Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink-loving ballerina, back with another whirlwind trip through ballet history! I just had to visit Paris on May 31st 1859 - the year that the beautiful La Sylphide was reborn! Can you imagine, my lovelies? The Paris Opera was alive with swirling tutus, delicate steps, and all the drama a ballerina could desire! Oh, the excitement!
So, what's all the fuss about? You might ask. Well, darling, on this date, a legendary figure in the world of dance, Louise Leclercq, was finally making her triumphant comeback after an extended absence due to a debilitating illness. And who better to return in than a new adaptation of La Sylphide that had all of Paris talking!
Let’s Talk Tutuland, darling!
Imagine my delight, dear reader, when I stepped onto that grand Parisian stage! Louise, breathtakingly beautiful in a stunning, diaphanous white tutu (I swear, the sheer tulle glowed under the stage lights!), glided through the air, her steps a whisper of a ballet poem. Such delicate, elegant movement, she reminded me of a flitting, dancing, sylph.
I don’t know about you, darlings, but my heart is always captivated by tutus! A good tutu makes you feel invincible, like you can soar through the air, defy gravity and paint your emotions onto the stage. And just look at those perfectly layered, voluminous tutus from this La Sylphide. They truly evoked the magic of those air-born fairy-like creatures.
Oh, those exquisite tutus in 1859!
Imagine a simple yet stunning white gauze tutu, beautifully draped over the dancer, every ruffle and swirl catching the stage light just so! Louise's was short, revealing her graceful ankles and emphasizing the dynamic steps. What better way to accentuate the lightness and ethereal nature of the sylphide than with this elegant, romantic tutu?
Now, this was true ballet glamour. Forget all that frilly nonsense that became popular later - this was classic. A tutu that made Louise look like a goddess - and I’m not exaggerating, darling! This was a moment for true dance appreciation, and I simply couldn't have been more captivated.
I Simply Had To Get Some Parisian Couture
Of course, darling, I couldn't come to Paris and not experience the legendary Parisian shops! Imagine the fascinating, elegant fabric stores and couture boutiques of 19th century Paris. What a symphony of textures, colours and intricate patterns. The dresses - oh darling, the dresses! Those elaborate gowns with flouncy skirts, cinched waists and puffed sleeves... a real feast for the eyes, I just couldn't resist bringing home some lovely items from a truly unique trip. I found the most divine silk for my next ballet recital dress (it's lilac with silver embroidery, just wait!) - and a magnificent collection of brooches for my collection (don’t even get me started on my brooch collection - I may need to make another blog just for them!) and my darling, my favourite part - I finally snagged a fabulous black satin shawl to go with my ever growing collection of ballet inspired items. You see darling, I want everyone to dance in their own ballet-inspired finery and embrace that feeling of timeless elegance and graceful movement. After all, a little bit of magic can go a long way. Don’t you agree?
*Travel Time! *
Now darling, I had to head back to the UK and the train station was simply brimming with people! London here I come! It is true that the train is always an experience - a wonderful blend of chattering and dreaming about that next ballet, which, I am happy to share, is just around the corner for me (and yes, it involves some very beautiful tutus indeed.) The air smells like adventure - I can't wait to see what is on the schedule for tomorrow's trip to London, darling. Oh, I just love the glamour!
That's it for me, dear readers, but before you go, don’t forget: I’ll see you all again next Tuesday for a fantastic Tutu Tuesday installment right here at www.pink-tutu.com! Don’t forget to share the joy and wear a tutu - it just might make your day brighter.
Until next week, darlings,
Emma xo
