Post #3134
Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu Time Travels! This month, we're whisking ourselves back to 2nd February, 1922, for a peek at the fascinating world of ballet in the Roaring Twenties!
It's always so exciting to see how the dance world was evolving back in the day. I packed my trusty pink tutu (because honestly, who can travel through time in anything else?!), my leather rucksack for gathering precious ballet stories, and my beloved Magic Meg - my stunning pink sparkling Shire horse with her golden hooves and flowing white mane - ready for an adventure!
We landed, quite gracefully I might add, right in front of the Salle Pleyel in Paris. Can you believe, darlings? The iconic hall where the legendary Diaghilev's Ballets Russes first graced the stage! This troupe was just so ahead of its time, truly revolutionizing the world of ballet. Can you imagine, Swan Lake with bold new choreography, exotic costumes, and breathtaking artistry? It was an electrifying moment in history, a vibrant fusion of the traditional and the daringly modern.
My, oh my, those stunning costumes! You simply have to imagine flowing, silken gowns adorned with opulent beads and feathers. Imagine dancers adorned in elaborate headpieces, looking like fantastical creatures out of a dream. I felt like I'd stumbled into a living, breathing art piece! I felt myself yearning for that incredible era of Parisian chic. So much fabulous inspiration for our contemporary looks, you know what I mean?
But, our journey wouldn't be complete without seeing a show! My research had unearthed a thrilling programme at the Salle Pleyel: a double bill featuring Diaghilev's production of Stravinsky’s "Pulcinella" and the iconic Ballets Russes interpretation of * “Petrushka” *!
I couldn't resist a little peek behind the scenes before the performance. I imagined all the hustle and bustle as the dancers perfected their steps, their focus as laser sharp as a needle! The stage was alive with a kind of electricity, an air of excited anticipation, and it was utterly captivating! The music began, the lights dimmed, and suddenly the world outside melted away. Pulcinella was just stunning - the exuberant, commedia dell'arte style felt so alive!
Afterward, the sheer elegance and heartbreak of Petrushka - with its beautiful folk music and poignant story of the wooden puppet longing for love - had me absolutely captivated! Imagine a wooden puppet, a graceful ballerina, and a boisterous, arrogant Moorish doll entangled in a timeless story of love, betrayal, and tragic yearning. I just have to admit I shed a tear.
After the show, it was time to grab some decadent Parisian sweets, which wouldn't be complete without a pot of perfectly strong French coffee, non? The Parisian night buzzed with a symphony of light, chatter, and music, each one so much more vibrant after the show's artistry.
And speaking of vibrant, oh my word! Just picture it - Paris bathed in a glow of moonlight, the street cafes bursting with laughter, the rhythm of the city playing like an orchestra… and me, gliding gracefully through it all in my gorgeous, sparkly pink tutu! It was magic. And it certainly left me with plenty of ideas for my next performance!
Until next time, my dear readers, stay sparkly!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
