Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your very own pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another #TutuTuesday post! Today we're jetting back to 1919, a year that feels both distant and oh-so-familiar when it comes to dance. Now, before we dive into the tulle and the twirls, I have to share something fabulous - I'm in Paris! The City of Lights is just brimming with chic and sophistication, the kind of glamour that sets my tutu a-flutter. It's so wonderfully Parisian, don't you think?
As we all know, a trip to Paris isn't complete without a ballet performance, is it? So, of course, I snagged tickets for the Ballets Russes! Oh, the grandeur! I even spotted the glorious Nijinsky himself - he practically glided across the stage in an outfit so extravagant, it practically spoke of a world beyond words. The audience, clad in shimmering silks and decadent velvet, were enthralled. They gasped, they sighed, they oohed and aahed - you just know a standing ovation was in the making, and boy, it was!
It really was an incredible spectacle - so much of what we see in ballet today was shaped by the Ballets Russes and, dare I say it, by this year in particular. This iconic dance company had such an immense impact on ballet's aesthetics and presentation. Imagine this - 1919 marked the return of the Ballets Russes after a tumultuous few years and it was like a beautiful storm had settled, leaving in its wake an atmosphere that still shimmers today!
Let’s talk about the tutus for a second. Imagine – dancers weren't yet sporting the romantic, billowing tutus that we know and adore. In the 1910s, they still favoured shorter tutus - you know, the ones with the beautiful lines, almost like a perfectly-shaped ballerina in miniature? These weren't so much for spinning as they were for showing off the graceful leg lines and powerful movements. Such incredible strength and artistry were being showcased at this time – truly the epitome of grace and dynamism.
I know you’re dying to know what my own outfit is, right? Well, this is Paris! I can’t be caught dead without something exquisite. Think pink tulle, but not just any tulle, darlings. It's hand-stitched with tiny, glimmering sequins and a whisper of feathers around the bottom. And what would a proper Parisienne be without a wide-brimmed hat? Mine's in the chicest shade of midnight blue and I paired it with the daintiest little lavender bow that makes me look as sophisticated as the city itself. Don't worry, the pink tutu takes centre stage – it always does.
But there's so much more to explore! You see, 1919 is a pivotal year, not just for dance. Imagine this: the world is just beginning to recover from a brutal war, yet fashion has blossomed. I'm not talking about the sensible wartime looks (though, there was certainly a touch of elegance even in those styles!). I’m thinking of women sporting longer skirts, looser silhouettes - think of the "Roaring Twenties" just around the corner! They were making their mark on the world, and let's not forget how crucial that shift was for women's place in society.
Oh, the world of fashion, it always amazes me, don’t you think? I absolutely adore travelling to the past, to learn about what influenced our own current fashion trends. Today, with my beloved tutu by my side, I’ll take a walk down the Champs-Élysées, take in all the new trends and find some exquisite fabric that I know will inspire my future tutus!
Oh, before I forget - #TutuTuesday is not just for me. You too can join the fun! Post a photo of your favourite tutu - let’s paint the world pink! I absolutely love seeing you lovely lot rocking your own style, no matter how extravagant or simple, in those magnificent, tulle creations. Don't forget to tag #TutuTuesday!
Until next week, my darling tutu enthusiasts,
Bisous from Paris!
Emma xx
P.S. I can't help but wonder if that iconic "Pink Tutu" moment is somewhere around the corner… I'll let you know if I come across it on my travels! Keep an eye on the pink-tutu.com blog for more adventures and #TutuTuesday fun.
