Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite tutu-obsessed time-traveller, Emma, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday. Grab your favourite cuppa, put on your pinkest socks, and settle in for a delightful trip down memory lane – we're headed back to 1919!
This week marks post number 4565 for my little ballet blog, www.pink-tutu.com. I simply can't believe it's been over 4500 weeks of tutus, time travel, and sheer pink-tastic joy! Every week I take a trip back to a glorious day in the past, usually to a ballet show, or perhaps an afternoon of fabulous shopping - whatever caught my eye in the pages of history. Today, we're waltzing through the era of flappers, the Charleston, and the most magical, airy tutus imaginable!
It's a bit of a balancing act - you know I absolutely adore a fancy dress - a long beaded gown, perhaps? - but my trusty pink tutu always stays packed and ready for a whirlwind adventure through time. This week, the call of the ballet stage proved irresistible. Today we are visiting the very heart of the ballet world – the Paris Opera.
1919-06-24 – The day I stumbled upon the iconic "Le Spectre de la Rose."
Stepping out of the sleek, modern train station into the vibrant streets of Paris was a delight - a far cry from my Derbyshire farm! I'm just mad for Parisian charm, from the bustling café terraces to the chic boutiques spilling over with fashion delights.
Imagine the thrill of arriving at the Paris Opera - it's like a grand palace fit for a princess! Imagine marble floors, glistening chandeliers, and the whisper of excited anticipation as the audience took their places. Now picture a delicate tutu, spun like spun sugar, the whisper of silk against skin as a ballerina floats through the air. That, my dears, is the magical world of "Le Spectre de la Rose," and it's enough to make even the most discerning fashionista swoon.
The "Le Spectre de la Rose" was just what the doctor ordered - it's a story of an ethereal apparition dancing with a young girl – a fleeting dream made real, all set against a dreamy backdrop of pale pink and light silver hues. Oh, and the dancing – absolute perfection! I wouldn't be surprised if you could see the fluttering hearts in the audience through the gaslight.
It's funny - so much has changed in fashion since 1919, but that delicate femininity, that touch of magic – those still hold true for ballet today. I just adore the way the tutus would've been constructed, using delicate silk and lots and lots of beautiful tulle. It's such a romantic touch – pure feminine beauty. I was a bit envious, as the girls backstage were practically floating on clouds! I, of course, just couldn't resist slipping on my own tutu for a twirl after the performance, right in the foyer of the Paris Opera, imagining I was the lovely ballet star of the evening! (But no photos - you don't want the time continuum to get upset!)
But the real magic of ballet for me isn't just the dancing – it's about capturing those moments of joy and excitement – a sparkle that never gets old. There's something very special about a grand stage, the hushed anticipation of an audience, and a ballerina who has the power to take your breath away. The tutu is a key element – a symbol of elegance, grace and pure artistry – and you just can't help but feel a flutter of excitement, just like you were on that very Parisian stage with them.
That evening, as I gazed out of the train window at the rolling French countryside, the glow of Paris still bright in my mind, I couldn't help but think how incredibly lucky I am. To travel through time, to dance with history, and to share my love of all things pink and twirly with you! I may have left the glittering stage of the Paris Opera, but the magic of that evening stays with me, every time I put on a pink tutu and twirl – just like the elegant and ethereal dance of the spectre.
Remember to check in next week for another installment of #TutuTuesday! I have a feeling a magnificent vintage shopping spree awaits. It's a tutu lover's life for me! 💖🌸
Stay tutu-licious,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
