Greetings, darlings! It's Emma here, back with another delightful trip through time, exploring the fabulous history of tutus! I'm absolutely buzzing, because today, my pink tutu took me to… drumroll… Paris! I simply adore this city, and of course, it’s no surprise given the absolutely revolutionary contributions to the world of ballet that happened here!
But before I dive into the exciting details of the Parisian scene in 1904, I must confess: my tutu was a little jealous this morning. You see, I found this amazing shop crammed with vintage gowns, hats, and - gasp - a gloriously flamboyant collection of feathers. It's been ages since I've seen a display that colourful and, oh, those feathers! My tutu sighed with longing. I promised her a whole feather trim makeover after my time travel adventure.
But back to 1904! This year, the ballet world was abuzz with excitement for two reasons: the incredibly talented Isadora Duncan, the American dancer with such flowing, free movements (my tutu, while utterly devoted to classic ballet, found Isadora’s work a bit "too modern" for her taste!), and the upcoming premiere of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes, which promised to be revolutionary.
Sadly, Diaghilev’s company didn’t grace Parisian stages until 1909, so I had to miss out on their amazing first season. Still, Paris in 1904 was a wonderland! Imagine waltzing through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, spotting some of the most fashionable people on the planet (wearing their newest creations from Paul Poiret, naturally!) or enjoying an enchanting performance by the iconic ballerinas of the era.
Speaking of ballet, one of my favourite haunts was the Opéra Garnier. The building itself is a triumph of architectural grandeur, a glorious mix of marble and gold, and a perfect backdrop for ballets. My time travel journey allowed me to see an unforgettable performance of "Giselle," a story of love, loss, and betrayal that touched my heart and my tutu’s very sequins.
To add even more glamour to the Parisian scene, August 9th, 1904 saw the opening of the Hotel Ritz Paris, a haven of luxurious style and exquisite taste! Can you imagine, darlings, taking a leisurely afternoon tea, perhaps accompanied by a delicious slice of millefeuille, at such a divine hotel? I’m absolutely going to make that a must-do for my next visit!
The other treat that absolutely delighted me about the year 1904 was the popularity of 'The Fashionable Flower.' Can you imagine! Tiny, hand-made flowers sewn onto elegant gowns? This was the height of Parisian fashion. And do you know what my tutu and I agreed on? These little beauties perfectly matched her delightful tulle fluffiness!
Oh, darlings! You know how much I adore vintage dresses, and this era absolutely floored me with its chic charm. Imagine: dresses in the most wonderful hues, cinched in at the waist with wide, silk sashes, or beautifully draped chiffon, cascading like a cloud around the body. I'd happily have traded my entire wardrobe just to wear a piece of that era!
However, as the day begins to draw to a close and I pack my time travelling trunk (complete with an oversized compartment for my very special tutu!), it's important to remember that our love for tutus goes beyond fashion, darling. They stand for grace, elegance, and artistry, for all the wonder of the ballet world.
Don’t forget to come back next week, my darlings! I'll be back, right here, for another #TutuTuesday, with a fascinating story to share!
Until then, may your days be filled with beauty, wonder, and of course… a sprinkle of pink tutu magic!
Your faithful tutu companion,
Emma 💕
