Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving Emma, back again for another delightful delve into the world of ballet history. It’s #TutuTuesday and today, we’re whisking ourselves back in time to the 4th of September, 1894, a most fascinating year for dance, fashion, and everything pink!
Today’s Tutu Tuesday, I have been twirling around Paris! It’s my absolute favourite city in the world – not only for the incredible food and the divine boutiques, but also for its rich history of dance and theatre.
Imagine: Parisian streets teeming with carriages and horses, elegant ladies strolling in their finery, and whispers of revolutionary ballet taking the stage at the Opéra Garnier, the very heart of this beautiful city. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and I can't help but feel that there was an electrifying energy about the place.
So, on this date, in 1894, the world witnessed something truly magnificent!
On the 4th September, the legendary Diaghilev visited Paris, igniting the spark that would revolutionize ballet for decades to come! While we may associate the name "Diaghilev" with a later era – that magical time of Ballets Russes in the early 1900s - this date marked his very first visit to this incredible city. He had arrived with an air of pure creativity, hungry to share his artistic vision with the world!
Now, if you are wondering who exactly this Diaghilev fellow was, well, I shall tell you, he was a Russian entrepreneur with a real eye for the dazzling. His arrival was momentous for a city brimming with passionate dancers, ambitious musicians and artistic souls yearning for new expressions of creativity. It’s pretty clear that Diaghilev was already starting to dream of something bigger, something that would revolutionize ballet. It seems that history’s been right on schedule - for that dream was soon to become reality!
Just think of it – our glorious, ever-so-graceful tutus wouldn't have had the impact we know them for if not for the brilliance and audacity of Diaghilev’s vision, bringing new, spectacular ideas to the stage!
Speaking of glorious and graceful tutus, have you caught this stunning, eye-catching pale pink satin tutu, made even more dazzling by layers of lace and sparkling rhinestones? Just divine, isn’t it?
I’d have looked exquisite swirling in that, wouldn’t I? It’s easy to see why such dazzling, dream-like garments were in fashion at this time. The Victorian era - so filled with a mix of practicality and flamboyance - brought us our extravagant bouffant tutus. Remember, darling, in these times, it was all about volume!
But Diaghilev, he wasn’t just interested in simply showcasing a tutu that was large! Oh no, this extraordinary fellow wanted a vision of grace and lightness. In his eyes, the ballet was much more than just dancers gliding across the stage – he was after true emotion, dramatic movement, something with real flair! And the beautiful thing? That was what he ended up achieving.
Ballet and fashion have always intertwined and influenced each other! It's impossible to speak about a historical time without looking at what the ladies of the era wore! So much so that Diaghilev and his Russian Ballet Company, they had this uncanny knack for bringing together some of the most breathtaking fashion! Can you imagine? Stunning costumes - in rich jewel tones and beautiful textures - danced effortlessly along to music that simply thrilled!
I know many of you enjoy watching and getting inspired by ballet! There's no better feeling than getting your daily dose of dance. It's exhilarating! Especially, my dears, if it’s happening in a theatre as magnificent as the Opéra Garnier – the very building that houses Diaghilev’s revolutionary performances in Paris!
Of course, our beloved tutus are essential! And the best news? In 1894, a glorious time for the tutu was upon us. They had a place right in the middle of those spectacular performances. Not to be overshadowed, the tutu was shining brightly in Paris!
Oh darling, have I got a little something for you today? Just picture it: The train to Paris – all steamed up, the gleaming windows and a cloud of steam around me, rushing past lovely country towns, towards the most beautiful, inspiring, historic, ballet loving city!
Have you caught my train to Paris? It departs from Derbyshire! Do be sure to tag #pinktutu, my dears. Do give it a share if you love my blog, because, I've been told by everyone, #pinktutu is the ultimate sign that we’re #twirling together!
Remember my dears, the beautiful city of Paris was waiting for the creative mind of Diaghilev. He, like so many before him, would arrive to make ballet history.
This Tutu Tuesday, I've simply adored traveling back in time and showing you a little slice of what made 1894 such a fascinating and truly significant year for our favourite art form, dance. Don’t forget to take a moment, darling, to share with your friends all of your exciting news – and do let me know about any tutu tips you have discovered!
With lots of love, Emma
XOXO
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