Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, my lovely twirlers! It's another #TutuTuesday, and I'm positively brimming with excitement to delve into the fascinating world of tutu history once more. This week, I've set my time machine to January 1st, 1907, and, oh my goodness, we're in for a real treat! It's a brand new year, and my, how time flies!
You know how much I adore the elegance of the late 19th and early 20th century dancewear – it's just so darn charming! Think of those long, flowing tulle skirts, the graceful lines of the bodice, and those gorgeous romantic, yet practical, tights and shoes! I just feel like a ballerina from a bygone era! And today, we’re heading back to a pivotal moment in dance history – Paris, my lovelies, the undisputed queen of the ballet!
For you see, my darlings, the world of dance was absolutely booming in the early 1900s, with ballerinas twirling their way into the hearts of audiences all over Europe. As I arrived in the city of lights, the buzz around the opera houses, theatres and the Ballet Russe, with their whimsical costumes and daring choreographies, was electrifying. I can still feel the excitement!
Oh, my, don't get me started on those costumes! They are the epitome of belle époque elegance! You just wouldn't believe the extravagant designs, and the amount of lace and tulle! It was a world of swirling skirts, delicate embroidery and, of course, the most captivating tutus – just perfect for those effortless, airborne pirouettes.
On this particular day, dear readers, it is the grand première of a ballet that truly captured the hearts of Europe, "The Firebird", a truly captivating work of ballet in three acts, with a score by that amazing Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. Oh my goodness, those incredible musical compositions, those sharp rhythmic melodies and dynamic orchestra rhythms, it just sent a tingle of excitement through every part of my body! And the tutus - imagine layers of billowing pink tulle, each layer fluttering with every leap! And oh those bold colours! Oh my, so perfectly enchanting!
Now, if you’ll pardon me, darlings, I am simply itching to get my hands on some lovely new clothes – after all, one must dress for the occasion! You can’t imagine the number of elegant stores overflowing with beautiful fabrics, and the sheer extravagance of the designs - just begging for a touch of pink!
But my sweet, time is of the essence! It is already time to take my place at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where the magic is about to begin! As I step inside this opulent building, with its lavish ornamentation and ornate balconies, the orchestra's opening notes fill the air, signaling the start of this spectacular ballet. It's almost enough to bring tears to my eyes, and almost overshadows the sheer beauty of this performance - almost...
It's not only about the tutus or the costumes. Oh no, the story, the dance, the expression... it’s pure magic, and the emotion, the joy, it’s like everything falls into place. It’s pure enchantment, just like the whole experience of time-travelling itself... which is why I need your support. And that’s where you come in!
Each week, as I post about tutu history, I'm raising awareness of how we can all support the future of ballet - by getting more and more people to wear pink tutus, obviously! 😉 From street performance to charity events, or just on an everyday day, we’re all going to make a splash! It is absolutely the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of ballerinas - by helping me to raise funds for ballets, for productions and even to help up-and-coming artists with their travel costs.
As a proud Derbyshirian, I do love going on journeys, but not every trip to the Ballet Russe needs to involve a trip through time. Oh, how I wish!* But it can involve catching that magical train from London to Birmingham, or heading to Manchester or Leeds to watch my favourite troupe perform their hearts out. I find nothing more charming or invigorating than getting my gorgeous vintage suitcase packed with a brand new tutu, and a new pair of pink ballet shoes, and making a splash across the UK, going to the shows that bring it all to life... even more so when it’s about spreading that pink tutu love along the way.
So, my dear readers, until next week, let's keep spreading the magic of pink tutus and ballets all across the globe, in a whirlwind of twirls, graceful leaps and exquisite storytelling...and who knows what exciting discoveries we’ll make next Tuesday!
See you next week on #TutuTuesday, my lovely, graceful, Pink Tutu fans!
Emma xx
P.S I’m hoping to put together a ballet costume fashion show in the coming months so do let me know if you'd like to take part – perhaps by sending me your fabulous pictures, videos or simply a quick email letting me know! And as always, I do encourage all of you to continue spreading pink tutu joy! 💖🌸✨
