Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your very own tutu-loving time traveller, ready to whisk you off on another journey through the fabulous history of ballet. This week, we’re hopping on a train to 14th May, 1907 – and let me tell you, the Parisian air is positively buzzing with excitement!
Remember those beautiful, ethereal tutus from the Romantic Era we explored a few weeks ago? Well, darling, those floaty wonders are still reigning supreme. In fact, 1907 was a real treat for lovers of all things delicate and dreamy. Imagine wisps of tulle fluttering as the stars of the ballet gracefully glided across the stage, their movements as light as a feather.
Now, you know I’m a firm believer in getting a glimpse into the lives of the real people of history. And let me tell you, in 1907, the world was captivated by Anna Pavlova, a true icon of grace and elegance. She was the queen of the Romantic style, her every movement a masterpiece. Picture this – her flowing skirts, each one a cloud of diaphanous fabric, a whisper against the backdrop of her incredible talent. No wonder she was called The Divine Pavlova.
Speaking of incredible talents, the ballet world is abuzz with the newest sensation, the fiery and brilliant Vaslav Nijinsky. This talented young man is known for his athleticism and explosive jumps, his every movement captivating the audience with its intensity and raw energy. It's almost as though he defies the very nature of the tutu, a juxtaposition of controlled power and ethereal elegance that is quite frankly, dazzling!
A peek at the fashion scene:
While ballet dancers are dazzling in their delicate tutus, the fashion scene outside the theatre is also in a flurry. It’s an era of beautifully flowing fabrics and intricate details. Imagine flowing gowns, billowing silks, and hats adorned with feathers and blooms. And while a full-blown tutu might not be quite the everyday wear (yet!), we are seeing whispers of its influence in fashion, with a resurgence of frills and ruffles.
I am a little bit disappointed that this is not the period that we see the modern style of tutu emerging but the history of dance fashion is one that deserves its own blog! I think this era was quite fascinating as ballet continued to be so fashionable.
Oh! and wouldn’t you know it, on the very same day, 14th May, 1907, a certain Madame Suzanne Valadon - an accomplished artist in her own right - gave birth to a little girl named Maud, who, as fate would have it, would grow up to be none other than the acclaimed actress and filmmaker, Simone Signoret. It's always so exciting when the threads of fashion, dance, and theatre weave together in such unexpected ways!
Don’t forget my lovely dears, you don't have to be in a specific era to wear a beautiful tutu. This tutu-tastic journey reminds us to embrace the joy of self-expression and to allow our imaginations to dance with possibilities.
This week, I challenge you to bring a touch of ethereal elegance into your day! Don your pinkest tutu, throw on some twirling music and dance your way into a whimsical afternoon.
Don't forget to tell me what your favorite ballet piece is!
Until next time, darling dears!
Emma xx
