Bonjour mes amis! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you back to the era of flapper dresses and charming dances - specifically, the glorious 1st of April, 1919!
Now, as much as I love a good April Fools' joke, I'm afraid I can't offer you any cheeky historical shenanigans for this date. We're actually smack-dab in the middle of a significant transition - the end of the Great War and the beginning of what's become known as the "Roaring Twenties"!
I can practically hear the jazz tunes playing as I step off the train (and yes, it's still a lovely train ride, no pesky time machines for me - purely the magic of dancing!) at Paddington Station, London. It's a bit chilly today but a splash of pink tutu always warms up even the most grey of days.
Today, I'm heading straight to the Colosseum Theatre for a ballet performance. It's one of London's most celebrated stages, and I wouldn't miss it for the world. The ballerinas, resplendent in their billowing, billowing tutus - think delicate layers of chiffon and silk - are an absolute vision. Imagine flowing gowns of spun sugar, ethereal and graceful. These tutus, however, were much longer than the ones you'll see me wearing on these here blog posts - it's all about showcasing elegance and grace!
This date, 1st April 1919, is exciting for a different reason. It's a time of fresh beginnings, a sense of newfound hope and optimism after the trials of war. And in the ballet world, it's about ushering in new trends, new styles, and new ways of moving and dancing.
Now, this post wouldn't be complete without a touch of history, would it? In this exciting new era, what can you expect to see in ballet?
- Longer Tutus: The ballet world, just like fashion, embraces some subtle shifts after the war. Longer tutus take centre stage. Imagine those layers of delicate chiffon I described before.
- Focus on Flexibility: The graceful lines of a ballet tutu help the ballerinas showcase their incredible flexibility and athleticism. There's a real emphasis on graceful leaps and arabesques, with every twirl making your heart skip a beat.
- The Return of Ballets Russes: The legendary Ballets Russes Company is slowly making its way back into the spotlight after the war, re-introducing audiences to the world of extravagant ballet sets and the enchanting world of the dancer's art.
As I make my way through London's buzzing streets, the smell of freshly baked pastries fills the air, a sure sign I've got a great post-ballet treat in store. The city's streets are alive with a vibrant energy – new businesses are popping up everywhere, fashion is bolder, and women are becoming more independent!
This atmosphere of dynamism is reflected in the ballet performances I've witnessed. The dancers are fearless, pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques, even with the longer tutus that call for more delicate, almost lyrical, movements. They’re telling stories through their bodies and expressing a powerful message of hope and resilience.
And of course, all this vibrant energy means one thing for Emma: A shopping spree! Now, the most popular style of ballet shoes around this time is called the 'Demi Pointe'. They are beautifully delicate, allowing for graceful movements. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for the perfect pink pair.
And that's all for today, folks! Remember to share your thoughts on the fabulous evolution of ballet and what tutus have been up to in the comments below. If you have any suggestions for what historical period I should visit next, I'm all ears! Don't forget to join me next #TutuTuesday for more tales from the enchanting world of ballet and fashion!
Until then, stay fabulous and don't forget to wear pink!
XOXO,
Emma
I'm here for you! Please let me know what I can change, add or tweak, if you have any questions! 😊
