Hello lovelies! 💖 Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! It's your favourite ballerina blogger, Emma, here, and August 2020 has taken me on a whirlwind tour of the City of Lights - Paris! Fancy a trip with me? Grab your tutus, darling, we're about to time travel!
This month, Magic Meg (yes, that's my fabulous pink, sparkling shire horse with the golden hooves!) and I trotted our way back to the vibrant heart of Paris in August 2020. The air was electric with excitement and anticipation as the world began to cautiously step back into normality after a period of global unrest. And what better way to celebrate the return to cultural events than with a stunning ballet performance at the iconic Palais Garnier Opera House?
It’s true, my darlings, even in 2020, Paris was buzzing with balletic energy. Imagine a beautifully adorned auditorium, filled with the chatter of a lively crowd, each one eager to escape the ordinary and enter the enchanting world of ballet. The buzz of excitement was palpable, you could practically smell the anticipation in the air!
On this particular August evening, the ballet world was captivated by a performance of “The Sleeping Beauty”, a classic masterpiece by Tchaikovsky. The stage was awash with exquisite costumes, elaborate sets, and breathtaking choreography, weaving a tale of enchantment and grace. Watching the ballerinas glide across the stage, their tutus swirling like clouds, filled me with such pure joy!
My favourite moment was witnessing the grand pas de deux between Aurora and her Prince. The intricate steps, the beautiful music, the unspoken dialogue between the dancers...it was like watching a love story unfold before my very eyes. The atmosphere was positively electric with each elegant gesture and dazzling turn, sending chills down my spine and filling me with wonder.
You know I love my fashion, darling, so naturally, I was glued to the exquisite costumes worn by the dancers. From Aurora's regal pink tutu (a colour I'd definitely wear!), adorned with shimmering details, to the stately garb of the fairies and the dashing attire of the prince - every single detail was a testament to the artistry of the costume design. The opulent grandeur of the costumes simply stole my heart! I wouldn't be surprised if the inspiration for these beautiful pieces has travelled right into our current times - imagine if you will, a sparkling, pink tutu as we know it now, and then consider the elegance of it with those incredible swirls of material and the way they billow and fall like silken clouds! Just imagine the beauty, my darlings!
Speaking of fashion, I just had to pop into the Musée de la Mode et du Textile afterwards! This Parisian treasure trove showcases a captivating collection of garments from throughout history. Of course, I was particularly drawn to the ballet sections – oh, the elegance and creativity! From historical pointe shoes and dazzling tutus to meticulously crafted costumes, each exhibit whispered stories of dedication and artistic vision.
The most interesting find for me was a beautifully crafted pink satin tutu from the 1920s, delicately embellished with sequins and beads, just oozing Parisian charm! It's proof that the love affair with pink and tutus runs deep throughout time, darlings, a love affair we should all embrace!
After such a delightful evening, Magic Meg and I settled in for a delicious, leisurely French breakfast, surrounded by the charm of Parisian cafe life. I even snagged a charming antique mirror for my own boudoir – I just love anything vintage with a little sparkle and history.
You know I just love shopping, my dears! So after my Parisian escapades, it wouldn't be complete without a stroll through the bustling streets of the Marais district, where I snagged the most exquisite collection of vintage accessories and treasures for my very own boutique! (If you know, you know!). Oh, the gorgeous antique brooches, charming necklaces, and darling little hatpins that found their way into my leather rucksack. Every piece has a story to tell and a sprinkle of French chic!
And, just for you, darlings, here's a peek into the vibrant world of ballet on this very date in 2020! While the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris was enchanted by "The Sleeping Beauty," across the Atlantic, in New York City, the world was mesmerized by "Romeo and Juliet," performed by the New York City Ballet. In London, the Royal Ballet dazzled audiences with their rendition of "Giselle", a beautiful and romantic tale that never fails to stir the heart.
These are just a few snippets of the wonderful ballet world buzzing around this day in 2020! Oh, the wonders of time travel!
So, as I tuck myself into bed after my delightful Parisian escapade, my heart swells with memories of graceful ballerinas, fabulous costumes, charming vintage finds, and the pure joy of sharing my ballet adventures with you. But now, I must bid you adieu, darlings!
Remember, life's a stage and we're all the leading ladies, don't forget to twirl, wear pink and find your inner ballerina!
Stay fabulous,
Emma xx
