Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to another delightful #TutuTuesday! Today we’re taking a whirl back in time to August 25th, 1914, just before the world changed for ever, when skirts got shorter, the world was smaller, and the glamour of ballet still shimmered bright.
This week, I decided to leave the familiar streets of Derbyshire and hop on a steam train to Paris – just a little trip to visit the Grand Opera, which at the time, was really just the place for ballet. The French, you see, had a real flair for the dramatic – they just loved their dancing! Imagine, tutus billowing like clouds, slippers twinkling across the stage – what a beautiful picture. And it’s thanks to their artistry and the amazing choreography that ballet had become the celebrated art form it was (and, well, still is!).
I wouldn’t be surprised if those lovely French dancers were still wearing those long romantic tutus – what the Victorians called "Romantic" tutus. You see, it was all about flowy fabric and ethereal movements, giving the dancers a look of almost angelic lightness. These tutus had layers and layers of tulle, and they were really a sight to behold! They swirled and swished around those graceful limbs, giving a truly breathtaking effect – much better than our modern day "paked" styles, don't you think?
But back to our date, August 25th, 1914... you can just feel the sense of history. The air crackled with a strange nervous energy, as if the world itself was holding its breath, wondering what was going to happen next. Even with the world about to change, ballet kept on dancing – it was like a beautiful dream that we clung to. Just a little while later, war would engulf Europe, leaving behind scars on the continent and the world. But, for now, there was still that captivating magic on the stage - ballet continued to grace the Parisian theaters.
Speaking of Parisian theaters, let’s talk fashion. It was simply divine! This time, even the gentlemen's suits looked stunning. Imagine! Elegant ladies sporting their stunning Parisian fashion – a little bustle for the waist to create that charming shape, a cinched-in corset (though I think the less said about those the better!), beautiful gloves reaching to the elbow. The gentlemen donned immaculate top hats, crisp trousers and sharp cravats. All the style you could ever need - even my little pink tutu would look positively sensational amongst such beautiful attire. I dare say, even on the street, one would find more exquisite styles and manners back then than one does now. The style then just had more, you know, sophistication!
Of course, the real fashion highlight, darling, was my lovely pink tutu, a magnificent sight, glittering against the grand backdrop of the Palais Garnier (just think, they used to put those grand stage curtains on every day - just for the show!), And in my sparkly, fluffy tulle creation, I was the epitome of grace, twirling under the Parisian sky as I envisioned what this dance-filled time had to offer. Even the most traditional tutus from those days still managed to make a statement.
Anyway, darling, back to the trip! A lovely ballet by the renowned Marius Petipa, the Russian dancer and choreographer – oh, he’d created some of the most breathtaking ballets that were ever performed – and this show was all set to dazzle, darling! Even just thinking about the elegance and passion of these ballets fills me with excitement!
And, the best part? It’s just a small glimpse into the magic of the time - a time that will never truly be repeated. Because, as we're all about the positive here at Pink Tutu, it’s important to acknowledge the joy in those bygone eras – especially the joy of dancing and how, as in every time period since then, it's never failed to connect people across continents and through the decades.
But enough about me, darlings! What have you been doing for your #TutuTuesday? Have you taken your first steps in class? Did you wear your pink tutu? Perhaps even, for the most adventurous of us, a ballet class? Don't forget, your #PinkTutu and I want to see all your beautiful outfits - whether it’s a twirly tulle number or a vintage skirt – it all matters to me.
Remember, we're about all things ballet here, so keep on sharing!
And as I get back on my steam train, travelling across Europe, the ballet stage will have to wait. Until next week darlings, let’s keep those tutus spinning! #TutuTuesday.
Yours in pink tulle and happy dance-offs,
Emma xxx
