Hello darling tutus!
Itās Emma here, back from a fabulous time-hopping adventure. This week Iāve waltzed right into 1914! Oh, the costumes! The stories! It's been quite a trip!
Now, you lovely ladies might know, 1914 was the start of somethingā¦ wellā¦ pretty tragic, really. Itās the year the āGreat Warā - later called World War I - broke out. You've probably heard of it in your history lessons! While this was an undeniably sad and challenging time, I still couldnāt help but notice how tutus continued to be an important part of the world, especially in the glamorous heart of Europe, right here in Paris!
Speaking of Paris, have you seen the gorgeous fashion they're sporting here? We're talking seriously chic, with sweeping gowns, intricate hats, and a dash of the dramatic! Think feathers, sequins, and so many luxurious materials you canāt imagine. Itās like walking into a fairytale! And of course, where there are dramatic and beautiful costumes, you know there's gotta be some pretty darn good ballet to go with it.
Oh, my sweet darlings, the ballet performances have been simply sensational. Think the most famous names, like Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, and Sergei Diaghilev's company - the Ballets Russes - bringing their enchanting stories to life. They were even showcasing some new dances with fantastical themes like āThe Rite of Spring" and "Scheherazade". Even with all this incredible artistic energy swirling around, people are worried. I could definitely sense the unease. You can hear the quiet murmurs about the escalating situation - but everyone seems to still enjoy going out to a show. Maybe a few tears were shed during a sad scene in the ballet - it definitely seems everyone can find comfort in the beauty of ballet.
Now, Iām sure you're thinking: What about tutus? Well, let's just say the tutus in 1914 were making a statement. Imagine those classic, billowing tulle skirts that reach down to the floor - the romantic ballerinas twirling in perfect circles, making your heart melt! And, with some added flair, those shorter tutus with frills were beginning to take the stage! These shorter, more streamlined styles were becoming all the rage, highlighting the dancerās movement and providing more freedom for leaping, jumping, and whirling, giving their graceful movements even more drama and elegance. What's even better is the colour - pink! Itās just the prettiest hue for tutus and every lady Iāve met seems to adore it! You can find them at shops along the boulevards of Paris in a beautiful selection of fabrics, embellishments, and colours that you'd simply adore!
I also noticed something fascinating. In 1914, alongside the grandeur of professional performances, people also danced at home! Think of a family coming together for a waltz, a daughter showing off her ballet moves, and a young man in his best suit being as suave and stylish as can be.
Speaking of a grand dance, November 17th, 1914 - just yesterday, as a matter of fact - saw one of the most incredible ballets, "LāAprĆØs-midi d'un fauneā performed here in Paris, at the ThĆ©Ć¢tre du ChĆ¢telet! This particular piece really had people buzzing! I mean, who can blame them - Itās absolutely divine! Nijinsky in his iconic role with the music by Debussy? Oh, youād love it! The tutus were fabulous, with long, graceful silhouettes - you could just picture yourselves twirling and pirouetting around in these beauties. And oh my dear, you have to witness these tutus in person to experience their magnificence!
I have to admit, despite the seriousness of the times, the tutu's enduring presence really gives me hope!
Oh, and you wouldn't believe the fashion! Oh my, darling - what's happening in 1914 is simply incredible. The clothes are divine. So much exquisite craftsmanship - with long gloves, flapper-inspired designs, beaded fabrics, feather trims - itās simply incredible. And these dresses are making the perfect outfits for evening dances and romantic dinners with all the boys.
After visiting this fabulous time, Iāve been completely inspired! The history of the tutu, even during the toughest of times, keeps inspiring me! And guess what? My little heart has been set ablaze with the passion of tutus. So much so, Iām giving away some exclusive tutus, right here, right now, inspired by my 1914 visit, in honour of "LāAprĆØs-midi d'un faune"! Theyāll be available at www.pink-tutu.com! So make sure you swing by, you beautiful swans. And donāt forget - keep on dancing, you lovelies. Keep on spinning, and remember, a pink tutu is always a great idea, wherever and whenever!
And donāt forget, dearies! #TutuTuesday is always going strong. Make sure to check in next Tuesday! Iām thinking I might be off to see some of the beautiful ballrooms of this period and bring you all the lovely stories of those fabulous dances - just as glamorous and captivating as our tutus themselves. Until next week! XOXO,
Emma
