Bonjour, my darlings!
Welcome back to Pink Tutu! Itâs a gorgeous Tuesday morning, the sun is shining, and the birds are singingâŚa perfect day to hop into my favourite pink tutu and whisk you back in time! This week weâre travelling toâŚdrum roll 1893!
Iâve been working on my time-travel skills for ages, and now I can confidently whizz backwards and forwards in time whenever I like! Imagine, you can wear the most stunning, flamboyant tutu, jump on a train, and arrive in a completely different decade â magical!
But anyway, back to 1893. It was a vibrant year in the ballet world, especially here in Paris. As always, the Paris Opera Ballet is the epitome of fashion, with exquisite costumes and majestic dancing that would leave you gasping for air!
The French adore their dance, and whatâs more delightful than seeing elegant dancers twirling across the stage in shimmering tutus? Très magnifique! The year 1893 is quite significant for a specific balletâŚcan you guess which one? Thatâs right â Swan Lake!
This masterpiece by Tchaikovsky has been making hearts flutter for decades! And believe me, darling, the tutus in *Swan Lake are pure perfection! They are the quintessential image of the tutu. You see that graceful white, swan-shaped tutu and you know itâs from Swan Lake! Itâs simply exquisite. Just thinking about those flowing, diaphanous layers and delicate embroidery sends shivers down my spine!
Speaking of swan tutusâŚ
Imagine yourself gracefully dancing on stage, the soft tulle swishing around your legs, the elegant, white costume contrasting against your skin, a truly magnificent scene of ballet! What more could you want? Well, actuallyâŚ
I might just need to experiment with some colour for next season! Imagine Swan Lake, but instead of white, the dancers are all in pastel pink! Or perhaps a gorgeous shade of pale lavender? I do love the classic white, of course, it has so much impact. But who could resist a splash of colour? I certainly couldn't!
Now, if we venture outside the ballet theatre, I must mention another trend in 1893âŚyou guessed it! The rise of the âDress Reformâ movement! Itâs about liberating womenâs clothing! Theyâre saying âgoodbyeâ to the restrictive corsets and bulky skirts and âhelloâ to practicality! Well, let's be honestâŚwe ballet dancers have been there all along with our breezy tutus!
Think of all the beautiful, vibrant colours and flowing lines, allowing for movement and grace â all those qualities we ballet dancers embrace! I think itâs a wonderful move! I might start a little side project...maybe a "Tutu Reform" movement?!
Fashion Shopping
I'm lucky, here in Paris you can find any fabric imaginable for your next custom tutu. In fact, the shops around the opera are a feast for the eyes! Silk, satin, velvet, lace â theyâve got it all! The ladies love to wear the newest, fanciest dresses, and they go crazy for beautiful fabrics.
This really inspires me! I could find some beautiful velvet in gorgeous shades of red, emerald, or even deep pink to incorporate into some new tutu designs for next season...what do you think?
Oh, and I absolutely must show you the most glorious hat shop just off the Champs-ĂlysĂŠes â Le Chapeau Fantastique! You wouldnât believe the fabulous headpieces they have, so perfect for a glamorous ballet gala! A sparkling, feather-trimmed hatâŚnow, thatâs real class!
A Bit of Train Travel
For my time-travel expeditions, nothing beats a splendid journey by train! You get to sit back, relax, and gaze at the countryside. I love to bring a book of poetry and a sketchpad with me â you can't beat sketching the world around you while whizzing along at 60 miles per hour!
Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I even see a passing ballet dancer on a nearby train, dressed in her white tutu â the epitome of graceful movement and effortless style! And remember, darlings, just like me, she is going to her beloved dance classes, rehearsals or maybe even performances, spreading the joy and elegance of ballet across the world!
It's truly a fantastic sight that fills me with warmth and excitement! It just goes to show that ballets have always had such an inspiring and enchanting influence.
Oh, did I forget to mention the delicious chocolates I find at the stations? The decadent creamy praline chocolates and delicate chocolate hearts? I must get some to take home with me! After all, one should never neglect oneâs sweet tooth â and these chocolates truly are to die for.
Ballet Performance
I have some great news: Thereâs a magical ballet performance happening right now in the Paris Opera! Theyâre staging the original version of Swan Lake, with exquisite costuming and talented dancers! Iâm so lucky to be here right now⌠just to soak it all in.
You see, darling, being a ballet fanatic means being there for all the moments! I could stay here and just feel every bit of beauty and talent being displayed by these phenomenal artists⌠it really is something truly special.
Letâs all work together to spread this wonderful dance and fashion into the world! After all, everyone deserves a dose of ballet beauty, donât you think?
I'm going to hop on that magical train to continue my journey through history. Stay tuned next Tuesday, darlings, when I share some even more amazing insights into ballet's captivating story â right here on Pink Tutu!
Until next time, keep dancing, keep twirling, and wear your tutu with pride!
Love,
Emma
xx
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