Hello darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, and you know what makes my heart flutter more than a pirouette? Travelling through time with my trusty steed, Magic Meg, in my perfectly pink tutu! This month, we're twirling back to January 1st, 1919. Can you imagine, starting the new year with a delightful twirl in the City of Lights?!
As I landed (gently, of course, wouldn't want to spook the Parisian horses!), my first stop was the Opera Garnier, that majestic, decadent building with a history as rich as a plum pudding. In those days, ballet was in full swing! It was all about technique and precision - those famous ballerinas, they could hold a penché for days! My eyes practically popped out of my head watching the intricate steps, the perfect lines, the pure joy radiating from the dancers. It was a completely different style to our contemporary dance, but the passion and dedication were the same, and that, my lovelies, is universal!
The costumes, however, were something else! The women were wearing beautiful tutus, each with exquisite layers of tulle that would have made any swan envious! And the colour palette? Oh my, pastels and peaches, the epitome of romantic ballet! My rucksack started filling up with beautiful fabric scraps and a few drawings of those captivating costumes. Just imagine the delight of bringing back a little piece of ballet history to the 21st century!
Now, for a little something about what was happening in the world of ballet on that very date in 1919. Well, there was a delightful performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York called "The Spirit of the Night", an absolute delight with the exquisite dancer Pavlova in the starring role. The theatre, as I hear, was buzzing! There was also the glorious Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in their European tour, wowing the world with their unique choreography and dramatic visuals. It's amazing to think, these performances were taking place while I was riding back in time on my pink, sparkly steed. Just imagine, if only I could get those glorious costumes on the London stage today!
However, this wasn't just about the performances, darling! Paris is a haven for fashion and flair, a place where ballet shines bright in everyday life. Imagine the cobblestone streets filled with ladies in flowing dresses, their smiles as bright as the afternoon sun! Every café and every park seemed to be alive with grace and elegance, a sort of effortless dance through life. And of course, we must talk about the legendary fashion houses! Coco Chanel was just starting her rise, bringing bold and independent style to the world. Even back then, women were looking for a little something to add to their flair, something a little different. I wonder if the little black dress of tomorrow might be a black tutu... squeals with delight. Maybe, just maybe, we're headed that way.
After a glorious few days in Paris, it was time to say "Au revoir" to the enchanting city. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness as Magic Meg galloped through the streets, a pink flash against the Parisian cityscape. However, the excitement of knowing what lay ahead was soon buzzing like a ballerina on pointe! You see, my lovelies, we're just getting started.
And remember, as I always say, you don't need a time machine to embrace the joy of ballet! A pink tutu is a portal to elegance, to beauty, to happiness, to pure, unadulterated joy. Let's get everyone twirling! What are you waiting for? Put on your pink tutu and join the ballet revolution!
As always, feel free to join me at the next pink tutu party, either virtually on www.pink-tutu.com or at my next performance, I would love to see you all twirling! Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and tell me what you would like to see in my next time travel escapade. After all, when you have a dream as grand as pink tutus for everyone, it's a dance you have to enjoy.
Until next month, darlings!
With love,
Emma
x
