Bonjour, darlings! đ©°
Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another fabulous edition of #TutuTuesday! Today, weâre stepping back in time to the marvellous year of 1918. Oh, it's been quite a whirlwind, wouldn't you say? I had the loveliest time at a grand ballet performance at the OpĂ©ra Garnier in Paris, where I actually bumped into a certain Diaghilev!
Before we go on about that, quelle surprise, isnât it, that it's exactly one hundred and five years ago this week that the world saw the spectacular premiere of a certain ballet... but, I'm keeping that a teeny tiny secret for now! đ
You wouldnât believe the fashion on display in 1918 Paris, even during those difficult war years! The Parisian ladies were radiant in their flapper dresses, long beaded necklaces and feathered hats, and you wouldn't believe the stunning tutus at the OpĂ©ra! Absolutely inspired by the elegant silhouettes and innovative designs of the Ballet Russes, Parisian fashion houses are embracing bold colours and intricate details â something a girl can totally get behind! It truly was a symphony of sartorial delights.
Of course, with travel restrictions still in place due to the ongoing war, I had to find a clever way to make my way across the Channel to see those fantastic ballets in Paris. What did I do, you ask? I booked myself a carriage on the luxurious Orient Express! Yes, ladies! Thereâs no more chic way to travel. With my trusty steamer trunk packed full of stunning Parisian gowns and the latest tutus, the journey itself was an absolute dream. The plush compartments, the charming waiters, and the elegant passengers â divine!
But of course, what truly matters is the performance itself. The ballet dancers, their movements a delicate ballet of grace and passion, truly took my breath away. It wasn't just the dancing that enchanted, but the beautiful costumes. I felt utterly swept away by the rich colours, shimmering sequins, and exquisite artistry. It felt as though Iâd stepped into a fairytale.
I even spotted a dancer wearing a pink tutu, the colour we all know is the best! Sadly, not quite as fluffy and full as the ones we adore these days, but a wonderful early predecessor nonetheless! And let me tell you, it took quite the journey to reach this glorious fluffy ballet tutu we love today!
The evolution of the ballet tutu is as fascinating as it is beautiful! Starting from simple, unadorned skirts, these tutus, often white or ivory, were worn mainly to make the dancerâs movements more visible during the performance. As ballet evolved, the length and shape of the tutu were transformed too! A hundred years ago, designers like Paul Poiret started to experiment with bolder colours, vibrant patterns and luxurious fabrics, and those amazing ballerinas twirling around the stage became stars in their own right! The ballet tutu quickly went from being purely practical to a statement of elegance, art and fashion.
One of my absolute favourite things about this era is the blossoming of "street ballets," or as we call them nowadays, âstreet dancing,â especially around the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es in Paris. Itâs been a huge hit amongst young Parisians who are using balletâs rhythmic grace to express themselves, even though the movement wasn't recognised as a "serious" dance art at the time. Theyâre creating beautiful, vibrant performances using simple tutus, perhaps even repurposed from old theatrical gowns. Isnât it so wonderful how they take something as delicate and ethereal as ballet and add their own dash of street style? It truly encapsulates the beauty of personal expression that only ballet can offer.
Speaking of expressions, dear reader, did you know that this very same date, 10th September 1918, is the official "Day of Dance" in several European countries? Amazing, isn't it? Itâs a chance for people across the world to gather and celebrate this magical art form. Who would have thought something as charming as ballet could be so popular?! It shows just how powerful the beauty and magic of dance can be. We can truly dance our way to a brighter future, no matter what!
Of course, this whole time-travelling adventure comes with a little price tag (even for a dedicated tutu enthusiast!). To afford all these lovely trips to fabulous places like Paris and New York, where I catch a stunning ballet performance at every chance, I often take to the stage myself, giving dazzling performances at local festivals and theatres! So many tutus, so many dreams, so much sparkle!
I simply adore this ballet era for its playful nature, its vibrant designs and its innovative spirit!
Oh, and that secret I teased you with earlier? It's about a little-known marvel in ballet history. It's a masterpiece, one that completely changed the way the world viewed ballet forever! That's right, my darlings, I'm talking about the legendary ballet, Scheherazade, by the Ballet Russes company. If you havenât seen it, make sure to find it! You're sure to be swept away by its exotic story, sumptuous costumes, and innovative choreography. Isnât it fantastic? It was first performed on this very date, 10th September, back in 1918. Who would have thought a single date in history could have such a beautiful impact on ballet?
This time, my dears, I'm afraid our time machine has just started beeping again! Until next Tuesday, my loves! And don't forget, my mission is simple, "A Pink Tutu For Everyone"!
*Your Time-Travelling Ballerina, * Emma đ©°
P.S. I am dying to hear all about your Tutu Tuesday adventures! Leave your thoughts in the comments below â tell me where your dream ballet destination is or your favourite ballerina costume, or if you even just want to tell me about your own personal #TutuTuesday style. I canât wait to read about it! đ
