#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1896-04-28

Hello, my lovely Tutu-holics! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! I've been bouncing around history again, and this week, I've landed in a delightful Parisian café, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the belle époque! And oh my, darling, I've found something rather fabulous…

Before we get to that, though, I’m dying to tell you all about this weekend! You won't believe who I met at a little ballet street performance down by the Seine - Serge Diaghilev himself! Imagine, him and his company performing right there! A dream come true. My eyes were practically glued to his every movement, all the while, keeping a keen eye out for the perfect pink tutu. It's always exciting, finding one of those forgotten jewels in history.

And speaking of forgotten jewels, this week, we're exploring ballet history! On the 28th of April 1896, my dear friends, there was a ballet premiere that set the stage for ballet as we know it today! Can you guess what it is? drumroll intensifies It's none other than "La Boutique Fantastique"!

Now, “La Boutique Fantastique” is no ordinary ballet! It’s a beautiful ballet with a charming storyline of love, dolls coming to life, and even a little bit of magic. You won’t believe your eyes!

This beautiful ballet is filled with all sorts of magical elements: the characters, costumes, the music - even the storyline is fantastical and dreamy! Everything is so enchanting and whimsical - just how I love my tutus! But the most fabulous part? It brought together two truly incredible artists!

Let me introduce you to Leo Delibes! He’s a musical genius, responsible for the ballet's breathtaking score, brimming with gorgeous melodies and playful rhythms. He knew how to create music that moves and enchants you - much like a pink tutu!

Then there's the phenomenal Leon Bakst! This dashing and brilliant artist crafted stunning costumes for the dancers! His costumes are nothing short of extraordinary! They capture the imagination with their elaborate details and vibrant colours.

And don't get me started on those exquisite tutus! I could tell at a glance that Bakst knew a thing or two about designing the perfect tutu. The dancers, gracefully floating across the stage, created such magic! Oh, darling, the tutu I spied during one performance - pure silk, swirled in pink, with a cascade of lace. sigh If I could only bring it back with me!

As for myself, I decided to honour the spirit of the occasion with a touch of pink elegance. I donned my favourite pink tutu, adorned with a cascade of white lace, perfect for swirling through the cobblestone streets! And did I tell you about the divine vintage hat I found? It perfectly complements my little outfit! Oh, how I adore Parisian style! They really do know how to do fashion.

And speaking of Paris… imagine yourself, darling, on a beautiful, sunny day in the heart of Paris! You’re in a lovely Parisian cafe, enjoying the charm and bustle of the city. You take a sip of your freshly brewed coffee - perhaps you choose the chic Cafe au Lait, with a delicate frothy swirl, resembling a ballerina’s pirouette, don't you think? The café is filled with laughter and chatter, music is swirling through the air… it's just like stepping into the scenes of "La Boutique Fantastique"!

To see this charming ballet in the place it premiered would truly be a dream! Perhaps this next stop, I'll set my sights on this theatre and catch the performance. The mere thought makes me giggle! Oh, what adventures we have in store for our beloved pink tutu and me! I am, after all, your fashionable time-travelling ballerina!

Before you run off to spin your own tutu dreams, don't forget! The perfect tutu is waiting for you! So put on your best pink tutu (and your biggest smile, darling!) and embrace your inner ballerina!

Let’s make the world a more colourful and sparkly place, one tutu at a time!

Until next Tuesday,

Love, Emma xx