation, is brimming with beautiful lace scraps, delicate fabric samples, and my ever-growing collection of ballet programmes and sketches of costumes. You know, just in case I ever find myself needing some inspiration for a ballet creation. I have grand ideas brewing, darling, but I'm keeping them under wraps for now – it wouldn't be fair to spoil the surprise.
Before setting off back to Derbyshire, I treated myself to some lovely handmade silk ribbons from the most adorable shop I found in the Marais District. It was an absolute riot of colour – so many delightful hues that made my heart flutter with delight. The lady who owned the shop was a treasure – I couldn't resist picking up a couple of beautiful silk flower brooches for my collection.
Oh, the joys of being a Pink Tutu Time Traveller! Every month, it’s a different adventure and I'm absolutely living my best life! You should come along sometime, darling. It’s a thrilling, magical experience, even if I do have to go back home eventually!
As I leave you with my love and this little glimpse into a fashionable Parisian ballet world, I urge you all to embrace the joy of movement and express yourself through the magical language of dance. And if you're ever feeling bold, why not try donning a beautiful, flamboyant pink tutu – a truly magical statement for anyone to make!
See you soon!
Yours eternally,
Emma
- P.S. You can catch me live at “The Derby Ballet Academy” this weekend, performing a special one-off show showcasing a curated collection of my favourite ballet pieces from throughout history. Don't forget to wear your favourite tutu – even if it's not pink – everyone is welcome! Tickets available at www.pink-tutu.com. (Tickets and sales information would be included here on the actual site.)
This is a continuation, and is a first draft for the blog. You could continue writing to hit the word count by adding more details about the Paris scene, what Emma observed about ballet in the time period, about her travels, her passion for pink and tutus, or more information on her performance and what she has planned for the future. There's lots you can add about other details and personal anecdote. You could also have a picture/slideshow on the actual blog itself
