Welcome back, my lovely Tutu Tribe! It’s me, Emma, your pink-tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed, time-traveling blogger. Today’s #TutuTuesday takes us back to the shimmering world of 1917. Let's gather around the stage, my darlings, and explore the evolution of our beloved tutus!
This is post number 4467, and I'm just so thrilled to share another incredible journey with you all. You can find all of our pink tutu escapades over at www.pink-tutu.com, and be sure to tune in every Tuesday for your dose of ballet history and all things pink!
Parisian Pink Dreams
So, my darlings, this week we're venturing to Paris, a city eternally entangled with the graceful art of ballet. It was the 7th of August, 1917, and the streets of Paris were bustling with the elegance of the time. While fashion and the war were intertwined in fascinating ways, one thing was certain – the charm of ballet remained a constant source of delight.
Imagine, a time when dance was a symbol of elegance and sophistication, an escape from the complexities of the world. As I stepped off the train, the rhythmic patter of horse-drawn carriages filled the air. Oh, how I long to travel by train like this! The puff of steam from the engine, the soft clickety-clack of the wheels, the rustling of passengers – the journey itself is a theatrical experience.
The atmosphere in Paris felt positively electric! Shops, with their vibrantly coloured windows, were a treasure trove of enchanting fabrics. Perhaps some of those silk brocades would have made their way to the ballets of the time! Now, I imagine tutus with soft flowing skirts, adorned with elaborate beadwork, truly fit for a queen. The dance was all about expressing freedom and joy, and the tutus of the era beautifully mirrored that spirit.
Fashionable Flutter:
That's when I spotted it! A Parisian lady walking down the Champs-Élysées wearing a gorgeous blush pink dress. My pink tutu-loving heart skipped a beat. It was the kind of dress you imagine in a romantic painting - layers of soft fabric with delicate embroidery and a delicate lace collar. It inspired me to imagine tutus made of silk and lace! Can you picture it? Such romantic, ethereal dance costumes - like whispers of elegance caught in motion.
The Magic of the Ballet:
The next day, I found myself at the Opéra Garnier. The magnificent architecture – like a palace fit for a fairy tale! And as the music swirled around me, the dancers flowed across the stage with such effortless grace. Every twirl, every leap, was a story told with unspoken words. I can practically feel the weight of those incredible tutus from that time. Imagine a dancer holding her grand jeté, the soft fabric of her tutu like a blossoming rose in mid-air. The music of this time period was incredibly rich – imagine a combination of the grandeur of Wagner and the romanticism of Tchaikovsky – perfect for evoking stories and emotions.
And then there were the "corsets," which made a delightful appearance on the ballet stage in the late 1800s. (Though, my darling, I'll stick to my comfy, easy to move in tights and tutus. No tightlacing here!). It was said they added to the dancer's performance by showcasing the elegance of their figure and movements, and creating the illusion of graceful, controlled lines. Of course, the dance of 1917 had moved towards a less structured and more natural expression, where the emphasis was placed on agility, freedom, and artistry, so the corset had its heyday!
But I have to say, while it was a grand experience to see these traditional dances, my personal style has more of a contemporary twist. I find that with my shorter skirt tutus, I'm able to twirl and leap with greater freedom. We modern-day dancers can celebrate all styles - the tradition of the past and the innovative spirit of the present!
To Tutu or Not to Tutu:
After a delightful shopping trip - a little Parisian indulgence - I started thinking. How do I spread my love for pink tutus in the world of 1917? How do we create a bridge between the past and the future, weaving a love for pink tutus throughout history? My darlings, there's something about wearing pink tutus. It's a statement! A bold, whimsical declaration of individuality and joy! I think a well-placed twirl can go a long way!
So, until next Tuesday, my sweet Tutu Tribe, keep dancing, keep sparkling, and most importantly, keep your hearts open to the enchanting world of ballet! Remember, life is meant to be lived in full color – so embrace your own individual style, just as I’ve done on this fantastic pink-tutu journey. Until then, always remember - it’s never too late to embrace your inner ballerina and wear a pink tutu!
Yours in pink, Emma 💖
