Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another dose of ballet history! This week, I’m whisking you back to April 2nd, 1918 – a time when the world was in the midst of a great upheaval, yet still, the dance continued.
I took the train from Derbyshire to the heart of ballet – Paris! A true ballet fanatic, I find it hard to resist a good train journey – the rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the rails always brings a smile to my face. Not only that, it’s a journey that echoes the timeless grace of dance. It’s like a slow, elegant pas de deux, just the engine and I!
Imagine Paris, the air still alive with the spirit of the Belle Epoque, though now the streets are quieter, more somber, touched by the shadows of war. Yet, within those hushed streets, the ballet still flourished. The Palais Garnier was still a grand symbol of art and beauty. In fact, just a few days ago, on March 30th, a new production of "La Bohème" by Leonide Massine premiered at the Garnier. A stunning display of ballet!
Speaking of beauty, let’s talk tutus! Now, you all know how much I adore my pink tutus, and whilst I was in Paris I saw some simply divine examples! As I made my way past the Grand Café, which I’ve read is a meeting place for artists and writers - the real influencers of the time, mind you - I bumped into the most beautiful, airy creations! While tutus have definitely evolved, this era was full of delightful fluffiness, perfectly capturing a time of gentle beauty. A perfect contrast to the harsh reality outside of those gilded theatre doors!
Here are some fun facts from the tutu archives that took place on April 2nd, 1918:
1. A True Ballerina's Strength: In Russia, the incredible Bolshoi Ballet performed “La Esmeralda,” showcasing their incredible skill and athleticism – and all against a backdrop of world war! A reminder of ballet's timeless ability to lift our spirits and inspire us, even in the darkest of times!
2. A Tutu Milestone: It was also the day the Ballet Russes (a Russian dance troupe who travelled the world), performed the very first ballet with an abstract stage set and story! Imagine that - it was something truly revolutionary! They definitely inspired modern ballet, setting the scene for the bolder and more experimental ballets of the future.
3. The Glamour Never Stops: And speaking of glamour, I spotted a lovely collection of silk and tulle at a boutique just off the Rue de Rivoli! The craftsmanship was truly magnificent – lace trims, perfectly pleated fabrics. This period really embraced elegance, I’d love to design some of my own pieces inspired by these early creations!
Of course, while I adore fashion, a great ballet show is something truly magical. In Paris, I caught a show at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees - it felt so glamorous. There was this magnificent red velvet seat - you really felt you’d travelled back to the days of lavish grand balls!
I was lucky enough to see a performance of the famed “Swan Lake,” a timeless story of beauty and grace, danced with incredible technical skill and passion. Even with the war and its worries, I was captivated. Seeing a ballet live is unlike anything else. It brings me so much joy, it is something I think everyone should try to experience at least once in their lives.
This week’s #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History has truly transported me! As I bid farewell to Paris and hop onto a train back to Derbyshire, I can’t help but wonder what the world of ballet holds in the years ahead. Will tutus continue to change and adapt, just as the world changes and adapts around us?
Of course, my darling tutu lovers, whatever the future holds, there's one thing I'm certain of: tutus will always be there, twirling with grace and reminding us of the joy and beauty that dance can bring to our lives. And that, my dearest readers, is truly something to celebrate. Now go out there and embrace the power of a pink tutu – it's the ultimate way to celebrate life!
I can’t wait to share my next trip with you next Tuesday.
Until then, keep twirling!
Emma.
