Hello lovelies! Emma here, your trusty time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another adventure in the world of ballet! It's December 12th, and for this month's post, we're transporting ourselves to Paris in the year 1882.
This month, Magic Meg, my shimmering pink shire horse, galloped us straight to the heart of Parisian ballet – the Opéra Garnier, which is absolutely magnificent, you guys! I mean, think grand marble staircases, ornate chandeliers that could rival a firework display, and those incredible gold-gilded columns... it's enough to make a ballerina weep with joy!
It's the year 1882, and the ballet scene in Paris is buzzing! Today was a particularly special occasion: a Christmas ballet production, a tradition that was already well established by this time, which made me so happy to experience. Can you imagine how exciting it must have been, celebrating Christmas with beautiful music, spectacular costumes, and graceful dancers?!
As we settled into our seats at the Opéra Garnier (and yes, of course, my pink tutu and sparkling diamante headband made me the centre of attention - who needs to blend in, am I right?!), I was giddy with anticipation! And what did I learn from the historical whispers in my backpack? That this evening, the company was performing none other than La Esmeralda, a ballet by Jules Perrot based on the story by Victor Hugo!
The ballet was enchanting. A tale of love, betrayal, and prejudice set against the backdrop of Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, La Esmeralda gave me the most delicious glimpses of Victorian ballet styles. Those elaborate, layered tutus – they’re almost more sculpture than fabric! And the expressive choreography, oh my, it's just as captivating today as it was in 1882! The ballerina dancing La Esmeralda, she truly had me spellbound with her graceful, heart-wrenching performance.
But wait, there's more!
I was particularly enthralled by the incredible costumes that are specific to this period. Imagine feathered hats, richly embellished bodices, and skirts so full, they seemed to move with a life of their own. The vibrant colour palette of the period was delightful: ruby red, deep sapphire blue, and emerald green. Every costume shimmered with pearls, sequins, and ribbons. It's like a giant party going on all around me!
Don't even get me started on the shoes, lovelies! These weren't the pointe shoes we know and love today – no, in the 1880s, ballerinas were dancing en pointe, but the shoes were more sturdy and supportive, with a wider shape. The designs were still exquisite – silk and satin, intricately laced with ribbons, a real testament to the craftsmanship of the time.
After the performance, it was time for shopping – because let's face it, even time travellers need a good wardrobe! The Rue de Rivoli was brimming with charming little boutiques filled with beautiful ribbons, fabrics, and even some exquisite hats. I made sure to find a little bit of that Parisian flair to take back home with me. And I can tell you, the Parisian ladies had exquisite taste in hats! We might just need to revive those oversized feathered creations, don’t you think?!
However, what I was really keen on was seeing a performance of Giselle, one of my absolute all-time favourite ballets! The Parisian ballerinas are considered to be some of the best in the world. They are known for their technical prowess, their grace, and their dramatic performances. I knew that watching a French production would be a truly special experience! You know how much I love Giselle! It is a true timeless ballet. The story of a beautiful country girl who is heartbroken and driven mad by a philandering nobleman is absolutely beautiful. It’s full of powerful emotion and wonderful dramatic moments. I can just picture myself gracefully twirling in a pale pink tutu as Giselle, don’t you think that’s lovely?!
And for the finale of our little Parisian escapade, I, of course, had to go for a decadent afternoon tea. Parisian patisseries are renowned for their delicate cakes and pastries, and let me tell you, it was utterly divine. There was tea served in silver teapots, chocolate eclairs so light they practically melted in my mouth, and a selection of mini macarons that were beyond words.
It really does make you appreciate how much has changed and stayed the same in the world of ballet over the years, right? And how lucky we are to have these beautiful traditions passed down through the centuries!
Now, it's back to Derbyshire for me, but you know I’ll be bringing you along for another exciting time-travel journey next month. And who knows where we might end up next? I’ve got so much ballet history to uncover!
Remember, lovelies, every girl deserves to twirl in a pink tutu. So go on, get yourself one and live out your ballerina dreams!
Until next time, Emma. www.pink-tutu.com
