Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday! Today we’re jetting back in time to a special date: March 12th, 1918, a date brimming with captivating performances, incredible fashion, and of course, those exquisite tutus!
This week, I've had a simply smashing time waltzing around 1918 Paris, and let me tell you, darling, the ballet scene was alive with elegance and grace! My travels to this wonderful city are always a feast for the senses – from the exquisite boutiques of the Rue de la Paix, showcasing the latest in Parisian couture, to the enchanting performances at the Opéra Garnier, I find myself utterly enthralled!
1918 - A Ballet Revolution!
I know you all know the tutu is the star of the show! In 1918, it was becoming absolutely synonymous with ballet! In those years, we saw some of the most beautiful, captivating costumes designed for ballets all around the world, but it was in Paris, my dear friends, where it was absolutely bursting with vibrant colours, intricate designs and swirling silks! You'd never catch me without one in Paris. I've seen everything from the most decadent silks, glistening like moonlight, to twirling layers of delicate tulle that sparkled like sunshine! Every tutu was an intricate, exquisite work of art that transported the wearer and the audience into another world entirely.
Of course, no talk of ballet can go without mention of Anna Pavlova, an absolutely sensational ballerina, whose breathtaking grace and artistry set a new standard for the ballet world. Can you imagine the utter joy of witnessing a performance by her, dancing under the opulent chandeliers of the Opéra Garnier, wearing a tutu as captivating as her movements? Oh my darling friends, it was pure magic!
* A Dash of History*
As you all know, the tutu’s journey began long before 1918, but it's truly captivating to see its evolution in this era! What's interesting about the tutu back in these times is its history - its roots can be traced back to the 19th century, my dear friends, with the romanticist ballets, when designers experimented with more daring, billowing designs! We started to see more elaborate skirts, featuring flowing tiers of tulle and romantic lace accents that added that truly fairytale charm.
A Day of Celebration!
1918 March 12th was a real highlight in the ballet world! This is the day that we celebrate one of the greatest and most iconic ballets, “La Bohème”! The story, a love story between Mimi and Rodolfo, a passionate, beautiful soul and a penniless writer! What's so magical about this day is that it brought the beauty of the ballet stage into the lives of all, touching hearts with the elegance of the ballet, the emotional power of music and the romance that is the story.
The Tutus are Always Ready
My darling tutu fans, do let me tell you, the tutus of that time were a symphony of fashion! Whether it was the sweeping silhouette of the classic Romantic Tutu, or the cascading layers of tulle of a Romantic Tutu, or the delicate yet playful form of the modern ballerina, with her shorter tutu, oh my, how exciting it all was! This era was bursting with variety and we still love the romantic ballerina!
* My own Tutu Adventures*
Speaking of ballet and tutus! I can't even imagine how spectacular the Parisian ballet performances of 1918 must have been, the glamour of the theater, the elegance of the dancers! Can you just picture it?! I'm already itching to step back into that magical world and experience the magic all over again! Perhaps on my next trip, we’ll travel back and I’ll get my pink tutu all the way from the very chic shops in Paris - I simply have to find one. It’ll have sparkles, sequins and all things shiny and fabulous. And oh, you can imagine how elegant and lovely a pink tutu will look amongst all the glitz and glamour of Paris! My, the excitement!
Until next time, darling tutu lovers! I’ll be over here, dreaming of Paris! Let me know what you think, tweet to #TutuTuesday. Do leave a comment on www.pink-tutu.com. We'd love to hear about your love of all things tutu! Don't forget, I’m on Instagram too! Join me on my next adventures.
Happy twirling!
Love, Emma
