Hey darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a fabulous ballet adventure. It's July the 7th, 1913, and I've just had the most amazing day, and I want to tell you all about it!
You see, it's my monthly time-travel tradition: each month, I leap through the swirling, sparkly mists of time on the back of my darling Magic Meg (the most divine pink-hued Shire you've ever seen, with hooves that sparkle like gold!) to experience the enchanting world of ballet in another era. It's so much fun! It’s almost like having a portal in my wardrobe to take me straight to the action, like a grown-up fairy godmother version of the old ‘Narnia’ tale – only instead of a wardrobe, it’s my amazing horse! 💖✨
This time, my heart was set on visiting a certain Russian theatre, just off a boulevard known as the "Boulevard des Capucines" in the French capital of Paris. You see, darlings, the theatre, known as the “Théâtre du Châtelet”, had a most fascinating piece on that very evening - Le Sacre du Printemps, or The Rite of Spring, a revolutionary new ballet composed by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky. Oh, to be in the presence of such icons of the world of ballet! They're like the ballet royalty of this period! 💖
Now, when we arrived, all the posh people were in their finery, all ready to experience the artistic explosion that this show was. I couldn't help but admire their elegance! From the gentlemen in their top hats to the ladies in their long, flowing gowns. There was just a real, exciting energy to the place - almost electric!
I was thrilled, naturally, to see some of the original costuming designed by Nicholas Roerich - just a feast for the eyes, with rich colours, elaborate patterns and truly eye-catching costumes! They were definitely very "modern" and ahead of their time – I can see the influence that Le Sacre has on costume designers and the theatrical world even today. ✨
Now, let’s talk about the music - my darling! It’s unlike anything I've ever heard before! It’s complex, wild and dramatic. Stravinsky wasn't afraid to push the boundaries. You see, it really made an impact. The ballet tells the story of a pagan ritual - imagine tribal dancing to dramatic, jarring music! It felt very different for this era.
The audience weren’t sure what to make of it though. Oh my! There were jeers, hisses and even a bit of a riot. That’s right, my dears, it sparked quite a commotion in the theatre - everyone was talking about it the next day. This just goes to show, darlings, that creativity, innovation, and stepping outside the box - it's risky, but it’s how we push the boundaries!
Speaking of pushing boundaries, I was particularly excited by the dancing itself - bold, rhythmic and truly striking! The choreographed movement was both primitive and incredibly sophisticated, showing Nijinsky’s visionary style and talents as a dancer and a choreographer. His dances explored themes of fertility, violence, sacrifice, and primitivism - topics never really touched upon before in ballet. You see, this was no 'graceful' ballet by any means - it was raw and powerful, making the audience see the power and beauty within raw, dynamic, sometimes 'rough' movement. And that, my dears, is why this ballet really made history! A story that’s made ballet history. 💖
And just as I finished taking a sneaky snap of Nijinsky on stage, in his incredibly cool and unusual costume - well, I saw an unusual crowd gathered around the ballet dancers in their rehearsal room backstage. I knew immediately, darlings, I had to investigate!
They were, in fact, preparing for another ballet scheduled to appear the following night at the very same venue. Now this one - now this one was truly interesting! It featured the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova! Anna was, well, she was the absolute queen of the ballet world during this period, a legendary, inspiring icon.
This particular ballet she was dancing was by the talented, innovative and innovative Mikhail Fokine – Les Sylphides. It's based on a poem by the Polish writer, Adam Mickiewicz, which I just had to purchase from a shop nearby. Les Sylphides depicts the ethereal romance of nymphs and sprites, in romantic settings. The romantic era was big back then. And this was what this era was famous for - Romantic ballets - it's just beautiful!
I had the time of my life at the Theatre du Châtelet, oh my, I did! From the incredible energy and chaos surrounding The Rite of Spring to the ethereal beauty of Les Sylphides, and of course the eye-catching costumes – I mean, stunning - this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I’m absolutely certain that as we are in the 21st century, we will continue to see influences from both Le Sacre and Les Sylphides, not just within the ballet world, but across all creative arts.
The energy in the room when Pavlova took the stage was just electrifying - everyone seemed to hold their breath in anticipation, such was her skill and allure. She really did own the stage and captivated the audience, moving with such a fluidity that I had to marvel, she just flew through the air in a way that would surely make anyone believe that this delicate, but incredibly powerful woman had literally become one of the “Sylphides”! The ballet, as a whole, was truly beautiful, with the romantic elegance that is such a key characteristic of the early 20th century ballet period - and very influential still today in so many ballets across the globe, whether its traditional or contemporary, ballets by the Royal Ballet to Swan Lake. I have to confess, that I found the ballet very inspirational, it had an airy elegance - and Anna, with her effortless, flowing movements - oh my - it made it so incredibly graceful.
But of course, no trip to 1913 would be complete without a visit to some amazing stores! I simply must tell you about the amazing shop that sold all sorts of pretty tutus - not the same, heavy tutus we see now in the world of classical ballet, more delicate, silk creations that allowed the dancer such grace and elegance and really flowed and skimmed around their legs as they moved, quite unlike the stiff, heavily layered, classical tutus we see today! That, of course, means, my dear readers, that I snagged myself an absolute gem – a fabulous pink silk tutu for my collection - with the tiniest little bit of pink velvet trim around the hem. So chic and absolutely the perfect way to finish off this enchanting trip.
And so, it’s back on Magic Meg’s back and homeward to Derbyshire. This is what makes my life, so amazing. I have the absolute joy of visiting and collecting memories and treasures from across all periods of the world of dance. If you find yourself in Paris, darlings, then you must see the ‘Théâtre du Châtelet' – if just for its history. The atmosphere really does create a spectacle and is certainly worthy of a ballet in itself, not to mention some truly stunning performances and innovative creations from both the artistic world, and the worlds of music and design. Of course, do try to find some time for some fashion and shopping - the city has such a stunning array of fashion outlets and there’s just so much choice! It is utterly fabulous.
Remember, darlings, if you want to share your love for tutus with me, be sure to come along on my journey and let me know your thoughts on all my adventures.
And never forget…the world is your stage! So, wear your favourite pink tutu, embrace your inner dancer and, until next time... Keep on twirling! 💕
Until next month...
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
