Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! I'm Emma, your ballet-loving, pink tutu-wearing guide to the glorious history of dance. Today, I'm excited to whisk you away on a very special journey, back to the 8th of August, 1848. It’s post number 2252 on www.pink-tutu.com, and it's just bursting with Parisian charm, fashion, and, of course, exquisite ballet!
But before I leap into our adventure, let me introduce you to my trusty companion. Yes, you guessed it, the one and only Magic Meg! She's a dazzling shire horse, with a magnificent white mane and tail and those most enchanting golden hooves. My gorgeous, sparkly pink saddle always adds a touch of whimsical magic to her already dazzling form. She's quite a sight when she shimmers under the moon, perfectly complementing my blush-pink tutu!
Anyway, on with our travels! It's a bright morning here in Derbyshire and Magic Meg and I are eager to go on our voyage! I'm ready to time-travel, armed with my trusty leather rucksack, always ready to hold the treasures I'll collect from this vibrant, fascinating period. The world of ballet was bursting with excitement in 1848, especially in Paris. Now, close your eyes and picture this…
Imagine a world awash in the soft, delicate colours of pastels, delicate lace trims and elegant silhouettes. I love that era, its elegant fashions a ballet of fabrics and lace! You wouldn’t see any vibrant neon pinks or shimmering sparkles in ballet wear like today! Ballet outfits in those days were primarily refined and understated – more classic lines and delicate detailing.
Ah, Paris! It’s so magical! In 1848, Paris was buzzing with revolution, but amidst the political upheaval, the world of ballet was flourishing! Think Parisian grandeur, opulent opera houses with swirling chandeliers, and captivating ballets like 'Giselle'.
What was on the ballet stage in August 1848?
The star of the Paris Opera at this time was none other than the beautiful Fanny Cerrito, renowned for her sparkling virtuosity. Imagine her whirling on pointe, a graceful vision in a diaphanous, layered tutu. Fanny was captivating the French public in the lead role of “Giselle," a story of love and loss which had its premiere in 1841 and which remains popular today! Now, isn’t that a piece of ballet history we all love to admire?
* A peek into ballet fashions:*
It's no secret that I adore ballet fashion. Imagine flowing fabrics and beautiful ribbons, simple yet stunning costumes, which celebrated the elegance of movement and the grace of the human form. A tutu would have been shorter than the grand Romantic tutus that are common today, usually worn just above the knee. It's a look that inspires me to twirl and dream!
My dear readers, it’s not just about the costumes. A Parisian ballet evening would have been an extravaganza! Picture yourself dressed in a stunning gown, sparkling with a charming and delicate brooch. As you entered the Opera, you'd hear the orchestra playing and see the chandelier shimmering in the gaslight, all around you is a symphony of luxurious sound and light. That's the sheer wonder of the French Ballet during the 1840s! I am picturing an elegant ladies hat with a single delicate pink rose, and I'm just itching to pack this in my rucksack, my dear readers, perhaps you might catch a glimpse of a Parisian hat adorned with the colour of the pink ballet shoe... oh to have this in my collection!
* Time Travel Inspirations:*
Of course, you’ll find that every ballet performance offers its own unique kind of time travel. When I take the stage myself, I’m swept away in my tutus. Pink is the only colour I will wear in my performances - I want everyone to embrace the power of the colour pink – just imagine the delight and wonder that it could bring. Just like those beautiful Parisiennes stepping into the grand Opera, we can create our own personal haven of beauty, grace and passion with our pink tutus! We can transport ourselves anywhere we desire, and we can dance with the stars and all the great ballerinas who came before us.
Now, I think it’s time for a dance, my lovelies. Don't forget to twirl around in your own special tutus, and share with your friends, too! As we finish, let’s close our eyes and picture ourselves there, under those dazzling chandeliers, with the magical melodies of the Parisian Opera surrounding us, ready to take a bow to our dreams and our pink tutus! Remember you can check out my post on my website: www.pink-tutu.com – it’s always buzzing with ballet stories, fashion, and historical delights, and of course, lots and lots of pink.
Until next time!
With love,
Emma xx
* And now my lovelies, here's an extra little treat to inspire your pink tutu time travels: *
Get Crafty: Make your own miniature Parisian opera house from paper mache, add some glittering details to create a fabulous home for ballet history! You can even recreate the classic "Giselle" in your very own pink tutu fashion show!
*Embrace the ‘80s!: * Put on your best sparkly pink tutu and get ready for a fantastic 80s-themed dance party. You can embrace the era with fun 80s hairstyles, bold colours, and of course, the perfect pink tutus!
Happy Time Traveling! 💖
