Hello darlings! Welcome back to another enchanting week of Pink Tutu, where we take a journey through the glittering history of ballet and, of course, our beloved tutus!
Today, dear readers, we’re setting our time machine to November 5th, 1912 – a date forever etched in the memory of every dance enthusiast, and, dare I say, any fashion-conscious soul with an appreciation for a whimsical flourish! Why, you ask? Well, just picture this:
Imagine, if you will, the shimmering lights of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The air is thick with anticipation, a buzz of chatter in hushed tones mingling with the melodic strains of a grand orchestra warming up. A hush falls as the curtain rises on a masterpiece - The Rite of Spring! Yes, on this very day, in this very year, the ballet world was shaken, shocked, and utterly mesmerised by a work of staggering innovation. This wasn't just any ballet - this was a work that pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and ultimately ignited a fiery passion for modern dance!
I simply had to be there to witness the birth of this phenomenal performance, my lovely pink tutu twirling and bouncing alongside the dancers, taking in every delicate arabesque, every sweeping gesture, and every daring leap! The choreography, a whirlwind of energy and emotion, was revolutionary, breaking away from the established classical forms of ballet and exploring something altogether bolder and more visceral.
Speaking of revolutionary, it was a curious observation to make at the time, but whilst the choreography took centre stage, it was the tutus themselves that caught my attention – and trust me, a discerning eye for all things tutus like mine didn’t miss a single detail! They were, let’s just say, a bit different! I, personally, adore my frothy, fluffy, frilly pink tutus, and this was simply something new! We’re talking shorter lengths, less voluminous, more movement focused - you can tell the designers were intent on creating an impactful and dynamic visual display, mirroring the emotional intensity of the music and choreography.
Now, my dear readers, I know you might be thinking - what’s so different about this? Think about the time! The year 1912! In this era, it was more traditional! It was the time of romantic tutus, flowing with intricate detailing, full length and as ethereal as a summer night. But The Rite of Spring demanded something bold, something powerful, something... a little bit edgy, and this reflected in the choice of costumes!
Don't think that this shift towards a shorter silhouette was a one-off trend, darling! In fact, the Rite of Spring and its revolutionary approach sparked a fascinating evolution in ballet costumes! By the 1920s, designers were moving away from the overly embellished romantic style and creating shorter, streamlined, and often bolder tutus – all thanks to The Rite of Spring! They were even embracing lighter colours and unconventional materials to further amplify this new dance language, leaving behind the heavy, intricate embroidery of the previous era. The beauty of ballet wasn't being eclipsed, but rather embraced in a different form, a bold expression that wasn’t shy to showcase movement!
That’s what’s so intriguing, isn’t it, darlings? How this historical ballet wasn’t just a masterpiece, but a turning point in the world of fashion, costumes, and dance. It gave rise to this bold, dynamic, captivating style of tutu which we still see in modern dance today! Of course, with my boundless love for a good, dramatic tutu, the traditional ballet is still very much dear to my heart, with it’s grand, luxurious and absolutely beautiful shapes and forms!
Speaking of grand and luxurious, I do love to immerse myself in the grand settings of London! A recent visit to Covent Garden Theatre was simply breathtaking, particularly seeing "La Bayadere." The intricate costumes, especially Nikiya’s pale, airy tutu, sent chills down my spine – so lovely! And as usual, my love of tutus doesn't just stop at the stage – it seeps into every element of my life!
This weekend, I'll be venturing off to Paris, with a planned shopping trip to "Le Bon Marché". My travel wardrobe? Oh, darling! My lovely pastel-pink cashmere coat (I found the most perfect shade at Liberty), a pristine, ivory lace blouse, and, of course, a beautiful, shimmering, soft pink tulle tutu! You can never be overdressed when it comes to tutus, and with my beloved, charming pink straw hat on my head, I'm set for a whirlwind of fashion and cultural discovery. I plan to take full advantage of my visit, attending "La Bayadere" once again, followed by a visit to a vintage costume shop. I’ve heard there are some stunning relics tucked away there!
This weekend I hope you all take a leaf out of my book and embrace your inner ballerina! There is something special about wearing a pink tutu, feeling like a princess in the real world.
My dearest readers, I am off to pack my pink suitcase, with lots of lovely ballet shoes in my case, and look forward to another lovely #TutuTuesday!
Stay tuned for another week, full of captivating tales from the captivating world of ballet!
Lots of love and tutus, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
