Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another adventure! February the 2nd, 1789 - can you believe it? This month, I found myself twirling right through the French Revolution, all in a magnificent, pink-sequined tutu, of course!
Now, before you start picturing me amidst the guillotine and storming the Bastille, let me assure you - this trip was far from a disaster! We've all got a bit of a romantic notion about history, and as much as the revolution had its serious side, the spirit of change was excitingly palpable. The air crackled with energy!
But let's not forget the fashion. As soon as I landed, I was absolutely giddy - Parisian style was so grand and daring. I mean, picture layers of billowing skirts, feathers, silk and lace – utterly enchanting! I even managed to snag a few stunning fabrics from a local silk merchant for my next bespoke pink tutu. A few embroidered roses around the bodice - perfection!
My trip started, as always, with a visit to the local ballet company. Imagine my delight to discover that the famed Mademoiselle Guimard, a Parisian ballet icon, was at the height of her career! Her moves were absolutely exquisite - a perfect blend of strength and grace. I was utterly transfixed.
Speaking of exquisite, let's talk about the Theatre de l'Opera! You've never seen such stunning architecture and intricate carvings! The grand foyer was a marvel of elaborate gilding and polished marble - I could practically hear the echoes of the grandest waltz ever composed!
But my heart, my darlings, belonged to the ballet. I managed to get tickets to a performance of 'Le Devin du Village' - such a delightful little piece with a charming story and elegant choreography! I couldn't help myself - I found myself clapping and tapping my toes along. My imagination ran wild - I was transported back to a world of graceful movements and enchanting melodies. The whole atmosphere was so inspiring, I couldn't help but twirl a little myself, right in the middle of the theatre! Of course, I quickly popped into a private room and got myself sorted. No pink tutu-clad time traveler wants to be seen looking dishevelled. Especially in the age of powdered wigs and ruffles!
For my grand entry, I donned a truly fabulous pink tutu - a vibrant magenta, hand-painted with delicate rose designs and finished with a luxurious lace trim. Naturally, I paired it with my favourite silk ballet shoes and a touch of shimmering makeup. After all, when in Rome (or Paris), dress like a Roman (or a Parisian, in my case!).
I was truly entranced by the energy of this period. You've probably heard stories of the French Revolution being quite the chaotic period, but honestly, the dancing was still exquisite! Every social event, from private balls to lavish court galas, involved breathtaking choreographed displays. My dear Magic Meg, bless her heart, loves nothing more than pulling a cart full of pink tutus through the bustling Parisian streets, right? Even if she did have to dodge the occasional, rather upset, revolutionist... You’d think people would be a little less interested in storming the palace and a little more focused on the magnificent display of pink tutus parading through the streets!
Oh! Talking about my horse, Magic Meg, we stumbled across a remarkable display of French horses! Their riders were preparing for a grand equestrian show. Let's just say, there was much flaunting and preening. Not sure I would be brave enough to ride in public with that amount of prancing going on. Magic Meg's style is a touch more subtle, a graceful trot with an impressive sparkle to her pink hooves!
Now, let me tell you about my find in my backpack. It’s a delicate, faded sheet of parchment from a Parisian ballet academy. It talks about how dance, even during a turbulent time like the French Revolution, held a special place in people’s hearts.
It mentions how dance offered escape, beauty, and a reminder of humanity, even amidst chaos. There are hand-drawn images, depicting delicate movements with swirls and swoops! It’s utterly exquisite. And did I tell you it’s framed in gorgeous pink velvet? Of course, my dearest Magic Meg helped to select that fabric. She knows what colours I like best!
The beauty of ballet transcended political turmoil. And just like my trip to this incredible era, dance, even amid turmoil, offered an escape and a beautiful, delicate expression of life's many joys. So, my lovely readers, keep dancing, keep dreaming, keep spreading joy, and don't forget, it's never too late to try wearing a pink tutu!
Until next month, stay fabulous!
Yours, in a flutter of pink,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
