Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, ready to whisk you away to another exciting day in the world of tutus! This week, we're travelling back to the 19th of September 1911, a date ripe with beautiful ballet history, a glorious Parisian day, and, as always, a touch of pink magic!
I hopped on the train from my cosy Derbyshire cottage bright and early, eager for an adventure in the French capital. You see, Paris in 1911 is where the heart of ballet beats strongest, the tutus are exquisite, and the air buzzes with excitement!
Stepping Back in Time: A Whirl of Fashion and Dance
Firstly, the fashions, oh darling, the fashions! Imagine cascading swathes of silk, delicate lace, and shimmering satin, all adorned with pearls and velvet ribbons. Women's skirts were daringly short and beautifully flowy - almost daring to be compared to the billowing grandeur of a tutu! It’s such an amazing time to be in Paris, just witnessing the evolution of fashion. I wish I could share a bit of the shopping trip I'm about to take.
And speaking of tutus... the tutus in 1911 were something else! Imagine tulle layers in a soft pink, billowing out to create a graceful silhouette, a ballerina dancing like a delicate flower in a gentle breeze. There is just something about tutus. A tutus silhouette is an instant feeling of lightness, airiness, and joy. There's a reason I chose pink as the theme for my website. There is just a lightness and cheeriness about it that I try to incorporate into everything that I do! It's simply enchanting.
But today, the real star of the show is the Ballet Russes. It is quite the exciting day at the Opéra Garnier. Sergei Diaghilev has brought his revolutionary company to the stage, and it's electrifying! I just had to catch the premiere of Le Sacre du Printemps. The tutus were incredible, modern designs and very beautiful. They captured the primitive spirit of the piece perfectly, with intricate embellishments that whispered of ancient rituals. The music was striking, the dancers full of raw emotion and powerful movement, the whole thing was incredibly dramatic and powerful. It’s what ballet should be. And don’t even get me started on Vaslav Nijinsky’s performance! He is a force to be reckoned with and such a captivating artist. It's no wonder he's called "The God of Dance!" He’s everything I could ever dream of in a ballet dancer and everything I aim for.
Ballet: More Than Just Dancing
But beyond the artistry and the costumes, let's talk about what makes ballet so special, even in 1911. Ballet, to me, is an escape. It's a window into another world, where grace reigns supreme, emotions flow through movement, and imagination knows no bounds. You can go through the trials and tribulations of real life, but stepping into a theater with all that beauty on stage and an audience as vibrant and enthusiastic as it was at the Opera Garnier, you realize it’s okay to just be yourself, relax, let go, and be carefree.
It’s something that everybody needs to try!
Making Every Day a Ballet Day!
Every Tuesday, I come to this website and write you my little blog. But that doesn't mean we need to wait for a special day or event for a bit of ballet joy!
Here’s my advice for making a bit of tutus magic in your own life:
Put on some music! Classic ballet music like Tchaikovsky is perfect for setting the mood, but you could also choose more modern tunes with a fast tempo and beautiful sound. Put on your favorite dress, or pop a pink tutu on, it's the perfect time to spin, skip, and swirl just like your favourite ballerinas.
Get Creative! Don't be afraid to explore different forms of movement! If a class is not your style, experiment! Twirl with friends in a park, play charades, let loose! Dancing should be fun. It’s for everyone, not just professional ballerinas like me! It’s great for getting your blood pumping too, without any need to hit the gym!
Travel, Learn, Discover! My biggest passion? Traveling and experiencing different cultures! Every place you visit, explore their art scene and be sure to catch a local dance or theater show. There's something unique and magical in each part of the world.
I know, darlings, I can get a little carried away in my tutus but ballet just makes me so happy! Let’s keep those tutus twirling and those hearts dancing! I’ll be back next week with another Tutu Tuesday! Until then, keep dancing! 💕
