Hiya everyone! It's Emma here, and guess what? I'm back from another fabulous trip, this time, a hop, skip and a twirl back to 1986! Oh, the thrill of the journey! This week I've gone all retro, embracing the power of big hair and shoulder pads - something I can really get behind. I am totally digging the style, and honestly, it’s just as fabulous as I’d always imagined.
I decided to travel to Paris - can you believe it's actually called “The City of Lights” – just for the ballet! Paris is known for its spectacular ballet performances, you know! I got a fabulous vintage tutu, this one was more of a lilac hue rather than my go-to pink, but still oh so charming! Imagine - this tutu has graced the stage in 1986! And speaking of stages, I happened to catch a magnificent performance of "La Sylphide," choreographed by none other than the brilliant August Bournonville!
Now, this Bournonville is a real trailblazer when it comes to tutus. We have to talk about these glorious, whimsical tutus, with the billowing fabric and the lightweight layers - absolute dreaminess, if you ask me. They bring the fairy tales to life! I’m certain you all know "La Sylphide," right? It's like the grand-daddy of all romantic ballet narratives. We’ve been witnessing those fluttering Sylphides for decades, making these tutu designs truly iconic. It’s fascinating to witness their evolution, you know?
Anyway, I'm actually finding myself rather inspired to create a bit of my own romantic, whimsical tulle this week! It just looks so divine in vintage style, and honestly? I’m craving something a bit more vintage with my pink. My DIY skills are going to be put to the test this week! Wish me luck, lovelies. I’ll post my attempt next Tuesday, complete with a review of this classic tutu design, because every tutu deserves a close-up.
Now, to tell you about this enchanting 22nd July! Let’s start with the absolute fabulous news, darling! My Parisian dream came true: my love of vintage ballet dresses finally manifested! Imagine - this delightful shop full of absolutely divine old-world ballerinas, their delicate dresses waiting to be discovered.
But oh, how I yearned for a proper ballerina shopping spree! The little boutique was just exquisite. Everything so classic and elegant! Oh, the tulle! The satin! It felt like my Parisian fairy tale! Even if my wallet didn't love my ballet shopping spree, it's hard not to adore this little touch of magical history. And of course, I couldn’t leave without a little something - just a small keepsake of my romantic Parisian outing. Now I’ve got something quite beautiful to wear with my pink tutu on one of my walks through London - a little vintage reminder of Paris and those beautiful romantic ballerina stories. I’ll try and sneak it in as my new "look of the week" soon, so stay tuned, dearies!
Oh, and by the way, speaking of fashion - don’t think for a moment I’ve lost my beloved bright, bubblegum pink, not even for a minute. That lovely lavender was just a small break from the ordinary and a tiny hint of a romantic throwback. Because I believe pink has an elegance all of its own. It is such a fantastic colour for celebrating life - and for tutus of course! The Parisian shops just happened to have a bit of lilac tucked away.
My darling readers! You’re probably thinking, "Oh, Emma, surely Paris is filled with the most delightful dance venues for all tastes," and you’d be right, absolutely right! But even I can admit there’s a magical side to smaller, more intimate ballet schools, you know? My favourite ones - you just wouldn't imagine it, honestly! I discovered a school called The French Ballet Academy right near a gorgeous park. Oh, my darling readers, it is simply magical - like something straight out of a beautiful fairy tale.
These young ballerinas are an absolute inspiration - working so hard to achieve their dream. Every moment in this charming school felt just a little bit more enchanted. Now you have to imagine, this is in Paris, this is so fabulous, everything seems chic, even the dancing slippers, you just have to get ready for elegant magic! The magic, that feeling, the history – this makes tutus even more wonderful. It’s impossible not to be mesmerized by this passion! It's a passion I can definitely get behind!
Speaking of getting behind, do let me know, if you, too, have had the joy of experiencing a classic Parisian ballet experience – what did you see? What did you love? Was there anything especially fascinating for you? I’m really fascinated with the story behind those gorgeous ballerinas, they really are inspiring! It's hard not to have those fabulous fairy tale tutu moments that we all cherish in our imaginations. So let’s talk tutus. Did I say tutus already? It seems my thoughts just get caught in the layers of this fabulous fabric - a delicate dream world with all its charm and grace, of course!
I promise you – you don't need to go back in time to find these treasures, you can discover your own. If you have any tips for my future excursions (just imagine what adventures are waiting!), I am so ready to jump on the train for another trip into history – any advice or recommendations, especially for ballerina moments and especially in pink, is definitely appreciated! Don't forget to tell your friends and let them know it's all about tutus. We can make the world more beautiful.
Your pink tutu princess Emma
