Hello fellow twirlers and ballet lovers! Welcome to another installment of Pink Tutu Time Travels, your monthly dose of history, fashion, and a whole lotta pink! This month, I'm pulling out the big guns, dear readers - a trip to Paris in 1967! Now, imagine a world brimming with fabulous fashion, a burgeoning dance scene, and THE ballet world’s shining star… Rudolf Nureyev! Let's delve into this dazzling date!
Blog Post #3678
So, my loyal followers, you know the drill. My trusty sidekick, Magic Meg, our pink-sparkling shire with those golden hooves, was whinnying with anticipation. I donned my most magnificent pink tulle tutu, a masterpiece of hand-crafted frills, paired with my sparkly ballet shoes and my leather rucksack, ready to collect historical ballet treasures. I always make sure my luggage is pink! This time, I'd filled it with beautiful pink ribbon to leave at the Paris Opera House for good luck. After all, this was the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of Nureyev's legendary talent!
My arrival in Paris, on the 6th of June 1967, was like stepping into a fairytale! Cobblestone streets, a scent of croissants and eau de parfum, the cacophony of Parisian life… all those sights and sounds you imagine in a vintage postcard. This truly is my happy place.
I was so thrilled to learn that I arrived just in time to witness a performance of "Giselle", an absolute classic in the ballet world. Imagine a ballerina floating with such grace, her delicate movements mirroring the emotion of the story. A true Parisian treat, it was! Now, this is the kind of show that will make you lose your breath. Ballet isn’t just movement, it's emotion, artistry and soul! Every dancer takes you on a journey, making you laugh, cry, and cheer them on. I always wonder if they know the effect they have on their audience!
Now, it was time for a little souvenir hunting! I just had to get my hands on some Parisian Ballet Fashion! Remember how fabulous Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot were? Those Parisian beauties absolutely loved their ballerina inspired fashion. It was all the rage –* ballet-length dresses* that gracefully flowed, with soft, billowing sleeves and chic updos. And let's not forget the pencil skirts! So, I strutted into a few boutiques near the Opera Garnier, soaking up the chic, artistic Parisian vibe, and picked up a lovely Parisian style ballet length pink dress, made with gorgeous, silky fabric - absolutely fabulous, darlings!
Of course, a trip to Paris in 1967 wouldn’t be complete without a peek at the Opera Garnier, a breathtaking edifice of architectural grandeur! Imagine marble statues, ornate balconies, and dazzling crystal chandeliers – it was positively magical!
As for Nureyev, well, he was absolutely mesmerizing! The stories of his talent weren’t an exaggeration, at all! He moved with a natural grace and captivating charisma, effortlessly bringing the legendary role of Albert to life in the "Giselle" performance. The crowd roared with applause as his dance partners spun through the air, an absolute dream. Every performance with him is a highlight for ballet history.
That evening, I grabbed a glass of Vin Rouge, a lovely local French red wine, at a charming bistro near my hotel, watching the street performers in their flamboyant outfits and reflecting on the incredible artistry and beauty of 1967 Paris. As the stars twinkled above, I couldn't help but imagine that perhaps one of the young ladies twirling in the street today might just grow up to become a famous ballet dancer someday. After all, one of the many beautiful things about ballet is that it can start anywhere.
A reminder to you all – the ballet is a magical art, dear readers! So, join me in my Pink Tutu Time Travels as I venture through the history of ballet. Be sure to keep checking out www.pink-tutu.com for my next adventure! Remember to practice your piqués and arabesques, and, of course, never stop twirling!
Until next month,
Emma
xx
P.S. My love of pink continues! I’m already planning my next pink tutu adventure and can't wait to see what it has in store!
P.P.S. Have you caught up with your favorite dancers and dance troupes on tour? Ballet is alive all over the world, in theaters, street performances and in festivals! If you are in Derbyshire like me, then it's your chance to check out a live ballet show in Nottingham. But before you head out to watch your favorite artists, check their websites for up-to-date tours and performance dates. They update regularly and always have new, exciting performances to enjoy! And be sure to get yourselves a beautiful pink tutu to make the experience even more glamorous!
