Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here with another dose of #TutuTuesday! Grab your favourite frothy tutu and settle in for a trip back to the fabulously flamboyant world of ballet in 1988 - oh, and remember to grab some sweets for the train journey!
This week, my little darlings, we're heading to the glittering capital of dance - Paris, darling! Where else would we be for this fabulous date? With a hot air balloon in tow (more on that in a minute), I’m jet-setting over the Channel to explore the world of Parisian ballet, soaking up all the fashion, the excitement, and the incredible artistry that surrounds this magical city.
First up, we need to talk about a real trendsetter in the ballet world. And no, darling, it’s not the dancers - it’s the ballet that's setting the trends! It’s 1988, and the Paris Opera Ballet, our ultimate Parisian powerhouse, is preparing for a show that would go down in ballet history - Rudolf Nureyev's production of "La Bayadère"! This, my darlings, was the hottest ticket in town. It's not only an enchanting and beautifully crafted work, but it features an amazing costume and staging design by Ezio Frigerio. We're talking the kind of costumes that send shivers of excitement up a dancer's spine and bring out the 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the audience!
What's even more fabulous is the entire production was presented at The Palais Garnier, an absolute gem of architectural brilliance and the heart of Paris's artistic scene. Oh, to be able to waltz through those hallowed halls! The Palais Garnier isn’t just a place to watch ballet; it's a statement of glamour and luxury that is inextricably linked with the art itself.
I imagine myself waltzing through the corridors, sipping tea in the magnificent cafe (imagine the frothy pastel-hued cakes!), and finally settling down in the plush red velvet seats of the Grand Foyer. I just can’t imagine how magical the atmosphere must be!
Speaking of magic, imagine the buzz in the city! This Bayadère performance, with Nureyev’s own stunning choreography, is bringing Parisian theatre and the fashion world together, showcasing that intoxicating, powerful combination of art and haute couture. Don’t you simply love the interplay of these worlds?! It makes for such captivating moments!
Just imagine my delight when, on a quiet corner, I spot the most exquisite little shop - a haven for all things ballet and the perfect place to indulge in a spot of window shopping. It’s all pink tutus and ballet slippers in every colour under the sun! Imagine - silk ribbons, feather boas, tiny pink satin shoes, the most intricate tiaras! My heart is practically bouncing out of my chest, I'm giddy with delight. I think my bank account is just going to have to wait for another time… I can’t help myself, darling, I simply must have at least one pretty feather boa!
And while we're in Paris, no trip is complete without a romantic stroll down the Champs-Élysées! You’ve heard of street style? Well, in Paris in 1988, it’s all about ballet inspired fashion - bold silhouettes, draped skirts, and a touch of playful romanticism. Everyone, darling, everyone is rocking a touch of dance in their dress. And it's not just the fashion, darling, the whole world is celebrating dance. I’m picturing myself in a gorgeous billowing tutu dress (maybe a bright pink one?), strutting down the Champs-Élysées - looking sensational, darling!
This, my dears, is the perfect recipe for a magical journey into a world of dance and style - a vibrant world of colour, movement, and of course, pink tutus! It’s all so inspiring and fabulous, wouldn't you say?
Oh, and I couldn’t finish without talking about my travel to Paris, now could I?! I arrived in the most spectacular manner, of course. Why take a plane when you can soar over the rolling green hills of England in a magnificent, hot air balloon?! This isn't just travel, darling, it's a ballet of its own - drifting gently across the countryside, a soft breeze against my cheek, and the world spreading out beneath me in a gorgeous patchwork of greens, browns, and blues.
The wind in my hair, the warm sunlight on my skin… what more could a ballerina ask for, darling? Just the perfect starting point for a day of ballet, fashion and, of course, pink tutus!
So there you have it - #TutuTuesday has landed us in Paris, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, fantastic performances, and, of course, plenty of fashion inspiration!
Remember, my dears, you don't need a time machine to travel through time. Just hop on the ballet train with me and let your imagination take flight. It’s always a good time to bring out your inner ballerina.
Don’t forget, darlings, let me know what your favourite ballet stories are in the comments below! Until next week, may your steps be light and your tutus even lighter!
Bisous!
Emma,
xx
