Hello my darling darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink, sparkly, and twirly! Today we're jetting back in time to September 12th, 1916, for another captivating installment of my #TutuTuesday ballet history blog series. Now, I may be known for my fondness of pink tutus (seriously, who wouldn't adore them!), but trust me, my knowledge of ballet's history is seriously impressive, too!
This week, our journey takes us to the glorious city of Paris, the heart and soul of dance. Imagine, dear readers, the streets bustling with artists, musicians, and elegant Parisians all eager to witness the latest ballet performances.
Now, why Paris you ask? Because this year, on September 12th, the illustrious Diaghilev Ballets Russes, under the magical direction of the divine Vaslav Nijinsky, performed their legendary “The Rite of Spring.” You may have heard of it! This revolutionary piece wasn't just a ballet; it was an event – it shocked audiences, divided critics, and left the entire world of ballet gasping for air.
It wasn’t just the dance that created a stir, oh no! Imagine this – a stage full of vibrant costumes (not yet your typical de rigueur pink tutu), but still, oh so captivating. This revolutionary ballet pushed the boundaries of what a ballerina was expected to wear. Think of these modern ballerinas as warriors – their movements sharp, dynamic, and raw, pushing past the gentle grace of the traditional ballerina to create a storm of powerful, athletic energy.
And to be honest, my darling darlings, I wouldn't be surprised if this avant-garde dance had inspired the invention of our cherished pink tutus in the future! Now, picture yourself, standing on the edge of your seat in the dimly lit theatre. You can almost feel the energy vibrating through the air, the dancers captivating you with every movement. Imagine a ballet that not only pushed the boundaries of choreography but also shook the very foundation of how dance was perceived. Can you see how that kind of passion might inspire the love for tutus we have today?
Now, dear reader, allow me to take you on a fashion expedition! As a passionate devotee of all things beautiful and whimsical, it wouldn't be a Tutu Tuesday post without a peek into the glamorous world of ballet fashion, right? So let’s have a quick look back at fashion of the day.
Imagine dresses adorned with layers of ruffles and frills. Corsets hugging the feminine form – a little uncomfortable maybe, but absolutely exquisite! Imagine the colours! Vibrant hues of red, turquoise, gold and an array of beautiful shades. Hats adorned with feathers, lace, and ribbons - the Parisian streets were truly a showcase for elaborate fashion, and ballet mirrored these trends. Think a whole host of flowing fabrics, opulent embellishments and even the emergence of what might be called "the first" tutu (though nothing like the ones I know and adore)!
And can we take a moment to appreciate the influence of Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes on the wider fashion landscape? They weren’t afraid to experiment with bold, vivid colours and stunning patterns! A true reflection of the innovative spirit of the time and one that certainly inspires me! I would simply love to explore the fashion streets of 1916, picking up a little inspiration for my next performance - though I know I'd look a little out of place in my pink tutu!
Let's step back to my own life now - cough cough back to 2023 for a moment, darling. My trip to Paris this week to watch the world's best dancers, the magical Parisian ballerinas, inspired by these same legendary ballets, took me straight back to this exciting historical era. From the ornate Parisian Opera House, to the stunning boulevards with their historic fashion houses, this is a place where elegance meets modern trends. Paris, of course, is the place for a lovely cuppa, croissants and a dash of Parisian charm!
The modern dancers continue to create some fabulous outfits, of course! You could never compare these elaborate gowns and shimmering costumes to a ballerina's true costume, but my dears, let me assure you they are spectacular. They just aren't pink enough!
While I may not be able to change the ballet world by transforming everyone's costumes into fluffy, sparkly pink tutus quite yet, it's still possible to get inspired by this remarkable journey into the history of the dance world! For now, we must embrace these new innovations and let our pink tutus become the next major development in the ballet world!
Next week, we're embarking on another exciting trip, my darling darlings! This time, it’s time to look forward - we're journeying to the vibrant 1920s, the roaring twenties! So tune in to Pink-Tutu.com for more stories from the past. As always, make sure to tag me with #TutuTuesday so we can share the wonder of tutus all together. See you next Tuesday, my dear!
