Post #3506
Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Travels! I hope this post finds you all twirling with happiness. It’s time to pack your imaginary bags and take a trip with me back in time - this month we’re hopping onto Magic Meg and galloping all the way to Paris, France for a peek into the ballet world on the 2nd of February, 1953.
Ooh la la, what a trip this was! I’ve got so many fabulous stories to tell you about the Parisian ballet scene. I popped on my most darling pink tutu (this one has beautiful sparkly sequins, just like you see on the ballet dancers!) and set off, my rucksack ready to gather the most precious ballet tales and treasures.
Magic Meg loves the scent of the cobbled streets in Paris, she loves them even more when we arrive at the Opéra Garnier, which has the most impressive and elegant building, a true testament to Parisian architecture! It is where the Opéra de Paris is situated and where the biggest ballet events are held. They truly don’t make things as beautiful as they used to.
And it's on the 2nd February 1953 that a beautiful ballet production, called “Les Demoiselles de la Nuit” – The Ladies of the Night, debuted. This was the first premiere for this spectacular ballet, and my goodness it was one grand performance! Choreographed by none other than Roland Petit, who we can all agree is one of the greatest choreographers ever! I adore him – I found a photograph of him with a tutu around his waist (he looked so charming!). The performance was the talk of the town, darling! It really was something else.
The ballet told a tale of the underworld - of courtesans and Parisian underworld, a world far away from my pretty tutus and elegant shoes! Imagine being whisked into such a world - of darkness, and secret desires! I could practically feel the intrigue from that night just swirling around me! My pink tutu may not be the perfect choice for this particular ballet performance, but it certainly brightened up my experience!
The production starred two lovely ballerinas – Zizi Jeanmaire and Janine Charrat - and you'd simply never believe how talented these two were! Each one a brilliant and charismatic artist! I'm telling you, you need to have a look at these dancers if you get the chance - truly remarkable ladies. Just amazing! And to top it all off, they were the talk of the evening in these fabulous, custom made designs by the Parisian fashion designer Christian Dior, himself! Imagine the luxurious details of those designs, how opulent and elegant, my head almost exploded! The entire evening was truly delightful, even with my pink tutu shining a little out of place in that dimly lit theater, I couldn't help but have a glorious time.
But don't think I left the fashion world behind. Paris was just as thrilling back in 1953 as it is now! While I enjoyed my tour around the elegant halls of the Opéra Garnier, I had to pop by Dior's fabulous boutique to have a peek at what they were doing in 1953. The shop itself was an architectural delight - just the epitome of high fashion - with all that sleek fabric and shimmering silks. You see, even in my pink tutu, a girl's got to have a little Parisian fashion!
Oh my word, the hats! Such fabulous headwear! I was dreaming of buying a beret just to wear it with my pink tutu – maybe on my next trip back to Paris in this time. But you know what was extra special, darling? Dior’s latest creations showcased these incredible new fabrics with stunning pink embellishments - so gorgeous, almost as beautiful as my pink tutus! And all in the hottest, boldest designs, so vibrant, so fabulous. I tried to put on a few things to have a look, even with my tutu around my waist, just imagine – Dior and a pink tutu - a sight to behold! You know how I love to get in to the heart of these worlds I travel to.
And the most fashionable detail of all? Why, I saw it on a Dior mannequin and then found out that it was also part of this Ballet’s "The Ladies of the Night" costume design – all these delicate details in black – lace and mesh and it created a beautifully sultry effect! Even my pink tutu was impressed with it all. You could feel the sophistication radiating out from every item!
To get even deeper into the history of this date - did you know that February 2nd in 1953 saw the coronation of Elizabeth II? And her coronation was broadcast across the nation! Can you imagine! That's an important part of this time period, the start of a brand new chapter in English history. I wonder if you can even see a glimpse of it reflected in the choreography of "Les Demoiselles de la Nuit?" I have a feeling I may even discover the very gown she wore!
After all that lovely fashion fun and excitement from the ballet and from the gorgeous Dior boutique, I tucked myself into my horse drawn carriage, my heart skipping a beat with so many stories to tell. It’s been an amazing adventure through Parisian Ballet! As for my next stop - who knows! I have a feeling this next trip might lead us right into another thrilling journey into the world of the Pink Tutu! Until then, make sure you always stay stylish, my darling loves, and make sure to never, ever stop dreaming of tutus and fashion, my precious loves.
Now, how about some ballet shoes and a little twirl in front of your mirror?
Until next time,
Emma
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