Hello my dearest Tutu-Twirling Tribe! It’s Emma here, back with another blast from the past – this month, I’m whisking us back to December 12th, 1923. Buckle up, because this is a story about groundbreaking ballerinas, a Parisian premiere, and, of course, a splash of pink!
As you know, my dear readers, the colour pink has been a steadfast friend of mine since I first donned a tutu. Imagine my excitement then, when I landed on a crisp December day in Paris, a whirlwind of chic cafes, elegant ladies, and an abundance of blush hues on the streets. I had a mission – to capture the spirit of the iconic “Les Biches” (The Does), which debuted on this very date at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées!
My trusty time-traveling companion, the radiant pink, shimmering Shire horse, Magic Meg, galloped me through the cobblestones of Paris. I practically squealed with delight – the streets buzzed with artistic energy, the air thick with anticipation for the premiere of this revolutionary ballet.
“Les Biches”, a creation by the daring composer Francis Poulenc and the visionary choreographer Bronislava Nijinska, promised to challenge the traditional norms of ballet. We’re talking daring modern steps, a witty, almost scandalous storyline about a group of playful, fashionable ladies (always my kind of story!), and the gorgeous use of costumes that screamed the spirit of the Roaring Twenties – all presented against the backdrop of a gloriously decorative stage design.
But even more exhilarating than the ballet itself were the costumes. Think sleek, flowing silk and satins, shimmering jewels, and playful geometric patterns. Yes, there was a generous amount of pink in the mix – vibrant rose-toned satin, a delightful nod to the ladies’ playful nature. As soon as the curtain fell, my little hands were already itching to tuck away samples of the fabric in my leather rucksack. After all, fashion inspiration is like a rare gemstone – always treasure it!
The entire premiere, as I can imagine it (thanks to old playbills and countless hours spent researching, of course!) was pure magic. I just love seeing how these earlier dancers embraced modern styles. In 1923, women were challenging conventional expectations and expressing themselves through clothing, makeup, and dance. This daring and modern approach resonated deeply with my inner ballerina – it’s about being your boldest, most expressive self. And when a ballet production like "Les Biches" could make a whole audience hold its breath, that’s pure brilliance!
And just like the elegant, chic Parisians, I finished off my whirlwind adventure with a luxurious visit to one of the grandest confectionaries, indulging in delicate pastries and a spot of tea, of course! I’ve never had more lovely afternoon tea in a vintage Paris tea room, and my pink tutu looked rather delightful amidst the delicate Parisian setting.
But of course, it’s time to say goodbye for now. Don’t forget to catch up with me on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. You know, I just love the idea of spreading this joyous energy to everyone!
Till next time, stay fashionable, embrace the unexpected, and don’t forget to twirl in that glorious, pink tutu!
Lots of love,
Emma,
The Time Travelling Ballerina.
P.S – Don’t miss my monthly live performance on [Date]. It’s sure to be a show-stopper – and a great opportunity to learn a bit about the world of ballet time travel! It’s a guaranteed triple pirouette of fun.
