Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina blogger, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday. Today we're taking a little trip back in time, specifically to 6th March 1917, and as always, I'll be sharing all the fascinating details about ballet's fabulous history with you!
You wouldn't believe the whirlwind journey I've just had! Picture this: stepping off the Orient Express in Paris, the city of lights and, of course, l'amour. My darling pink tutu and I made quite the statement on the platform, and the train station practically vibrated with a delicious, bustling energy.
As a quick aside, wouldn't it be lovely if we all donned our pink tutus for a train journey? Can you imagine the oomph as the train pulls out of the station? It would make everyone's day just a little bit more twirly, wouldn't it?
Right then, let's delve into 1917! It's a year of upheaval and change across the globe, but the world of ballet is still flourishing with grace and elegance. Now, 1917 is actually a pivotal year for tutus, especially here in Paris. Remember that we're only just a few years on from Diaghilev's Ballets Russes revolution, where they introduced the short, airy tutus we love today!
Imagine a beautiful ballet, set to gorgeous music, and the ballerinas, oh my! They're floating across the stage in diaphanous skirts, barely skimming their calves! These tutus weren't just shorter; they were made from soft materials, light as a feather! Gone were the heavy, tiered tutus of the past, replaced by flowing silk that whispered in every pirouette and jeté. And, believe me, the entire audience is swooning over every single graceful move.
Speaking of music, a certain piece I saw was rather a sensation in 1917 - "L'après-midi d'un faune". The story of this famous piece of music, you see, was a little scandal, quite unlike what one would expect from classical music! But it was daring, so daring for the time, and I do love a bit of intrigue, don't you? This musical masterpiece just made everyone want to float around like a beautiful bird on stage, and all thanks to those fabulous, floating tutus!
Speaking of those amazing tutus, my research reveals something even more delightful! They were designed to be visible, oh, yes, they were a veritable feast for the eyes, almost like a rainbow! The fabric itself was woven with a special kind of shimmer, reflecting the stage lights like sparkling jewels, just catching every glint.
But it's not just about the sparkly, dreamy, graceful dancing here in Paris. You see, just a little way down the road from my hotel is one of my favourite places - The Opéra Garnier, a spectacular place that simply demands to be adorned with pink tutus, if you ask me! Oh, but those stunning, ornate chandeliers, they're so perfect, a symphony of crystals twinkling in the light, it just makes my heart flutter with happiness! The opera is so rich, such beautiful history, I felt like I'd stepped onto a stage myself, right out of an opera!
If you find yourself in the French capital, make sure you check out the Palais Garnier. It’s a spectacle of architectural beauty with stunning carvings, luxurious fabrics and, well, everything seems to be decorated in glittering gold! It was the perfect place to admire the fashions and the dancers! I do love seeing those intricate gowns and dazzling jewellery - absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to admire the stage. Such beautiful hand-painted scenery, oh so delicate, it was like a world I could practically step into, just imagine the magic of all this, swirling with your pink tutu and a song in your heart!
However, even on a lovely day like this in Paris, one simply cannot escape the reality of the world around us. News of a big, terrible war reached our ears even as the music drifted into the Parisian streets, its sound competing with the whirring of machinery as they churned out war supplies. I couldn’t help but notice how it dampened the joyous atmosphere of Paris. The soldiers looked tired, with heavy hearts, yet they held a certain charm about them, a strong sense of pride. They would all come out in their best outfits for a bit of fun in the Parisian clubs or even at a ballet, and that's why it’s so lovely to be reminded, even in times of struggle, how a bit of grace, a touch of magic can really help make a day, even if it’s just a flash of pink!
To brighten up the evening, after a scrumptious tea at one of my favourite cafes, I made my way to the Moulin Rouge for a little spectacle, a touch of the Moulin Rouge in my life, why, just one little whirl around the place and I am transported, into the magic, into the heart of a Parisian performance. This is the home of the famous Can Can! You wouldn't believe how fun, how naughty those high kicks were in those pretty little can-can costumes, especially in those feathery little costumes! But don’t be fooled by their little dance, there is quite a lot of strength involved! Oh, to have the energy for a show like this, with everyone applauding every move, every flash of pink and glitz, just pure joyous energy! What fun they were having, those Moulin Rouge ladies, and I had to resist the urge to take one step onto the stage with my own pink tutu to add to their dancing spectacle. I simply had to admire those beautiful feathers! I love to imagine how much joy the dance gave to those people in 1917, so far removed from the heavy burdens of the world outside.
So, here’s my Tutu Tuesday challenge for you - get creative, put on your prettiest pink tutu, twirl with delight, and let that inner ballerina shine through! It may be 1917 in this post, but even if you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon in Derbyshire, even a cup of tea, a bit of twirling, it’s a great reminder of the magic of ballet, just remember a touch of pink always makes things so much better! Don’t forget to add it to your photo and add #TutuTuesday to show me you’re ready for the next adventure, to inspire someone with a splash of pink!
Remember to come back next Tuesday for more Ballet Tutu History and follow me at www.pink-tutu.com. Until then, twirl away and dream big!
