Post #3246: www.pink-tutu.com
Oh my darlings! This month's jaunt on Magic Meg took me back to the glorious 6th of June 1931, landing us smack bang in the heart of Paris. The air was thick with the scent of lilacs, and the city twinkled with the golden glow of gaslights. Just the setting for a truly magical evening!
My pink tutu, my faithful companion on all my travels, rustled happily against Meg's pink shimmering coat as we made our way to the majestic Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera. Tonight, I was going to witness something truly extraordinary: the world premiere of Serge Diaghilev's Le Bal*, a spectacle of beauty and innovation!
Diaghilev was the undisputed King of Ballet in the 20th century, and this production promised to be a masterclass in choreography, set design, and music. But it was something else that caught my eye: the costumes, darling! Jean Cocteau, a man who truly understood the art of creating an aura, had designed the gowns. Think flapper chic meets opulent glamour, feathers swirling with silken silks. And all in the most exquisite shades of pastel pink, of course!
The whole scene was a delight for the senses. My heart did a little pirouette as the lights dimmed, the hushed whispers settling, anticipation buzzing through the air. Then, the curtain rose!
Le Bal was a kaleidoscope of beauty and emotion. The music by Igor Stravinsky, dramatic and moving, swirled like a cloud around the dancers, their movements a poem in motion. There was an ethereal grace about the ballerinas, their pink tulle swirling like smoke in the flickering lights, each gesture, each leap, imbued with an incredible sense of power and vulnerability. It was as if they were dancing a dream.
The backdrop, designed by Christian Bérard, was a masterpiece in itself. It felt like stepping into a fantastical, almost surreal world, with shimmering metallic walls reflecting the light in dazzling patterns. I’m already dreaming of having that magnificent backdrop reproduced on my new bedroom walls. It would make getting out of bed so much more dramatic, wouldn't you agree?
But oh, the costumes! Just divine! As the dancers danced, each move revealing new details of their creations, I was captivated by the perfect blend of ethereal and sensual, delicate yet strong. Cocteau had captured the essence of 1930s Paris - an era of change, revolution, and rebellion, all embodied in a dazzling swirl of pink and glitter. I found myself itching to grab some silk fabric and start creating, darling. And that's just what I did! I snuck into the costume workshop during intermission and picked up some beautiful fabrics and trims – a secret stash I tucked carefully into my leather rucksack.
The evening, filled with exquisite dancing, incredible costumes, and captivating music, came to an end with a thundering applause. Even now, I can still hear the joyful cacophony and see the radiant smiles of the dancers, their bodies sparkling under the warm lights. And let me tell you, this was an evening for all senses – one that will forever be etched in my memory!
As Meg and I rode back to the future, her white mane catching the pale moonlight, I reflected on what I’d just seen. Le Bal was much more than a ballet – it was a statement. It was a statement on freedom, beauty, and the human spirit. It was, as I like to say, absolutely divine.
Now, let me tell you a little more about Diaghilev. Diaghilev was such an interesting figure. An enigmatic Russian with an astonishing eye for talent, he championed and nurtured so many artists: Stravinsky, Picasso, Cocteau, to name just a few. He was a force of nature, constantly challenging artistic boundaries and inspiring others. If you can only get your hands on it, darling, I highly recommend reading Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes by John Curtiss – a brilliant, beautifully written book. It will open your eyes to the rich world of Ballet beyond your wildest imaginings.
The story of Diaghilev is, in a way, the story of a movement – the Ballet Russe. It was this group of dancers, this community, this collective dream of beauty and talent, that took the world by storm. And if there's one thing that I love most about ballet, it's the power it has to unite us. From the Paris of 1931 to your living room today, a shared passion for dance, for the magic of movement, for the joy of the performance, is something that speaks to everyone. It is the universal language of art.
But enough about history, darling. We are back in 2023, the sun shining brightly outside my little cottage in Derbyshire. I've got a hot cup of tea and a batch of delicious freshly-baked cookies (pink frosting, of course!), and my beautiful pink tutu hanging on the chair next to me, whispering stories of Parisian nights and dazzling dancers.
The next ballet performance I'm going to is Sleeping Beauty. Now, that’s going to be fun!
Do you have any favourite ballets? Or maybe some stories of ballets you'd like me to find in the past? As always, send your ballet wishes and your most glamorous fashion tips to my website at www.pink-tutu.com – and don't forget to tag me on Instagram #PinkTutuTravels
Until next time, darlings, stay fashionable!
Love and twirls, Emma x
