Hello, dearies! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, here, and it's another glorious #TutuTuesday!
Today, I'm taking us all the way back to 22nd June 1915 – can you imagine? No social media, no mobile phones, but you know what was there? Tutus! (and, obviously, some pretty amazing dance performances!)
I must say, getting to the Théâtre National de l’Opéra in Paris was quite the adventure this time. Train journeys have been more common than usual, as my funds were a bit low, what with my rather extravagant purchase last week at the new Dior* boutique in London! It's all in the name of research, darlings. A true fashionista like myself has to stay ahead of the curve, even when exploring the past.
Now, what were we discussing? Ah yes, 1915! This year, darling readers, was full of vibrant dance! The Ballets Russes were a huge sensation. Imagine, travelling across the globe, captivating audiences in New York, London, and, of course, Paris. All the while in my own era, my heart beats with joy every time I hear Sergei Diaghilev's name – what a true pioneer!
You might ask, Emma, what exactly is going on in this date? What makes it special? Well, dearies, let me tell you. It was none other than the first performance of * Le Coq d’or by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov – it's a beautiful piece of work. It’s an opera, but it uses balletic elements and incorporates beautiful costumes. I must confess, the colourful, luxurious stagecraft had me mesmerized, and the bold, shimmering designs of Natalia Goncharova for the sets and costumes? Well, just divine! It seems a bold and beautiful artistic expression in full bloom at this moment. * The costumes for the piece include *glimmering jewels, vivid colors, and even some elements that are nearly theatrical and *more symbolic than realistic, a trend which would only continue throughout the 1910s. Imagine a *golden rooster character wearing an impressive headdress… so dramatic!**
Did you know, in this era, the Parisian ballet world was abuzz with innovations? New choreographic trends were captivating audiences, especially ones focused on narrative. Now, some of you might ask, Emma, how do these dancers actually *move while in these grand, shimmering costumes?* The costumes themselves were often made to allow movement - in 1915, length was an important factor, but also flowing lines. Think billowing skirts that captured every movement with grace and panache. And while these looks might have had more flowing fabrics, you know the story. The tutu was still there, it was just a bit more layered than we might find today!
My own pink tutu collection? Heaving, dearies. Truly heaving. It just keeps growing. But after all, a dancer cannot be stopped. There is a beautiful simplicity and grace in the shape of a tutu. It’s more than a costume, dearies, it’s a symbol of the beauty, elegance, and artistry that comes alive in ballet.
It wasn’t just the choreography or the costumes, the music was just divine! With modern dance styles developing at an astonishing rate and all the new movements of ballet coming about, they were set to be supported by amazing music, much like that symphony you heard me humming this morning – did I tell you it was from Stravinsky’s “Le Sacre du printemps?” So daring, so revolutionary! But my darlings, there’s nothing quite like the way a tune perfectly reflects a dramatic stage story, *now is there? The use of harmony, rhythm, and texture* had an incredible impact on ballet and even took it to new levels. The modern music and dance became one and a beautiful spectacle indeed!
And oh! Did I tell you, Paris was a magical, bustling metropolis back then! Fashion was in full bloom, with elaborate hats and elegant dresses. Imagine, the streets teeming with artists, writers, and dancers – all drawn to the cultural whirlwind of the City of Lights! Even in a moment of such great social change and unrest across Europe, you could feel an energy on the streets of Paris, one that permeated the theatres, opera houses, and every single cafe and park. Such a beautiful time!
Oh my! It’s time for me to set off on another ballet-inspired adventure, my dearies. Remember to subscribe to pink-tutu.com and come back next week for a new #TutuTuesday adventure. * Until then, live life with the passion and elegance of a tutu!*
See you all next week!
Emma xox
P.S. I am, of course, looking for photos and stories about tutus in history. You can leave a comment on this blog post with any information! Have a look for #TutuTuesday – or tweet at me!
And if you would like to help a ballerina on her mission to inspire people everywhere to wear tutus, send me a postcard!*
Emma xox
