Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! This week, we're going on a thrilling journey to the heart of 1905 - buckle up, because we're going to talk about ballet tutus, and boy, have they come a long way since then!
Today, Iâm on the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es in Paris! Itâs such a delightful city - all grand avenues and elegant shops bursting with exquisite gowns and hats! Itâs easy to imagine myself twirling in one of these chic shops, just like I imagine myself twirling on stage!
Today, we're on the brink of a new era, where ballet is blossoming on the world stage! I've been swooning over the dancers in their flowing, ethereal tutus. Oh my goodness, imagine the flutter and grace! Today's tutus, oh, they're just so romantic. There's layers upon layers of shimmering fabric, adorned with little wispy feathers or perhaps a glittering tiara!
It all began with the ingenious use of tulle, my lovelies! That's the glorious fabric, all delicate and transparent, that creates those glorious, cascading ruffles - the secret to every magical tutu! Can you imagine a world without the tutu, oh, I just couldnât bear to think about it! It's the iconic garment of the ballet world, an ethereal symbol of graceful movement and airy artistry. And to imagine that weâre here at a time where the tutu is becoming synonymous with elegance and dance! What a magical time to be alive!
Imagine, dear readers, my dear friends, me as a ballerina on the Parisian stage in 1905. I'd be dancing in the âPavillon d'Armideâ, a gorgeous, sweeping, romantic ballet. A dreamy, passionate spectacle with twirling and elegant movements! It's the ballet of my dreams! I would love to travel in time and see it for myself. How wonderful it would be! But first, my dears, I've got to tell you all about my exciting discoveries from the year 1905!
I'm absolutely thrilled to tell you that on December 12th, 1905, something amazing happened - an event that shook up the Parisian ballet scene and made tutus even more exquisite than before! Anna Pavlova, the world-renowned ballerina, premiered her revolutionary production of âThe Dying Swanâ. Can you imagine a more fitting occasion to talk about the beauty of the tutu? Oh, it must have been breathtakingly beautiful. It seems to me like she single-handedly propelled the tutu into the heart of every elegant lady's dream wardrobe! The romantic image of the âThe Dying Swanâ is simply stunning and it makes me want to whirl through the air like a ballerina myself. And those tutues, oh, those tutu's are made even more special with delicate little feathers... It's a stunning blend of style and artistic elegance.
Do you know, back then, the Parisian fashion scene was as full of energy as our London theatres! It's here that I see those beautifully boned bodices, cascading petticoats and, of course, all the glorious, extravagant tulle for the tutu designs of the future. Can you imagine, a little tutu of mine - I just adore a touch of sparkle and glitter. What could possibly be prettier than a sparkly pink tutu? I simply couldn't imagine a single day without it! But here's a secret from my journey back in time - there's much more to the Parisian fashion scene than just the tutu. Those bonnets are really something!
This is where I had to pull myself away from the glamour of the fashion scene to discover the beauty of a local theatre! Today's date - December 12th, 1905 - also marks a significant milestone for theatre and music in this part of the world. And can you guess what it is? It's the first-ever performance of Richard Strauss's "Salome"! How fascinating to know that while Pavlova is gracing the stage with the enchanting tutu of âThe Dying Swanâ we have this groundbreaking, passionate musical piece exploding across the theatres of Europe. I can't help but be excited by this - just imagine the sheer dramatic tension! âSalomeâ! Such a fiery, decadent story. Imagine the breathtaking music of Strauss, played by talented orchestras for all of the world to hear. What an exquisite and moving sound. I canât think of anything better than a little trip to the theatre! I do adore music and the magical atmosphere in a theatre just sets my imagination in motion.
Before I bid you farewell this week, dear readers, there's one final little discovery I've made, straight from the streets of Paris: thereâs this exquisite bakery â oh, it's a little secret haven for all the sweet-toothed ladies! And there's a pastry on the counter, oh it looks absolutely divine - all smooth, shiny, chocolate goodness⊠I don't know why, but my mind suddenly conjured the vision of the perfect, full, delicate ballet tutu! How wonderful it is, this lovely combination of dance, fashion, food and the theatre, a charming and colourful collection of Parisian wonders. All in one! What's not to love!
I just want to invite you to get a little more âtutu-tasticâ every day of the week! Share your favourite dance experiences and remember: it's all about the tutus!
Till next Tuesday! And do make sure to stop by www.pink-tutu.com for even more time-travelling ballet fun and for your dose of tutus!
Keep dancing, my lovelies, Emma xx
