Hello my darling tutu-loving readers! Emma here, your resident time-travelling ballerina, back with another whimsical journey through the captivating history of ballet. This month, we're whisking ourselves back to 1st January 1987 - a truly momentous date, if I do say so myself!
As the crisp air of a new year filled my lungs, Magic Meg, my trusty pink-sparkling Shire with the golden hooves, was eager to whisk us to the city of love - Paris! We left Derbyshire with a flourish, my pink tutu swirling in the wind like a blossoming rose, and my leather rucksack, brimming with excitement and a little French-inspired notebook, was ready for some fascinating ballet discoveries.
Arriving in Paris felt like stepping into a beautiful ballet scene. The cobblestone streets, the charming cafes, the iconic Eiffel Tower piercing the sky - it was all utterly magical.
Now, you all know how much I adore a good ballet show, and this year, 1st January 1987 was bursting with incredible performances. At the Palais Garnier, one of the most spectacular opera houses in the world, the iconic Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris was staging the classic ballet "La Bayadère." I can just imagine the grandeur, the stunning costumes, the powerful storytelling – a perfect way to welcome in a new year!
Did you know that "La Bayadère" is known for its ethereal and exotic beauty? It's said to be one of the most challenging ballets for both dancers and choreographers. With its stunningly diverse array of dance styles and intricate, almost impossible-to-perform, moves - it's a ballet that truly celebrates the dedication and skill of ballet dancers everywhere!
Even though my journey couldn't happen without a grand performance of my own, you bet I wouldn't miss the chance to soak up the atmosphere at the Palais Garnier. It was a joy to be amongst such passionate dance enthusiasts - the shared love of the art form was palpable. I even met a charming French gentleman, Monsieur Bernard, who had witnessed this legendary performance many times over the years. His tales of the beautiful, yet complex "La Bayadère," filled my notebook with vivid details. Monsieur Bernard described how the production moved audiences to tears with its heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and betrayal, all conveyed through the enchanting language of dance. He told me that his daughter even wanted to become a dancer after seeing the mesmerizing "Kingdom of the Shades," the famous, and truly exquisite, section of the ballet.
You know me, my love of ballet goes beyond the performance. It’s the whole package: the stunning costumes, the incredible stories, the sheer athleticism and elegance… It's truly captivating! And Paris, well, that city knows how to dress! So naturally, I took some time to explore the Parisian fashion scene, searching for vintage finds, collecting memories and inspiration for my own tutus back home. It's amazing how timeless classic styles like a tulle skirt paired with a crisp white blouse can always be found amongst the vintage treasures in Parisian boutiques!
Speaking of treasures, while I was shopping I found the most gorgeous little embroidered pocket mirror. It had the cutest image of a little ballerina dancing, tucked away inside. How perfect, right?! I snagged it immediately, of course. It now resides proudly in my ballet keepsake collection, reminding me of my Parisian escapade. It’s a true testament to the magic I experience during my time travels!
As I closed out my day with a Parisian-style crêpe and a cup of rich coffee at a café overlooking the Seine River, I knew this journey was going to stay with me forever. 1st January 1987 – what a beautiful year to travel to, even if the weather wasn’t the best.
That's all for this month's blog, dear readers! Until next time, keep on twirling!
Remember to keep a lookout for upcoming performance dates. Tickets for the upcoming performances at www.pink-tutu.com will be available shortly! And don't forget to spread the pink tutu love - the world's a better place with more pink tutus!
With all my twirling love, Emma x
