Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back for another dose of ballet history. As you all know, my mission is to spread the love of the tutu far and wide, across time and space, so today, I'm taking us on a whirlwind trip back to December 24th, 1918. Buckle up, because this one is packed with delightful details!
My, my, this trip is rather poignant! It's the Christmas season, and as I journey through the Parisian streets, the city is buzzing with excitement and relief. We’re just at the tail end of the Great War, and the feeling of hope hangs thick in the air, much like the crisp scent of the sugared almonds in the patisseries. A feeling of normality is returning after so much suffering, and everyone is eager to celebrate!
As for the world of ballet, oh, it's vibrant! This was the year Serge Diaghilev, the genius behind the Ballets Russes, introduced his stunning new choreography, “The Three-Cornered Hat,” to Parisian audiences. This delightful production, full of playful Spanish energy and colour, was an instant sensation. Diaghilev was the true maestro of creating spectacular and visually captivating shows - remember those sensational costume designs and sets that would rival any contemporary theatrical event? The vibrant colours, shimmering fabrics, and daring designs were pure magic, and to me, they simply beg to be enjoyed on the world stage, as they were back then.
Speaking of captivating visuals, I just had the most delightful experience today, watching the exquisite dancers of the Opera de Paris at the Palais Garnier! Imagine, ladies, tutus were more structured back then. They weren't the full-length romantic ballerinas of later years, but these skirts were oh-so-beautiful! Shorter and with a certain romantic silhouette that, while still retaining that graceful ballerina shape, still made space for stunning flourishes. I’ve already planned a tutu creation inspired by these wonders! My inspiration notebook is bursting at the seams with these incredible designs! The ballet they performed, "Giselle," a classic with the most haunting love story! It’s no surprise this production remains popular! My heart soared as the beautiful ballerina, Olga Spessivtseva, twirled in her ethereal, white tutu.
And my dear friends, what a whirlwind of fashion is the capital! It's so full of character, isn't it? It feels as if the entire city is breathing in a new breath of life after the war, and people are embracing brighter hues and bolder designs than ever. I, of course, fell in love with some utterly captivating hats, with elegant wide brims and beautiful feathered decorations!
My heart is full from a visit to a bustling, busy department store that, oh my, had an entire floor devoted to exquisite shoes! From sleek leather boots to stylish pumps and even adorable baby shoes! And have you seen the new materials they're using to design shoes? Patent leather, satin and those lovely silks... I simply couldn't resist, and indulged in a few pairs of dancing shoes to add to my growing collection!
And how are my travel plans, you ask? Wonderful! I must say, travelling by train is the most wonderful way to explore this exquisite city! With my heart set on visiting the shops on Rue de la Paix, I'll certainly make time for afternoon tea, perhaps at the famous Ritz Hotel or perhaps the Hotel Crillon! The opulence, the decadent surroundings, and the beautiful art – it's simply heavenly!
Well, ladies, I must be off to plan the next phase of my adventure! Remember to join me each week on Tuesday for new and exciting Tutu Tuesdays and travel through history with me! If you're looking for a splash of pink, I'd be absolutely thrilled if you'd stop by the www.pink-tutu.com website.
And oh, darling friends, don't forget to rock a pink tutu and share your style on social media! Be sure to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday, and let's all spread the magic of ballet together!
