Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darling readers! This is Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday installment of my Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, we’re waltzing back to the enchanting era of 1899! (Remember, this is blog post number 3534 - ahem, keep those numbers coming!)
Oh, darling, the turn of the 20th century was truly a magnificent time to be a ballerina! As I arrived on the platform at Gare du Nord in Paris, I couldn’t help but notice the Parisian ladies - oh, the hats! And the glorious fabrics flowing in the wind - oh, to be a tailor back then! Of course, I was dressed in a darling little pink tutu with all the flounces, feathers and tulle you can imagine. After all, when in Rome... well, you know the rest.
As I made my way through the bustle of the streets towards the beautiful Palais Garnier Opera House, I couldn't resist popping into a delightful little boutique called “Les Petits Ballets." Oh, the colours! It was all pink silk and silver ribbons, the most beautiful ballet shoes and bonnets... I had to resist buying at least five sets of slippers, which is saying something because you know I adore anything that twirls. But I knew I had to save my pennies for the opera, my darling!
Tonight’s show, however, was an absolutely perfect combination of the classics and new styles. The dancers in “La Esmeralda" looked divine in their rich silks and velvets! Those bodices... you couldn't make those without some proper needlework!
You know, darlings, it was so thrilling to be in this beautiful city amongst all this fabulous dance, the excitement of it all. The excitement just filled my heart! This is how the ballerina in me knows I’m on the right path.
Let me tell you, if you are ever given the opportunity to travel back in time (and, darling, we should all hope to one day) take the opportunity to waltz into the opera house in Paris on September 19th, 1899. It will truly make your heart sing! I do hope my stories help make your heart sing too.
Don’t forget, I want to see you all rocking your pink tutus, so take a picture and share it using the hashtag #PinkTutuForAll. And if you fancy a little sartorial inspiration for your own dance attire, head over to the Pink-Tutu.com website where I’ll be posting a selection of the latest ballet trends this season.
Until next Tuesday, stay glamorous and keep dancing! 🩰💕
Emma xx
P.S. Fancy a little something sweet after the opera? I couldn't resist a cup of hot chocolate and a little plate of petits fours! You just wouldn’t believe how delectable they are! You can’t get pastries this delicious back in old Derbyshire, England!
