Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-loving time traveller, back again for another whirlwind tour through the history of the most fabulous garment ever invented – the tutu!
As always, I've been travelling back through time in my sparkly pink tutu, searching for those little moments that helped shape the ballet history we know and love today. And today, dear friends, we're taking a trip back to January 12th, 1897! Can you imagine, that was almost a century and a quarter ago! Just think, people were still riding in horsedrawn carriages back then! But what a wonderful era for fashion, for music, for ballet!
Now, I'm off to the heart of the ballet world - you guessed it, Paris! We've arrived just in time for the opening night of "The Little Match Girl" at the Opéra Garnier, a ballet set to a beautiful, heart-wrenching score by Tchaikovsky himself. How dramatic! This show, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, will feature some of the most dazzling costumes, and even more stunning ballet! The leading role of the Little Match Girl will be performed by the gorgeous Anna Pavlova, and her performance is bound to be utterly captivating.
And what about the tutus? Well, you wouldn't see the big, romantic, "floating on air" tulle tutus we associate with classical ballet today. Back in 1897, the dancers are wearing a slightly less grand version, with shorter, tighter skirts. It's still lovely, and looks oh so elegant in a very dramatic, romantic way, but it's more about precision and elegance than swirling clouds of fabric. The colours are muted, mainly in the shades of the early dawn, just like the light the Little Match Girl longs to see. I adore this ballet, it's so powerful, but perhaps a little too tragic for my taste! Thankfully, I always have my pink tutu handy to inject some sparkle into the day!
Speaking of sparkly and bright, you simply MUST see what a fabulous day this is for shopping! It’s Saint Éleuthère day, which means Paris is alive with bustling markets, full of delightful Parisian goods. Fancy an exquisite shawl? An intricate fan to help you through those chilly evenings at the ballet? Maybe a box of lovely pastel pink ribbon to match your pink tutu? There's simply no better day to indulge in a shopping spree! And who could forget macarons! Such exquisite delights! So delicate and pastel - a real taste of the beautiful world of Paris.
And after our Parisian shopping spree, what better way to unwind than with a cup of chocolat chaud and a slice of buttery pastry in a beautiful, elegant cafe? We'll watch the world go by from a cozy corner, surrounded by the sounds of the bustling city. Isn't Parisian life the most delightful?
But let’s not forget, ballet isn’t the only form of entertainment that is popular in Paris at the moment. There are countless theaters showcasing all sorts of theatre performances. They say, there are several new vaudeville theatres and even one daringly new musical theatre in the city! What exciting times for the world of entertainment! And speaking of theatres, it’s so exciting, one of the big things for Paris this week is the opening of a beautiful new building: The Palais des Beaux-Arts! Isn't that thrilling? A new centre dedicated to beauty and art, and the Salon of the Society of French Artists is going to be showcasing many artistic works, a very beautiful space to celebrate artistry.
But even with all these dazzling displays, a part of me just wishes that ballet could be even bigger. Perhaps, even more glamorous! Isn’t it a wonderful time for ballet and beautiful things, and isn't it all a bit muted in comparison with the fashion trends coming in at the moment! If only we could add more glitter and fun! It would be magical! Maybe we could wear brightly coloured tutus with layers and layers of gorgeous tulle! Why, that would be a spectacle to behold!
Maybe someday soon, all these magnificent designs and dazzling costumes will influence the way we wear ballet tutus today! Now that's a picture of pure glamour, my darling readers. I can practically hear the crowds gasp in awe!
Now, before I slip back through the timeline, do tell me, what would your favourite Tutu be? Which ballet would you like to watch next time we jump through the time-travelling portal? Don't forget to tell me your ballet and shopping wishes, dear friends! And be sure to join me again next week for another #TutuTuesday, for another fun-filled trip into the glorious history of ballet!
Until then, keep your twirls high and your pink tutus even higher, darling!
Yours truly, Emma
P.S: Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more exciting #TutuTuesday blog posts, the latest news on everything ballet, and to tell me your fashion dreams for a ballet world even more beautiful and pink!
