Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday. This week, I’ve journeyed back to 1907 - a period when the world of ballet was absolutely buzzing with exciting new developments, and trust me, I wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Fancy yourself a bit of a tutu historian? Let’s delve into this delightful little time capsule…
Firstly, a big hello from Paris! I just love this city - all the cobblestones and the chic little shops! The aroma of croissants and the chicest people wearing their latest designs…. Oh, to be a Parisian!
Today is the 15th October and a certain Parisian theatre has the honour of hosting the world premiere of The Firebird, a stunning new ballet by the brilliant Igor Stravinsky, and choreography from none other than Michel Fokine. It’s a story about, well, a fiery mythical bird that will leave your heart singing and your senses tingling, and Fokine's choreography, oh my dear, the swirling, ethereal movements that bring this story to life are utterly enchanting. You simply must add this to your ballet bucket list if you haven’t already, darlings!
Just imagine the thrill of seeing the premiere in 1907, when audiences are still breathlessly absorbing Stravinsky’s groundbreaking score. The colour alone would be breathtaking – we're talking vibrant hues, vibrant patterns, the kind that simply would not exist in ballet a mere few years prior!
Of course, the iconic tutu was present – and let me tell you, 1907 was the year the ballerina's tutu took a step towards the stunning tutus we know and love today! They were longer and more flowing than the earlier Romantic Era tutus, often boasting lavish, eye-catching decorations that showcased a bit more of the leg - very daring for the time!
Oh, how I love those elaborate, swirly, swirling tulle tutus that would be perfect for dancing to Stravinsky! So inspiring! The entire performance, in fact, is a masterpiece in colour and dance that's got my own ballet heart beating faster just thinking about it.
Did I mention fashion? We’re at a point in time when designers are absolutely transforming the idea of the ballet costume. This era is all about flawlessly elegant costumes -think sleek silhouettes, layers of exquisite tulle, delicate lace, and beautiful use of colour, think exquisite silk stockings and tiny, delicate, perfectly-shaped ballet shoes. Every little detail is considered, and it shows in the way these designs enhance and celebrate the artistry of ballet! It is an absolute feast for the eyes!
And speaking of feasts - a delightful treat from my own travel trunk! I’ve brought along some delicious Derbyshire shortbread. I do enjoy baking, though let’s be honest, it’s not the same as creating a beautiful tutu…
The whole world of ballet seems to be experiencing a vibrant revival here in 1907. New talent, like the absolutely phenomenal dancer Anna Pavlova – a true icon who was performing at the time – and Vaslav Nijinsky are breaking boundaries and pushing the world of dance to its limits. Their style was truly groundbreaking for its emotion and expression. The fact that people of such talent are alive right now in this period simply electrifies the atmosphere. They are making ballet so alive and modern - how I envy those in the audience that could experience these amazing dancers in person.
It's easy to see why I, your pink tutu-obsessed blogger, would be completely entranced by this period. Ballet in 1907 is a time of new ideas and bold expression and all about new and exciting and groundbreaking style. And when it comes to tutus, darlings, this is an absolute golden age, a veritable wonderland of swirling, delicate, romantic, luxurious beauty. It is a testament to the creative spirit of ballet - a truly dazzling testament to its captivating beauty. The tutus were perfect, the shows incredible and this period a joy to have experienced!
And I’m all about the details, aren’t I? Did you know that this was the time when those exquisite pink ballet slippers made their debut! I know I’m obsessed, but what colour screams femininity more than a beautiful shade of pink?
Don't worry my dear friends - a trip to the most wonderful Parisian department stores for the very best and the prettiest tutu shopping is high on my to-do list and you know what that means, don't you? Another post all about my incredible finds soon. Stay tuned.
And don’t forget - a tutu a day keeps the boring away! And I hope you all wear your prettiest tutus to celebrate this glorious moment in ballet history! I’m already plotting my next adventure and wondering when, where, and why! Keep an eye out for my next #TutuTuesday post for my travel diary adventures and all my fashion favourites, darling.
And, as always, do let me know your tutu thoughts! Tweet me at @PinkTutu or send your comments below.
See you all next Tuesday, darlings!
Bisous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S: If you’d like to make a donation to my Time-Travelling Tutu fund, then all donations go directly towards my quest for tutus of every colour, style and size. Every tutu is another chance for the world to dance a little bit more happily!
