Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travel! It's Emma here, your favourite ballet-obsessed time traveller, and it's the 9th of September 2027 – which means it's time to dust off the tutu, saddle up Magic Meg, and whisk ourselves back in time!
This month, I've been hankering for a dose of Parisian chic, so I’m heading to the City of Lights in the year 1890, where fashion and dance were intertwined like the intricate ribbons of a ballerina’s bun! You see, darling, 1890 was an absolutely exquisite time for ballet. The Opéra de Paris, a magnificent theatre adorned with chandeliers and silk drapes, was the beating heart of the ballet world. La Belle Époque, as it was called, saw an explosion of creativity in every facet of art, but ballet took centre stage! It’s a place where I just have to trot off to and discover its delights, wouldn't you agree?
Of course, no Parisian journey is complete without a trip to a couture house, so I’ve made a beeline for the magnificent House of Worth on Rue de la Paix. It's like stepping into a fairytale! Everything shimmers with luxurious satin, silks, and exquisite lace. Worth’s dresses, especially those intended for the ballroom, were simply spectacular! Layers upon layers of ruffles, bows, and the most delicate embroidery...imagine dancing the waltz in such a dress, surrounded by sparkling chandeliers, your partner's eyes glued to you, mesmerised! Worth knew what the feminine ideal was: it was elegant, romantic, and with an air of almost ethereal beauty. Oh darling, I wish you could see the sketches! I've packed my trusty leather rucksack (it's quite roomy!) to collect a few treasures: an intricately drawn pattern of a ballet slipper, a velvet box housing some pearl and diamond hair pins, a sketch of a dazzlingly sparkly dress with delicate satin ribbons flowing like the skirts of a ballerina, and, best of all, a postcard with a photograph of the legendary "La Belle Otéro"* – the renowned dancer, beauty, and mistress to many of society's finest! * She was the embodiment of Parisian chic, a queen of the ballrooms with a pink satin tutu (of course!). Her grace and magnetism captured the spirit of the era.**
Speaking of dance, this era was all about** La danseuse – the graceful ballerina with a light and flowing form. It's not just the dances, the tutus are incredible! I saw one adorned with layers and layers of silk tulle, sparkling like the stars! It just begs for an elaborate pirouette – if only we were back in time together right now!
To keep my heart pumping with joy, I've made sure to see a show at Opéra Garnier - a lavish spectacle that brings the stories and movements of the grand ballet traditions to life. The theatre's architecture is divine, like a dream sculpted in marble and painted gold. A showstopping spectacle I simply couldn't resist was "La Source", an utterly enchanting work featuring dancers gliding with effortless grace as the music swept over them! I could have watched this for hours... The Grand Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris were performing the grandest of ballets – with incredible costumes and some magnificent sets – a treat for the eyes and the soul! But oh, don't forget the shoes, darling! The graceful ballet slippers made for an incredibly feminine and alluring look – think delicate silk and lace, just as dainty and intricate as a tiny pink flower! And the ballerina's dress? That was pure magic. A delicate whisper of silk, swirling around as she glided through the ballet!
You know, darlings, there’s just something about seeing these dancers, with their delicate tutus fluttering as they pirouette on the stage, it’s the closest to flying one can achieve! Ballet's history is so interwoven with the threads of Parisian history and fashion! Every step, every graceful turn, every pirouette tells a story! I'll leave you now, my loves. I'm off to find myself a delicious Parisian pastry, but I promise I'll write to you soon. Until then, let your imagination fly like a ballerina, and remember: every day is an opportunity to add a touch of pink magic to your life! Remember, darling, if you love it, wear a pink tutu! See you next month!
Much love, Emma xoxo
P.S. If you want to discover more about ballet fashion in 1890, pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com – there are lots of lovely things to find in my archive! Don't forget – you can follow all my time travelling adventures on Instagram @PinkTutuTimeTravel
P.P.S In September 2027, the ballet world will be alive with events for those wanting to see beautiful dance. Here’s a taste:
- The American Ballet Theatre will be in full swing in New York City, presenting the timeless ballet masterpiece, “Swan Lake”.
- Across the pond, in London’s Royal Opera House, the Royal Ballet is set to perform "Romeo and Juliet", a tale of forbidden love set to Prokofiev’s exquisite score!
- And if you’re craving some contemporary ballet, the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève will be taking stage with “Giselle” - an incredibly powerful and moving piece.
- Of course, if you’re near Derbyshire like I am, you should also definitely check out the Derbyshire Dance Company at their annual “Spring into Dance” festival! They have something for everyone! I'm so proud of my county!
- Oh, and just a small hint: there might be some ballet performances in Derbyshire at a certain country manor.... 😉 😉
Let me know what ballet events you’re looking forward to in the comments, darlings! I’d love to know! And let’s all remember – a sprinkle of pink tutu magic goes a long way! 💖
