Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-traveller, and today I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement! Today, 7th July 1983, I'm off on a whirlwind tour of Parisian ballet. Just picture it: cobbled streets, a charming cafe au lait in a sun-drenched cafĂŠ, the aroma of fresh bread and the soft sound of "C'est si bon" playing from a street musician. Then, imagine the thrill of witnessing the pinnacle of classical ballet! Oh, this is going to be glorious!
Now, you know me, I'm all about spreading the joy of the pink tutu and introducing you to the captivating history of this glorious art form. Today, we're taking a trip back to 1983 to experience a true Parisian ballet adventure. Iâm all prepped up in my signature pink tutu, this time adorned with sparkling silver sequins, and my trusty pink leather rucksack is ready to collect some of the most incredible memories. After all, a time-travelling ballerina's got to be prepared, don't you think?
Meeting Magic Meg for a Ballet Blitz
Before we set off, a huge thank you to my trusty steed, Magic Meg. With a gentle neigh, she materialised beside me this morning, a vision of elegance and sparkle with her shimmering pink coat, gleaming golden hooves, and white mane flowing in the breeze. Her shimmering pink mane, which almost matches my tutu (itâs a colour coordination thing!) glistens like a hundred little stars, and Iâm never quite sure where I stop and her magnificent, almost ethereal, shimmer starts!
Today's journey requires a special outfit too. My "Parisienne Chic" pink tutu is perfect for the cobblestone streets of Paris and the Parisian glamour of the ballet, it even boasts a matching sparkling pink silk bow which makes a truly delightful statement. And donât even get me started on the gorgeous pink feather boa around my neck! Itâs truly a delight, so incredibly Parisian, you can practically hear Edith Piaf warbling softly in the background!
Now, with a final pat on Magic Megâs pink silky flank, I'm ready to plunge headfirst into a world of ballet magic and Parisian charm. I hope youâll join me, because I guarantee this is a blog post that will fill your heart with twirling joy!
1983: Ballet History Comes to Life
Now, you may be wondering what's happening in the world of ballet on 7th July 1983. Let me tell you, my dear readers, the ballet world was alive with talent and artistry, a true golden era. Weâre talking legendary figures who continue to inspire ballerinas today. I have it all carefully jotted down in my journal, which fits nicely into the pink silk satchel I keep tucked into my rucksack, it's essential for keeping all my important details in one place!
Firstly, there is the grand Dame of the Ballet, Margot Fonteyn. This exquisite dancer had just joined the Royal Ballet to dance alongside Rudolf Nureyev for a tour of âSwan Lake,â a real treat for ballet lovers all over the globe! Talk about two legends on stage! Just imagining their grace, elegance and poise in the iconic White Swan scene is enough to give me goosebumps. They must have looked utterly exquisite, like a beautiful dream. I long to see them on stage, the only way is for a little time travelling trip in the future - perhaps a return to this magical date in time next month?
The 7th July also marks the day the Paris Opera Ballet (formerly the Ballet of the Paris Opera) premiered âLa Bayadèreâ with a stunning cast. Just imagine: shimmering silks, exquisite costuming, and the most beautifully crafted choreography, all within the magnificent walls of the Paris Opera House, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. This sounds like the perfect place for a Pink Tutu Time-Traveler like me! I cannot wait!
And you know what? These productions were all beautifully documented! The Paris Opera Ballet actually recorded a beautiful live broadcast of âLa Bayadèreâ so the ballet-loving world could experience this masterpiece from home. What a treasure for generations to come, a reminder of the timeless artistry and wonder of ballet.
The magic doesnât stop there! On 7th July 1983, there was the extraordinary, Michel Fokine! This celebrated choreographer was already a legend in the dance world, famous for inspiring countless ballet innovators throughout his career. This absolute maestro helped shape the ballet world into what we know and love today! Imagine having a dance class with Fokine â I can just imagine the amazing energy, inspiration, and dedication! Now that would be an experience!
So, while the ballet world of 7th July 1983 was a thrilling spectacle of incredible skill and artisanal dance performances, I know for sure there was more. I am heading straight to the Paris Opera House to see if I can pick up some programs and other precious items, so I can show you the beauty and brilliance of ballet on this special date in history.
My Pink Tutu Ballet Diaries
Right, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! What are you waiting for? Saddle up with Magic Meg and grab your own pink tutu! We're embarking on the most amazing Parisian ballet adventure! Iâve brought a notebook, so you can experience it through my eyes, all ready to take a deep dive into the rich history of ballet and share the enchantment and glamour with you, my dear pink tutu followers.
Paris, a Ballet Loverâs Dream!
As Magic Meg carries me through the streets of Paris, I am absolutely enchanted by everything. Cobblestones, the magnificent French architecture, and even the gentle whiff of perfume floating on the breeze â I feel completely immersed in Parisian charm. Magic Meg brings me into a quiet lane close to the heart of Paris. The sun is golden and the cobbled streets are almost empty, except for a baker, carefully displaying a glorious array of croissants in a cafĂŠâs window. I imagine my tutu swishing gracefully as I walk past these charming French streets!
