Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog, darlings! Today marks the incredible date of February 5th, 1918! It's post number 4493 on my little pink-tutu-loving adventure through ballet history, and I'm delighted to whisk you all back to the roaring twenties – or shall I say, whisking you there, as I am here in my utterly adorable hot pink, feather-trimmed tutu!
Today we are in the heart of Paris, the ultimate centre for fashion and elegance, where tutus truly twirl into the spotlight. It's been an exhilarating journey travelling on the train, gazing at the Parisian streets bursting with life. You see, the last time I was in this bustling metropolis, it was 1870, and what a transformation! The grand avenues are filled with so many shops selling exquisite creations! And of course, where there are fashionable outfits, there are tutus, darling! I must say, my Parisian colleagues – both on and off the stage – have some seriously sophisticated ideas when it comes to these darling little numbers.
Now, imagine me, wearing my little pink dream of a tutu, wandering around a fashion emporium just last night. Everything was SO exquisite! Such elegance in every silken stitch, such graceful, flowing lines…I felt like I’d stepped right into one of those gorgeous ballet scenes! Speaking of ballet scenes, let’s go back to the wonderful world of ballet, and more specifically, to the delightful date of February 5th, 1918.
The world is abuzz, especially the world of the ballet. The Paris Opera is gearing up for the debut of "La Dame aux Camélias", a poignant ballet adapted from the beloved roman by Alexandre Dumas Fils. Imagine! We are in the age of romanticism! I’m absolutely besotted with this piece, full of tragedy and passionate drama – what an enchanting way to express yourself with the most captivating costumes and delicate piqués! Oh, what a glorious thing it is to have a tutu for all your needs, from a dramatic pirouette to a graceful chassé! It truly does capture the very soul of our movement, and is a part of something far greater than myself…something, in this era, we all long to escape to, with its beautiful gowns and en pointe dreams!
Speaking of escaping, have I told you about my journey back to the roaring 1920s on this most splendid, and indeed most glamorous trip?! After a lovely little échauffement on my stage here in the Paris Opera, and a swift change back to my favourite tutu (oh darling, this particular hot pink confection is an absolute treasure! I simply MUST try to make this one a keepsake), I headed over to a tea shop nestled amidst the most fashionable, and beautifully boudoir-style boudoirs! They've really taken a love of the delicate and dreamy feminine to the next level – and you won’t believe what the staff wore…little floral printed frocks with… tutus!
I don't know what it is, but everyone seems to adore a pretty, frilly skirt here! I've tried telling my Darling-derbyshire-born-and-bred-chums back home, but they don't understand – a tutu can really work on all shapes and sizes – with the right accessories of course! Why, I even caught a glimpse of a woman with a glorious fluffy white poodle, who had donned a pink satin tutu with a perfectly contrasting petit-pan on its tiny form! Oh, how perfectly bon ton and chic is that?! And it all ties back to the chic-est of all events– the ballet, n’est-ce pas?
The ballet itself… Oh, what a grand event to attend! The audience, even those sitting in the less glamorous seating sections, were full of glee, verve and style! My favourite piece of fashion during this period? Hats, of course! These ladies and gentlemen seem to take a particular fancy to their toppers, with so much imagination on display– feathers, ribbons, a riot of patterns!
But the best is yet to come! After the show, a grand feast at one of Paris's finest table d’hôte restaurants! I mean, it's the 1920s, so why wouldn’t there be splendid dining? The ladies were wearing long evening dresses in opulent tones of green, lavender and emerald… truly delectable and breathtaking in their beauty, while the gentlemen adorned themselves in a similar manner, looking sharp, in suits of every colour and tweed. I had quite a time! I simply had to try on all the outfits!
A journey through time on #TutuTuesday is always a dream. My journey on this date – February 5th, 1918 – reminds me, and all of you darlings, how amazing fashion can be in all its shapes, and yes, even in a tiny little tu-tu. You can find yourself a pink tutu for your next ballet performance, your tea party with friends, or simply wear it as you enjoy a stroll through the park! If I can do it, so can you, darlings.
Keep your eyes peeled, for more from my Tutu History blog next week, my lovelies!
