Hello, darling ballerinas! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to my August 2023 blog post! Today, I’m hopping back to a rather spectacular date - 8th August 1890 - because honestly, this is where the Parisian ballet scene really takes off, and of course, my lovely pink tutu has to be there, doesn’t it?
I'm standing outside the Palais Garnier, and let me tell you, it’s quite a sight. The architectural masterpiece – all grand staircases and shimmering chandeliers – is absolutely dazzling, just like my pink tutu, which of course is shimmering too! I just know I'm going to love seeing the show inside.
I’ve just been admiring all the wonderfully chic women who are flocking to the theatre tonight. They're dressed to the nines, darling, in lavish gowns and beautiful hats, like characters out of a play themselves. I even spotted one of them sporting a gorgeous pair of pink opera gloves - that must be a sign of good things to come. And their feathers? So fabulous. Oh, how I adore that feather craze, especially when the feathers match my pink tutu. They always bring such a touch of romance and drama to an ensemble, don't you agree?
The evening starts with a flourish of trumpets and the first notes of "La Bayadère" by Marius Petipa. My goodness, it is a production for the ages! A kaleidoscope of colour and beauty, with delicate jumps, intricate footwork, and some daring leaps that just make me gasp with excitement.
Let me tell you about the costumes - an absolute dream for a pink tutu enthusiast like me. There's a divine array of light tulle and velvet - shades of ivory, gold, and rose - which really make those magnificent colours of the stage stand out. And those headpieces! Each dancer is a stunning vision with her bejewelled headpiece and vibrant plumes. It makes my pink tutu positively sparkle in comparison!
One ballerina's ensemble even included a diaphanous white gauze shawl, that was floating like an angel's wing and simply divine! My rucksack is bulging with fabric samples I've carefully clipped - my fellow tutu enthusiasts will just love these.
I particularly adored the beautiful story within the ballet, with a captivating, exotic love story interwoven with incredible athleticism and artistry. You see, darling, for me, it's all about a love of the story as much as the steps themselves.
I think what makes "La Bayadère" truly special is the way it showcases the feminine beauty of the dance and its inherent grace. Those graceful movements of the dancers are almost ethereal and so captivating that even magic Meg has her eyes on the performance, her mane flowing in the wind from our magical journey to the theatre tonight.
But I’ve got a secret to tell you! I saw something even more fabulous after the performance, which made my pink tutu whirl in excitement. A charming man with a knowing smile came up to me and presented me with a pamphlet inviting me to a private gathering hosted by some of the most distinguished patrons of the arts. My dear readers, we’re going to talk about some fascinating ballet innovations and explore the ballet fashion trends sweeping Europe.
Just the thing for my blog, wouldn’t you agree? More to follow soon! I've already got so much to tell you about these fascinating patrons of the ballet - how they use their resources to influence and change the entire landscape of ballet, it’s simply brilliant. And you know, sometimes those innovative trends actually end up looking incredibly chic, even in my time! I’m already planning how I can subtly include a hint of this fashion in my own wardrobe - I simply can’t let you down, darling!
Well, my dears, it's time for me and magic Meg to bid adieu to this magical Paris night, where I discovered such wonderful stories of the artistry, innovation, and love of ballet. Until next month, don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! Remember, darling ballerinas, we can all spread a little joy and magic wearing a pink tutu, even if it’s not a traditional ballet dress, because who knows where a little bit of pink can take you!
Lots of love and pink tutu twirls,
Emma xx
