Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you off on another delightful trip through the history of ballet! I'm so excited to be in beautiful Paris today! You know I love a Parisian adventure - the chic cafes, the cobbled streets, the impossibly elegant shops! Oh, and of course, the magnificent ballets.
Today is 9th March 1915 and, believe it or not, there's quite a bit going on in the world of dance! You see, tutus are definitely having their moment in the spotlight this year. You've got to imagine, Paris was the epicentre of all things stylish and the most celebrated ballerinas were the darlings of the fashion scene. We're talking real style icons, not just these celebrities who wear what they're told nowadays.
This particular date is just bursting with ballet brilliance! The Opéra Garnier is alive with the enchanting ‘Le Carnaval des Animaux’ - an utterly charming ballet full of animal characters, just imagine - a swan dancing with a rooster and all sorts of silly fun! It's not only an incredible spectacle but a joy to watch, a bit like watching the adorable kittens frolicking outside a bakery! I just can't resist a cute and playful ballet. I mean, come on, who can resist a little paw-some entertainment?
But the good news is, this isn't all we've got to celebrate today! The Paris Opéra Ballet is getting ready for a truly remarkable performance of ‘La Bayadère’. Imagine, the entire stage ablaze with vibrant colours, gorgeous dancers swirling and pirouetting, oh, I do adore the romantic story of this beautiful ballet. The costumes, especially the tutus - oh my, simply stunning. So elegant, they look as if they're painted with silk and sunshine! The sheer delicacy of the tulle, it's practically poetry in motion!
Speaking of tutus, I simply had to share this fascinating bit I stumbled across at the Bibliothéque Nationale yesterday. In 1915, fashion houses in Paris were experimenting with bolder colours and lighter, more transparent materials for the tutu! Just think about that for a second, my dears! The tutu, once just white or beige, now blushing in hues of peach, sky-blue, even a splash of pink, ahem, like my own beloved tutu!
Of course, being a fashionable creature who lives for a good story, I had to hunt down a few vintage magazines to find out the who, what and where. And I just stumbled upon a fascinating photo from a local paper, 'La Vie Parisienne'. It’s such a treat to get a peek at the tutus of 1915! Imagine, layers and layers of fluffy, white tulle, a delightful array of dainty ruffles, oh, how I just adore them! Just imagine my surprise when I spotted the prettiest ballerina, wearing a beautiful blue tutu that almost floated above the stage! It reminded me so much of those ethereal fairy paintings that were all the rage back in Derbyshire when I was a child, they were all over my grandma’s house!
And what’s more, just imagine the scene. People arriving to see the performance! All decked out in their best attire, their hats, and the gents with their impeccably tailored suits! Fashion and ballet just go together so perfectly! Speaking of fashion, this trip has been an absolute treat for my wardrobe! I stumbled upon the most stunning shop near the Tuileries Garden – the shop's name is actually 'Tutus and Tea'! You simply can't resist a store with such an incredible name. It had the most wonderful selection of vintage tutus! They are so exquisite and delicate! Honestly, I was almost tempted to break my ‘no-new-tutus-before-April-rule' , I may have purchased one or two… okay, I purchased quite a few, maybe...five? But you know, the occasion demanded it! Each one a miniature masterpiece. And the tutus, even in 1915, had their own special stories to tell! Each fold, each feather trim - they’ve been on a grand adventure and they're full of the magic of dancing ballerinas.
Now, I can’t wait to put my latest additions to the collection on show. Just you wait until my readers in 1915 get a glimpse of them! They will be utterly smitten with them, just you wait! The best part is that I managed to pick up an exquisite set of 1915-style shoes in black satin with an elegant ribbon – you see, a real ballerina just has to have the perfect matching shoes, don’t you think?
But enough about my new collection, I need to leave you with one little thought! The world in 1915, while maybe different from our modern days, it’s truly lovely to know that even then, people gathered together for ballet. Imagine, in the heart of a beautiful city, an audience is captivated by the grace and the beauty of dancing. And guess what, they wore these beautiful, fluffy tutus. How marvellous it must have been to have been part of this spectacle!
That's all from me for now, darling. But don't worry, I'll be back next week with more twirls through time! Make sure to check back in and I promise to bring you the most spectacular ballet moments and gorgeous tutus from history! Until next time, darlings, let’s all keep dancing and dreaming! #PinkTutuPower #TutuTuesday #ballet
