Hello, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to my weekly trip down Ballet Tutu History Lane! Today's adventure takes us to the enchanting year of 1917, a time when the world was a bit more complex, but the world of ballet was as glorious as ever! This week, I'm channeling the spirit of those wonderful women who paved the way for our own passion, all while sporting a delightfully dusty pink tulle creation fit for a queen.
You know I love travelling, right? My life is a beautiful whirl of dancing, tutus, and of course, time travel! And guess what? My latest escapades found me boarding the Orient Express – a grand, elegant railway journey across Europe. What could be more fabulous than a tutu, a train, and the promise of a thrilling show in Paris? This week I’m channeling a real 1917 Paris chic - you know the sort, effortless elegance in a pink fluffy tulle skirt with a trim in emerald green, perfectly complementing the velvet tones of the train’s plush compartments.
Now, before we go too far down the track, let’s dive back to our focus: 18th December 1917. A grand date indeed, my lovelies! But where exactly was I, and what glorious ballet spectacle could be awaiting me on this day? It wasn’t just any stage; it was the one and only Opéra Garnier, the breathtaking, majestic temple of dance in the heart of Paris! My heart skipped a beat even as the magnificent marble exterior unveiled itself.
And who were these talented dancers I was about to witness? Why, none other than the incredible Ballet Russe! You simply couldn’t mention ballet in 1917 without a mention of this legendary company! From Sergei Diaghilev’s impeccable vision, to the artistic genius of Léon Bakst, the brilliance of Vaslav Nijinsky and the fiery allure of Tamara Karsavina – these dancers and choreographers revolutionised dance history, and they captivated me from the very first step. Imagine! I got to watch these extraordinary dancers grace the Garnier’s grand stage - they took my breath away!
Let’s chat tutu history – these early days of the 20th century were so fascinating for our beloved garment. While tutu lengths were changing – moving towards shorter and less elaborate, and while those elegant layered-pannier silhouettes had taken a back seat – there was still so much glamour to be found. The focus shifted to fluidity and freedom, reflecting the changing role of the woman in society! The ballet skirts of 1917 were lighter, more daring, and made for a thrilling spectacle on the stage. Think graceful wisps of chiffon, luxurious velvet trims, and that ever-present pink, shimmering under the stage lights! The silhouette remained incredibly romantic, perfectly capturing the dreamy and enchanting world of dance. And my dears, isn’t that precisely what we all desire?
What was so magical about this date you ask? The Ballet Russe were performing Michel Fokine’s ballet “Le Spectre de la Rose!” It was considered groundbreaking. It’s an absolute MUST for anyone to see - it’s about a man who falls asleep after a ball and dreams of himself transformed into a beautiful rose. The entire piece was full of artistry - from Fokine’s breathtaking choreography to the costume design. The entire evening was magical, and a delightful testament to the beautiful artistry that graced the ballet world at this time.
Of course, no day in Paris would be complete without a delightful fashion expedition, wouldn’t you agree? Imagine! A Parisian afternoon exploring the chic boutiques of the day, where elegant gowns, hats with the most spectacular plumes, and delightful shoes (even my tiny ballet slippers couldn’t resist their allure!) were the stars. But of course, no Parisian adventure would be complete without finding the perfect tutu. I fell in love with a beautiful lavender confection, its fluffy layers trimmed with delicate beading – truly a masterpiece, wouldn’t you say? The perfect finishing touch for my Parisian journey, my darlings!
But sadly, the allure of travel calls, and I must hop back onto the Orient Express and travel back home to the rolling hills of Derbyshire. I am looking forward to bringing back inspiration to Derbyshire.
Until next time, my sweet lovelies! Don’t forget to keep on twirling!
*P.S. Do you love pink tutus? If you have any #TutuTuesday blog suggestions for my travels in the future, let me know in the comments below. And please follow me on social media! We’re making tutus cool. Again. ✨ It’s just a little dream of mine. *
(Remember, I post a new #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com - why not check out my other 4485 blogs!)
Emma XOXO.
