Post 4306: July 7th, 1914 – Oh, The Glamour!
Hello, lovelies! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog, where we take a twirl through the history of ballet tutus, from their humble beginnings to their dazzling present. Today, we're taking a trip on the Orient Express, all the way back to a very special date – 7th July, 1914!
You see, my darlings, this was a truly momentous date for the world of ballet, and indeed for the whole world! This was the very day that the first performance of Sergei Diaghilev's groundbreaking company, Ballets Russes, took place at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Now, hold onto your bonnets, darlings, because this was not just any ballet performance. It was a whirlwind of innovation, colour, and pure artistic genius that would revolutionize ballet forever! This was a performance that had everyone in Paris, nay, all of Europe, whispering about its lavish costumes and breathtaking choreography.
And who better to represent the glamour and grace of this momentous occasion than my favourite little dance companions: the tutus! Now, picture this: The beautiful ballerinas of Ballets Russes, those graceful nymphs, taking to the stage, their movements as light as feathers, all while twirling in gorgeous tutus crafted in exquisite materials. Think soft silks and tulle, feathers, sequins and a riot of colours like we've never seen before. Can you imagine the buzz?!
But here's the exciting part, lovelies: this date marks a turning point for the tutu! The Ballets Russes, with their emphasis on stunning visual spectacle and daring, brought the tutu from the wings into the spotlight, literally. Now, every ballerina, every dance company across Europe wanted their own beautiful tutus. The demand for these whimsical garments boomed. This is the true golden age of the tutu, where elegance and art collide!
Of course, on this very day, we couldn't be in any old spot, no! The heart of all the fashion, my dears, must be none other than Paris, the City of Lights!
With my vintage-style pink tutu swirling, I had the pleasure of riding the Orient Express straight from Derbyshire, England to the glamorous capital of France. This iconic train, known for its luxurious interiors and charming journey, had me absolutely charmed. You see, just like ballet, travel is an art, and each ride on this grand train feels like a scene straight from a bygone era, with all its refined charm.
Speaking of charming scenes, the performance itself was a visual feast. Diaghilev, a visionary director and passionate about pushing boundaries, ensured every detail, every movement, and every costume screamed "extravaganza", and how we all loved it!
Oh, what joy to witness such artistry. Every detail was crafted with passion – even the simplest of steps became art thanks to the beauty and movement of those graceful ballerinas swathed in their magical tutus.
You see, even now, I feel that very same enchantment whenever I witness a grand ballet. I even take some inspiration for my own looks! The elegance, the romanticism, the sheer artistic power... it’s a whirlwind of emotions I adore. And to be wearing a delicate pink tutu whilst seeing it all? A truly divine experience.
And now, just to imagine... those iconic tutus, swirling and spinning on that very first Ballets Russes stage... How could I not dedicate this #TutuTuesday to such a momentous occasion?!
And for those of you wondering how I ended up at this grand performance, you see, I manage to travel through time by performing with my very own troupe! It's all thanks to my talent (and my lovely, twirly tutu, of course!) - because when I perform, I gather enough appreciation to keep my time travelling going! So, all you lovely people out there – support ballet and make those beautiful tutus come to life! It's how we can keep these enchanting stories going, and continue to share the joy and magic of dance across time.
That's all for now, my dears. And don't forget, remember your pink tutus this week, and continue to embrace that magic!
Until next #TutuTuesday, I’m off to the latest London ballet! (No trip to London is complete without seeing a performance, you see! I must see all the grand tutus, even if they're not pink, darling!).
With love and twirls,
Emma
From www.pink-tutu.com
