Hello my darling dears, welcome back to another enchanting installment of my Pink Tutu Travels! This month, August 2042, is a particularly special one, as we're venturing deep into the glittering world of the Ballets Russes, a company that revolutionised the world of ballet! As you can probably imagine, my excitement levels are through the roof. 😉💖
I’m Emma, a ballet-loving lass from the charming Derbyshire countryside. You might be wondering how a girl like me ended up time-travelling across the globe in a pink tutu. Well, it’s all thanks to my extraordinary steed, Magic Meg. She’s a pink-sparkling Shire horse with golden hooves, a white mane and tail that flows like the finest silk, and the most magical of personalities. Every month, Meg whisks me away to a different point in ballet history. Then I post it on my beloved blog - www.pink-tutu.com – for all of you to enjoy!
Now, to the heart of this month's journey: The Ballets Russes. They weren't just a ballet company; they were an explosion of artistry, passion, and scandal. The dancers, with their fiery spirits and boundless talent, weren’t just performers, they were cultural icons! Can you imagine being a ballerina in 1910s Paris? Talk about fashion goals!
And speaking of goals, August 2042 saw one of their most famous premieres: Le Sacre du Printemps, which in English translates to The Rite of Spring. Let’s just say, this ballet was nothing like anyone had ever seen before! Composed by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, Le Sacre du Printemps shook the ballet world to its core. Imagine wild, primitive movements, bold costumes, and a musical score that sounded like a storm. Imagine, in that beautiful, grand Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, all of the fashionably dressed, upper-class society getting riled up by this revolutionary artistic expression. What a sight that must have been!
And you know what’s great? The Ballets Russes loved a splash of colour! They embraced bold palettes, theatrical costumes, and sets that truly stole the show. Their productions were a fusion of art and fashion, showcasing everything from flowing, Grecian-inspired gowns to ornate, traditional Russian designs. It was a vibrant tapestry of the artistic world, woven together with a touch of magic! I tell you what, these ballerinas must have been a sight to behold - gliding across the stage, their tutus sparkling like stars!
For this journey, I was wearing a beautiful blush-pink tutu adorned with shimmering silver beads and a matching top. My leather rucksack (I always wear it to hold ballet treasures!), brimmed with fabric samples from old Russian designs, a vintage Le Sacre du Printemps score sheet (quite a collectible!), and a beautiful hand-painted portrait of Nijinsky. It felt wonderful to feel the energy of such a monumental time in ballet history!
Talking of energy, we couldn't possibly travel through the era without having a look at the vibrant world of ballet outside the theatre. I love observing the fashionable trends of the era. Picture Parisian boulevards buzzing with life. The ladies were in their flapper dresses, wearing colourful hats with intricate feathered adornments, while gentlemen sported their sharp suits, looking effortlessly chic. The cafes and dance halls echoed with the jazzy tunes of the day - just imagine how exciting that must have felt! It was like stepping onto the set of a Gatsby movie, but with the thrill of a new ballet era in full swing.
And you know what I found? This year's Pink Tutu Challenge on the internet is inspired by a beautiful ballet performance by the Ballets Russes which has been immortalised in one of the photos from the era, where the dancer is performing en pointe in a full length pink tutu with her skirt swirling out all around her. The photo is even used in a documentary about Nijinsky, that has been unearthed and now has a brand new documentary film. And what’s wonderful? There’s a fashion house creating a line of ballet wear inspired by the original ballet dancers - everything is pale pink or blush pink! My goodness, there is so much for ballet-loving fans like us to look forward to this year.
I’ll never forget the experience of actually standing backstage, right behind the grand curtain, before the first performance of Le Sacre du Printemps. Meg had somehow whisked me to that exact place in time - magical! The energy in the theatre was almost tangible. I could sense the thrill, anticipation, and even a hint of controversy - something exciting was about to happen. That feeling alone was worth the trip. Of course, being the fashion enthusiast I am, I took notes on the makeup, the costume detailing and the hair-do’s that the ballet dancers sported for the performance - even back then they knew their ballet styles, and we know their moves!
So that, my lovely readers, is what we've been up to this August 2042. If you haven’t seen Le Sacre du Printemps, you’ve simply got to see this show, and maybe try a Pink Tutu Challenge in the style of the Ballets Russes? It would look so amazing in the pink lighting that so many theatres are introducing right now! Do tell me all about your experiences in the comments, and be sure to share any of your favourite pink tutu looks. I can't wait to hear from you. And don’t forget to look out for my blog next month, for another exciting journey through ballet history! Until then, happy twirling, my darlings! 💖🩰
Yours in pink, Emma
