Post number 2821
Hello, darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things twirling and time-traveling! It’s January 1st, 1896, and I'm absolutely buzzing with excitement for our trip to Paris, the City of Lights, a place that always promises glamour and a sprinkle of magic! As you all know, I live for ballet, and this time, it's more than just the steps that have me hopping with glee – the ballet scene in Paris in 1896 is bursting with incredible talents!
We've had a busy December fundraising with performances back home in Derbyshire. It feels like we’ve done a thousand pirouettes! But nothing makes me happier than sharing the joy of ballet with others, and knowing every single performance brings us one step closer to another exciting time travel adventure. Speaking of, our steed for this adventure is, of course, the majestic Magic Meg – a shimmering pink Shire horse with a mane like spun gold and hooves that glitter with an otherworldly shine. As always, she's wearing a magnificent pink bridle that matches my new tulle tutu (just a whisper of lilac, this time!). It’s absolutely stunning – imagine a rose garden blooming in silk, and that’s the effect!
Now, imagine this: The streets of Paris, cobblestone under Meg's hooves, the smell of fresh pastries wafting from nearby bakeries, the bustle of a city about to welcome a brand-new year – this is where our story begins!
As we canter along the Champs-Élysées, I spot a sign for the Opéra Garnier. My heart starts thumping a beautiful ballet beat! Can you believe, in this era, the world's most prestigious ballet companies – like the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris and the Ballet Russe – are setting the world ablaze with their innovative choreography! The excitement just won't stop!
Today's highlight, however, is an utterly charming performance at the Théâtre du Châtelet. La Cigale, a sparkling operetta in three acts, premiered just a month before our arrival. The stage was simply divine – ornate with gleaming gold and adorned with cascading velvet curtains. The music, the drama, the dance – everything about this performance felt timeless. It reminded me that ballet's enchantment has always had the power to transport audiences to worlds beyond imagination.
The dancers were remarkable – each step an intricate expression of emotion and storytelling. Their tutus were elaborate, crafted with layers upon layers of soft tulle, flowing with each elegant movement, and their shoes, meticulously crafted with ribbons and intricate laces, danced in perfect harmony with the music.
My collection back in Derbyshire has a new, fabulous addition thanks to this trip! It's a gorgeous vintage ballet programme for La Cigale. Just look at this cover – an elaborate, ethereal image of a ballerina with shimmering wings, as if she's about to take flight!
The story, dear readers, tells of a lively seamstress who falls in love with a charismatic nobleman, all set to a score so catchy, I was tempted to twirl my way out of the theatre! What a delight!
My leather rucksack is bursting with Parisian treasures. I've snagged a silk scarf adorned with ballerinas gracefully leaping between gilded leaves, and an enchanting little silver ballerina brooch that glitters with every delicate turn of my head!
Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without a dose of fashion inspiration. I discovered a shop near the theatre – its window display, an ode to tulle and lace. I couldn't resist indulging in a pair of delightful silk opera gloves, perfect for adding a touch of Parisian charm to my next performance back home! And yes, darling, they are, naturally, pink. The softest, most elegant shade of pink you've ever seen!
Paris has never failed to inspire me. The grace, the elegance, the sheer artistry - it’s like the world pauses and dances a waltz to the beat of imagination! Every time I leave this city, I’m filled with a new passion for sharing ballet with everyone – and convincing every soul in the world to wear a pink tutu! You never know what you might find on a magical journey – so embrace the wonder, step outside of your comfort zone, and never stop believing in the power of dreams.
Until next time, darling readers, happy twirling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
*P.S.: Have any of you, dear readers, ever witnessed *La Cigale? Do tell me all about it! What's your favorite ballet moment from this magical era? I can't wait to hear from you. Let’s chat! *