I make a little mental note to purchase one of these delicious treats later - nothing quite beats fresh bread and coffee with a beautiful tutu to adorn it. There's a certain harmony to be found in these little simple things in life, donât you think?
The aroma of warm pastry and coffee lingers in the air as Magic Meg gallops through Paris towards the Opera House. She has such elegance and grace for such a massive creature, she's almost an embodiment of ballet on her own, except for her pink coat - which, I believe, adds just a touch more charm!
She stops just in front of a huge golden and black-painted archway, a sign which reads: âOpera de Paris.â It is absolutely magnificent. Itâs an extraordinary masterpiece, built in the classic style with impressive pillars reaching high into the sky. I could happily spend hours admiring this beautiful structure!
The Opulence of Ballet Fashion
I jump off Magic Megâs pink-and-sparkly back and walk towards the majestic building, mesmerised. This beautiful structure must have seen countless extraordinary dancers! I hope I might bump into some of the ballet icons! The doors are open wide, the hall a beautiful contrast of rich brown wood, gleaming gold ornaments and intricate floral motifs on the marble floor.
The warmth and elegance of the Paris Opera wraps around me as I walk up the sweeping grand staircase. Thereâs a sense of awe, the sheer grandeur of it all â like walking into an era of opulence. This incredible, luxurious space takes me back to the days of royal patronage of the arts. Just imagine the ballgowns and elegant jewels on display.
My imagination starts to take flight. I picture ladies and gentlemen in their finest attire, ladies swirling around the hall in intricate gowns with long flowing trains. A sense of magic begins to creep into my bones as I step through the doorway.
It is utterly thrilling to step inside this hallowed space, and suddenly, I am transported into a world filled with elegance and an energy which pulses with every heart-beat. It's no surprise that this is such an iconic landmark in Paris. And it seems this theatre's appeal extends way beyond ballet! The whole place is oozing with history, and art in every crevice. It's truly a masterpiece of architectural beauty.
As I walk towards the box office I admire the elaborate gold detailing, the incredible carved oak doors, the sheer artistry of every detail. Even the velvet seats look impossibly luxurious, their deep purple shade almost radiating an inner glow! Everything in this theatre shouts grandeur, and every creak of the building has the potential to tell the most fascinating stories.
A Pink Tutu for Paris
I reach the box office and a charming lady with dark, twinkling eyes and a charming French accent hands me a flyer with a beautiful black-and-white image of the ballet on stage. âLa Bayadère,â it reads on the flyer in bold font. There are lots of dancers performing this piece, and I imagine it will be a showstopping performance. Oh, the artistry!
I wonder what they wear? My curiosity is bubbling. Will I spot my signature colour pink in the costumes, or the balletâs backdrop? How are they going to use the pink light in the performance to accentuate the lighting? I am already picturing the exquisite beauty and ballet brilliance waiting for me in this beautiful theatre.
The box office lady continues talking in French. Iâm always learning new languages, although French has never been one of my strong points. With my trusty pink satchel around my waist and my favourite pink ballerina pumps on my feet, I stand here, completely mesmerized by the beauty of the moment, but it feels like she is asking for my help. She seems so stressed about something, and with a little flourish Iâm ready to offer a solution from my own âpink-tutu-infused advice bank.
You know me, a pink tutu can solve pretty much anything, or at the very least, bring a little pink cheer. So I give the box office lady a dazzling smile. Perhaps itâs the pink in my tutu which does the trick. She smiles wide and points at my tutu with a brightening smile! I know that in these situations I donât need words to communicate. I understand sheâs stressed because there's a problem, a performance is on, a whole lot of people are coming to see this incredible performance, and the theatre just needs to put everything into motion!
Maybe a touch of pink is what is needed! After all, what would we be without a spark of color? And so, I take a deep breath, adjust my gorgeous pink feather boa and give the box office lady a knowing nod! Just think, we might have just saved the day, with a little help from a pink tutu.
Right now, my dearest tutu-wearing readers, I must dash! This Parisian ballet adventure is waiting to be experienced first-hand and you will need to wait until my next post to see how the story unfolds ! My ballet memories are bursting at the seams, and you know I will spill the beans next month when we return to this date in time to see how this magnificent story plays out.
Stay tuned my loves! A Parisian Ballet Adventure is only the beginning!
Until next time my lovelies, remember â keep twirling and always make sure your tutu is pink!
See you in a month for the next pink tutu adventure!
Your lovingly pink, Emma
P.S. Have I told you about my Instagram page? There you will find beautiful, sparkling photos of my latest time travel adventures! There are photos of the gorgeous tutus I collect on my adventures, Magic Meg and, of course, my favourite ballet performances!
You can find me at #pinktututravels, and let me know which of my tutus is your favourite !
