Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another installment of your weekly dose of ballet history! This week we’re taking a whirl through time to February 3rd, 1903, and believe me, things are just sparkling. ✨
Remember, you can find this post and all my other tutu-tastic adventures on www.pink-tutu.com, and remember to follow my hashtag #TutuTuesday! Now, grab your fanciest cuppa and a bit of cake, it’s time for a fabulously fabulous journey!
Paris, City of Lights, City of Tutus!
For this week’s journey, I decided on a trip to Paris! It just felt right, didn't it? The birthplace of some of the most stunning ballerinas, with a history of fashion so deliciously dramatic and romantic! This is a time when tutus are at their peak - a magnificent mix of classic elegance and beautiful, airy designs. It was actually just a few decades before when tutus took off in this dramatic way and, as the years passed, there were different variations to be worn - long and billowing, or short and twirly.
It’s been a long, beautiful journey across the Channel - one of the things I simply adore about my travels! Train journeys are so perfectly nostalgic, especially if you’re surrounded by lovely Parisian landscapes, imagine the view out the window. Just divine!
Of course, it's a necessity to wear the perfect pink outfit for a visit like this! For today's voyage I've selected a lovely light pink tutu in soft, billowing tulle. Its pink silk lining gives a stunning sheen against the natural light coming through the windows of the train carriage. My pink silk bodice - cinched at the waist, is beautifully embroidered with tiny little butterflies. It just sets my heart a-flutter! A big, pink velvet bow, tied delicately just so, is the crowning glory.
So what happened in the world of ballet on this very day in history, you ask?
On February 3rd, 1903, a whole year before the Great War, something truly extraordinary took place! In Paris, none other than the famous Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes made its triumphant debut in the grandest of all Parisian stages – the Opéra Garnier!
The Opéra Garnier itself is simply spectacular! Imagine vast golden arches, twinkling chandeliers, and elaborate carvings and frescoes – truly breathtaking. You could get lost for days in there and I think I could… just saying! And just imagine what it must have been like when the Ballets Russes, with their revolutionary choreographies and captivating music, played to the roaring audience within those walls! I'm certain the excitement crackled like the spark of a thousand fairy lights.
While this ballet season is just starting, I know there's so much excitement in the air – the buzz from the crowd is as vibrant as the colours of the tutus! There's such energy here that you just can't help but twirl. Just a tiny twirl... okay, a few! I imagine the beautiful, powerful, elegant movements that would be onstage tonight, the story and passion swirling, the gorgeous music taking everyone on a journey - oh, it's *making me want to dance! *
Of course, when you’re in the City of Lights, one simply must indulge in a little bit of shopping!
And believe me, the best way to explore the shopping havens in Paris is simply to wander around! I do adore popping into some of the grand boutiques, with their beautiful lace trims, delicate silks, and perfectly cut garments – simply beautiful! Today, my mission is finding some exquisite pink silk fabric that could just possibly become the perfect tutu material for my upcoming dance recital. It's so important to choose just the right shade for each tutu to complement my dance moves and show off my choreography – oh, just wait till you see the new routines, you are not going to believe how intricate and exciting they're going to be! I just love showing off the graceful lines of the dance, don't you? And a pink tutu is just the best to highlight it all.
While there's so much to see and do here, I have a few places on my list that I absolutely cannot not visit.
The Place Vendôme! Oh, just looking at all the exquisite shops and gorgeous, ornate architecture, you feel transported into another era! If you’re on the hunt for something truly special – for jewellery or luxury fashion, this is absolutely the place to be! But there’s no rush - this isn't just a quick peek-and-run! I've spent entire days strolling along the squares, watching the world go by. I imagine some of the Parisian ballerinas and even some famous names that would visit here, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have seen some of the famous Parisian stars walking these streets? Honestly, it’s like stepping into a grand, stylish dream.
Of course, the Boulevard des Italiens is always a delight. It's bustling and lively! I love the way the grand shops and theaters fill the avenues and almost make the cobblestones vibrate beneath your feet as you walk past. They all radiate an air of glamorous excitement - and I’m sure some of those theaters hold some incredible ballet stories – wouldn't it be wonderful to witness one of those historic performances? Maybe one day. One day, darling…
But speaking of the theaters - what a treat is waiting for us this evening! I've snagged a ticket to see a stunning performance at the Palais Garnier. I know it's going to be perfectly divine, filled with romance and captivating emotion. This kind of theater always reminds me why ballet is so important, its power to touch your heart and tell you stories - stories about everything! The strength and grace of the dancers, the dramatic scenery, the costumes – oh, you’re going to hear all about it on my next Tutu Tuesday post, believe me!
Of course, any trip to Paris isn't complete without indulging in a beautiful cup of coffee, enjoying the atmosphere of a true Parisian café. Just think - all the famous designers, musicians, artists – oh, maybe even dancers – have sat at tables like this over the years, talking, sketching, sipping. To experience it is like a moment suspended in time. Honestly - a little pink sugar sprinkled over the top makes every sip of my cafe au lait absolutely divine! There’s something about the magic of these cafes that really allows the imagination to wander, a bit like my time travel experiences. It’s a feeling of endless possibilities – which I guess is what inspires artists and creatives of every kind. A little taste of magic.
The day is rushing past - with all these gorgeous sights, fabulous shops and, of course, my wonderful, perfectly pink ballet outfit, time has flown! I feel such an urge to step into the world of the Opéra Garnier now - I just know tonight's performance is going to be simply stunning!
Oh! One last tip - you must look for a little French-inspired shop where they sell pink ribbon, with the sweetest little pink roses woven into it. If you are looking for the perfect gift, you'll find something gorgeous to remember Paris. I always pick up some for friends and family - a perfect way to remember my travels, and remind those back home of the romance, fashion and exquisite dance to be found on this extraordinary adventure! You will find, however, my personal favourites are all kept for me, ready to inspire my next Tutu Tuesday post.
Well, darlings, I think my time travel must come to an end – the Paris Opera is calling! As always, please tell me all your favourite things from today - a story about a show you saw? A shop that brought you the perfect Parisian touch? Don’t forget to follow my #TutuTuesday adventures! You can find all the blogs here at www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time - keep your pink tutus at the ready, I have many more tales to share from my magical journey through time!
Bisous, Emma
