Bonjour mes chéries!
It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveler, ready to whisk you back to a glorious era for #TutuTuesday! Today, we're stepping back into the annals of history, all the way to the 3rd of April 1900. Picture it: horse-drawn carriages clattering down cobblestone streets, the scent of gaslight mingling with the fragrant blooms of springtime... oh, and did I mention tutus?
You see, this time, we're not just whisking ourselves back to a bygone era, we're venturing to a place where tutus are more than just costumes, they're practically an institution! Think Paris, think the opulence of the Belle Epoque, think… The Paris Opera!
Yes, my darlings, this week, I'm sharing the glorious stage with the Ballet Russe de Diaghilev, a company that brought a breath of fresh air, a whirlwind of colour and drama to the world of ballet! Now, if you’ve read my blog before you'll know how I adore history and the story of how the tutu evolved and how much this is part of ballet, and how it can look amazing even though it's still just a skirt and, like every costume it has evolved from something else!
Speaking of evolution, back in 1900, the tutu was taking on some quite remarkable shapes, quite a few being different from the iconic designs of today, even today’s ballerina can’t keep up! Some of them were quite heavy. Oh my goodness, if you think your present day pointe shoes are a killer, can you imagine all the heavy, heavy skirts, oh my goodness, if I wore one in the performance I'd need two strong men to help me with it, so no, just the simple tutus for me, thank you very much. And to think that our tutus come from these - think about that.
Imagine delicate, gossamer tulles fluttering around the legs of these graceful ballerinas. But what truly mesmerised the Parisian crowds were the bold colours, the daringly inventive choreography, the feeling that these dancers had of just being the character, instead of acting a role. It was, dare I say, revolutionary!
As I step into the plush red velvet seats of the Paris Opera House, I feel the buzz of excitement, the hushed whispers, the anticipation. I love the atmosphere before a ballet begins! A hush, so no one makes a sound! Well, everyone knows the sound is part of a great show, but the audience are silent.
Then the lights dim, the orchestra swells, and then the ballerinas… the ballerina… takes centre stage. The beauty is almost… ethereal. I always try to go backstage if I can, but I am careful, I always leave after I have made myself comfortable, I try not to annoy them as I get my photos, but they are quite a group of people, I am sure. And they are all soooo very interesting.
And here I am, a pink-tutu wearing time-traveler, mingling with the likes of Isadora Duncan, and Diaghilev! If you're ever in London, do go to the National Gallery, but that will come later, because we are going on a whistle stop tour of France, so more tutus, so many tutus, so much fashion! Oh, I really am loving this week's adventures!
Parisian Delights
I have to share what happened after the show... You know, my love for all things sparkly, the elegance, the flair! I made my way to the grand Galeries Lafayette, it was the fashion centre of the world in 1900! Just think, what I found…
There are tutus in every colour! Pink, lilac, pale blue… and fabrics, such gorgeous fabrics… delicate chiffons, rustling silks, lace that's like gossamer spider silk... I tell you what, shopping for tutus is as thrilling as stepping onto the stage.
If you’re ever wondering what to get for the special people in your life, a beautiful piece of French fabric is amazing! I managed to pick up some lovely ribbons for some ideas.
A Whirl of Fashion
I do love to dress the part, of course, so on this day I opted for my most Parisian look! You wouldn’t believe this dress… delicate ivory, oh so light. As it swirled around me like a ballerina’s skirt, I imagined it in all those beautiful shades of the Ballet Russe - deep turquoise, vivid reds, dramatic golds! I paired it with a pale pink sash, you know the style… long and tied in a dramatic bow, oh the elegant knot!
And my pink tulle tutu, of course! For those of you with your own, well, pink always looks fantastic in Paris. So elegant.
Travel in Style
The train ride to Paris was pure romance. I do enjoy trains - I enjoy being surrounded by people, you know? It feels like we are all travelling to the same magical destination. It felt a little like being part of the Ballet Russe itself, even I was excited about our destination!
Now, remember, you can always go to see a ballet, there's so much joy to be found there. Just get out and experience the world and learn about your own history, oh, it’s wonderful out there! I hope that you all wear pink tutus today. Happy Tuesday and take care! And until next week, don't forget to Live your life in Pink!
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- Leave a comment! I would love to hear what you think!
Remember, love yourself and dance your way to happiness, darlings!
Emma xoxo
