Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling ballet buff! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another dive into the history of the fabulous garment that is the tutu.
Today’s date is December 3rd, 1912 - I’m right here in the heart of Paris, darling, surrounded by all the beautiful fashion and elegance. And this date is a particularly exciting one for us tutu lovers! Why, you ask? Because, my dears, this is the date the Russian Ballet company – Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes – performed their first ever show here in the French capital! Oh, the excitement, the sheer fabulousness!
If you’ve ever stepped foot in a ballet class, or seen a show, you’ll understand that this company revolutionised the way we view dance. Imagine, darling, the elegance and finesse of those beautiful Russians - like a dream come true, I tell you! Diaghilev, the mastermind behind it all, put together a truly brilliant group of artists – dancers, musicians, designers – who swept Europe off its feet with their artistry and creativity.
You see, darling, these talented folks were no strangers to the transformative power of fashion and design, and what better way to showcase a ballerina’s grace than with a perfectly crafted, breathtaking tutu? Diaghilev's Ballets Russes introduced a whole new approach to the costumes. The bright, bold colors – like pink, of course, my absolute favourite! – and innovative designs were unlike anything the audience had ever seen before. They just knew how to create something utterly spectacular, and their creativity and theatricality certainly wasn’t lost on me – a future ballet enthusiast, traveling from Derbyshire to witness this remarkable period in history.
Of course, ballet already had a place in society back then, with tutus holding their rightful place as a symbol of the dance form. But this, my dears, was a truly different kind of performance - a celebration of artistry, expression, and above all, the sheer beauty and magic of the dancer! It really brought tutus to the forefront – imagine seeing these vibrant, bold colours – like a symphony of movement! Just imagine, a dancer, bathed in soft spotlights, pirouetting across the stage in a tulle-drenched masterpiece of pink. My word!
My time machine hums around me, transporting me back to a period filled with creativity and glamour - where tutus were as much a part of the performance as the dancing itself. Today’s blog post, darlings, is dedicated to these artistic pioneers.
Now, for the fun part.
As I mentioned, I’m here in Paris for the #TutuTuesday Blog so a spot of shopping, of course! I’ve had such an amazing time finding the most beautiful garments. After witnessing the Ballets Russes' spectacular costumes – which I know are influencing today’s dancers with those modern tutu silhouettes! – I’ve got a real feel for what’s fashionable here in the City of Lights! Imagine - tutus are everywhere. Shops are filled with shimmering pink fabric and delicate tulle, creating a ballet-themed dreamland – a vision of fluffy pink feathers, exquisite jewels, and even the odd glittering rhinestone – what a joy for any fashionista! I’m determined to try out every new trend – it’s like an entire wardrobe filled with pink, and it's perfect!
The shopping streets have a special energy here in Paris, it's full of stylish ladies in dresses and coats with big feathered hats! A splendid visual treat indeed. And while I’ve been flitting around Parisian boutiques – looking for that perfect little tutu for a show tonight, I couldn’t help but notice that there is a truly special style to tutus in this era. A combination of elegant flow and beautifully tailored details. There’s no other way to put it - Parisian women really know how to put together a fantastic ensemble! I think we could learn a few tricks from their approach to tutu design, darlings, so we can make ours a bit more fashionable and flattering, don't you think? Oh! There's a perfect example! Imagine - a tutu with an exquisitely draped design in that oh-so-gorgeous powder-pink, and paired with a delicate lace bodice. Simply stunning!
And you know, these French dancers, they move like they are just skimming the surface of a fluffy pink cloud, right? And the men! Oh, the men in their handsome, crisp tailored costumes, simply captivating.
I've been to several fantastic performances these past few days, it’s like a dream! They have shows at the Opéra Garnier and Châtelet. It’s such a great experience, not just watching the talented ballerinas, but soaking up the atmosphere, darling.
And don't get me started on the ballet street performances! My dear, it is absolutely breathtaking, the street performances by those passionate ballet dancers, they are so full of life and emotion. Even though it’s winter here, these dedicated artists don’t let the cold weather stop them from showcasing their talent - sometimes in the tiniest of tutus and bare feet!
Oh, but my journey is never truly complete, my darling, without a visit to the most magical place on earth – the ballet studio, of course! Imagine me, pink tutu spinning through the studio with the scent of sawdust in the air – it’s just so uplifting and energising! To watch all the wonderful dancers learning and practicing their routines – that is something I just cannot get enough of! I'm not ashamed to admit, I even give myself a twirl or two with the group – that’s right, this Pink Tutu wearing time traveler gets a work out in every decade she travels too!
Today's ballet class has been extra inspiring. We had such a wonderful guest teacher today - a lady with an exceptional passion for the craft. She had everyone doing those beautiful jumps - leaps and bounds. Then there were those amazing spins and pirouettes. The dancers just looked like a sea of pink tulle and elegant moves! Oh, my dears, it's like an absolute dream!
For #TutuTuesday, my advice for you this week is to find your perfect tutu style. It might not be easy finding a classic pink tulle, darlings, but let’s explore some fashion and make your own little statement - a pink ribbon on your ankle or a tutu-shaped design on your jumper. Try mixing different textures – satin, velvet, or chiffon. You know, darlings, you can wear a tutu every day – not just on Tuesday! So, embrace your inner ballerina and go for it! And while you’re at it, make it pink! It’s about being bold and expressing your individuality. Think of those early dancers, the artistic trailblazers - a generation who made a statement – because who better to make fashion fun, exciting and empowering than ballet dancers in tutus?!
As usual, you can find me at www.pink-tutu.com where you can catch all of my tutu history adventures, ballet style advice and lots of sparkly pink tutu-tastic fun! Until next Tuesday darlings.
Emma xx
