Greetings, my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday post for the magnificent www.pink-tutu.com! It's a joy to be here, especially on this gorgeous spring day! I've just stepped off the Orient Express in Paris – oh, the glamour! – and it wouldn't be right to leave without sharing a little ballet history, would it?
Today we're diving into the fascinating world of ballet tutus circa April 29th, 1913, and trust me, dear readers, you'll want to stay for this one!
(Post Number 4244 – did I mention I'm obsessed with tracking these posts? So much for that history degree I've been thinking about! 😂)
A Tutu TaleThis week, let's turn our attention to the grand Paris Opera Ballet. Oh, what a beautiful company it is, darling! And if you're anything like me, a ballerina at heart, you can't imagine a world without their graceful performances and spectacular tutus!
The year is 1913 – what a time for ballet! It was during this magical year that the amazing Vaslav Nijinsky, you know, the Russian god of ballet, shocked the world with his L'après-midi d'un faune! It was a revolutionary performance with controversial choreography that was… shocking for the time! Some considered it * scandalous* – scandalous, I tell you! Imagine a ballet without a tutu, without traditional steps! I don't know what those old fuddy-duddies were thinking!
Anyway, despite its initial reception, L'après-midi d'un faune became a major turning point in ballet. Can you imagine – Nijinsky performing in bare feet and a tunic with just the tiniest peek of a tutu?! 😱 I tell you, it changed everything! A revolution of sorts! This incredible work proved that tutus were still the essence of ballet, even if the styles were changing.
Now, while I can't resist getting a bit dramatic when it comes to a story this exciting, the tutu wasn't actually the main feature of L'après-midi d'un faune. But the Paris Opera Ballet was full of dazzling, elegant tutus back in 1913! I mean, I just imagine the amazing dancers twirling in their billowing, fluffy tulle creations. It's a dream, my dears!
Fashion & Tutufied! 🎀Just imagine the stunning costumes, the elegant hair, and the dramatic makeup. They called it Belle Époque, an age of elegance, refinement, and, oh yes, tutus!
Imagine all the beautiful colours, the soft silk, the romantic fabrics, the perfectly placed feathers! They say a lot was about keeping up appearances – but who wouldn't want to keep up appearances with tutus involved? You can bet your bottom dollar that Parisian ladies of the time wore tutu inspired gowns, flounces, and fluffy trims. Even the ladies in Derbyshire (oh my, how I long for home!), where my heart is, had their own interpretations.
Now, I can't possibly end a post without reminding you all of the importance of rocking your own pink tutu. It doesn't matter if you're twirling around your living room or at a magnificent performance – let that pink tulle embrace you!
Speaking of embracing – this brings me to my favourite thing to do in Paris... shopping, darlings, SHOPPING! What better way to celebrate all things Tutu Tuesday than to take a spin through some Parisian fashion stores? I just imagine all those glorious silks, shimmering fabrics, and perhaps a delightful tulle or two for my next dreamy outfit. It’s going to be a magnifique experience.
Coming Home Soon!The only thing better than shopping for tutus in Paris is the feeling of finally stepping back onto my very own platform and heading back to Derbyshire, you know? My dearest Derbyshire. The only place with more history than Paris is England! Just wait until you see all the pictures I take! You know I always love capturing all those beautiful historic buildings and lovely, quiet Derbyshire countryside – perfect for a ballerina like me to take a few minutes to relax. And to get inspired for next week's Tutu Tuesday. 😉
See you all soon, my loves! Keep your tutus sparkly!
Love, Emma 💖
