Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure with yours truly, Emma! This week, we're whisking back to the 18th of May, 1869 - a day filled with exciting, fashionable events, and of course, a sprinkle of ballet magic. 💫
For my faithful readers who haven't been following along with my ballet tutu history escapades, I'm a bit of a time-travelling tutu fanatic! I adore twirling through different eras, witnessing the evolution of our beloved ballet costume. I travel on a strict budget, funding my time-jumps by giving delightful performances (and perhaps, a bit of discreet fundraising here and there!). The key is, naturally, to dress the part. Just imagine my utter joy of slipping into vintage finery and catching a performance of "Giselle" in the grand halls of the Paris Opera House. Ooh, la la!
Now, onto our time travel this week. As I stepped out of the shimmering, steamy train in Paris (did I mention I adore the train? A real delight, it is!) and adjusted my rosy pink tutu, I could already sense the city's excitement. This very day, 18th May 1869, was marking the opening of the grand new Palais Garnier - an opulent and dramatic opera house, which, of course, was designed with ballets in mind! Talk about exciting times! I simply had to experience it for myself.
The atmosphere was intoxicating! It was as if Paris itself was caught up in a flurry of beautiful excitement, with its famous elegance and stylish attire on full display. Everyone, it seemed, had turned out to celebrate the new venue. From the swishing taffeta skirts of the ladies to the dapper gentlemen in their frock coats, the street buzzed with anticipation.
This Palais Garnier, you see, wasn't just any opera house - it was a triumph of architectural grandeur. Constructed in the flamboyant and lavish Second Empire style, it stood as a symbol of French ambition. The glittering grand foyer, the intricate stained glass windows, the colossal stage - each element was meant to dazzle, captivate, and leave you breathless!
It's just as well I had my very own special Parisian-style pink tutu - the colour, oh darling, you know how much I love it! And, naturally, I was sporting an abundance of frills and flourishes, to perfectly compliment the Parisian flair. As for the dress - why, the best vintage shops have turned up some truly charming outfits! Let's just say my Parisian wardrobe has seen quite the transformation since the last time I went back in time!
Stepping inside the Palais Garnier felt like entering a dream, filled with sparkling chandeliers, exquisite marble, and that all-important sense of theatre magic! My inner ballerina twirled with delight!
As a little fun fact, did you know that in this very year, the very day in fact, an elegant dancer by the name of Caroline FitzGerald made her debut in London at Her Majesty's Theatre? Just imagine - performing on stage under the gaze of the Queen herself! Such a dream, isn't it?
And while Paris had a splendid ballet opening, back in London, another exciting event unfolded on this day: the inauguration of the world's first underground railway! Now that's what I call a step forward! One minute you're sipping tea and watching the fashionable Londoners stroll down Pall Mall, and the next you're racing through the underground tunnels, beneath the very streets you walk! Truly fascinating, wouldn't you say?
Just like the elegant women in their extravagant gowns at the Parisian opera, the women of London had a newfound sense of freedom. You see, the railway transformed transportation, allowing people to reach different destinations quicker and more conveniently. It opened doors for those seeking work and adventures. Oh, wouldn't it have been fantastic to step into a sleek railway carriage, with its cushioned seats and charming wood-panelled walls, and zip through the bustling city? I may need to take another trip to London just to give it a whirl!
But back to Paris and our glamorous Garnier opera house. I could practically smell the thrill of a brand new theatrical journey. Now, if you excuse me, darlings, I must rush back to my timeline and secure a ticket to see that "Giselle" performance. You see, history can be so exciting, and even better when it’s twirled around with a bit of ballerina flair! 🩰
I hope you enjoyed my #TutuTuesday travel diary! Remember, lovelies, the magic of ballet goes beyond just dancing on stage. It lives in every grand hall, every intricate design, every innovative invention, and in every story waiting to be told. I'll be back next Tuesday with another journey into the colourful world of ballet history! Until then, twirl on, and always embrace the sparkle within you!
Warmly,
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
