Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog, number 4693! It's me, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, beaming back to you from…drum roll…the enchanting Parisian streets of 1921! Can you believe it? A hundred and two years ago! The air here is thick with the scent of freshly baked croissants and the sound of charming street musicians, and the women are absolutely stunning in their flapper dresses and feather boas! And the tutus? Oh my goodness, just wait until you see what I've discovered!
The Belle Epoque Ballet Era:
We're smack bang in the middle of the Belle Époque era, my dears! A time when elegance and grace reigned supreme. Think shimmering silk, swirling gowns, and delicate feathers. In the world of ballet, this era is known for its incredible advances in technique. Dancers like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky, the stars of the Ballets Russes, were pushing the boundaries of ballet as we knew it, performing innovative and expressive pieces that shocked and awed audiences!
Today, however, we're not talking about groundbreaking choreography - no, today, we're focusing on the little details. The exquisite details that truly brought this period to life – the ballet tutus!
The Story of a Tutu:
You know how I adore my pink tutu? Well, in 1921, ballet tutus were all about classic romanticism. Picture billowing, voluminous tulle skirts, reaching to the ankles, with just a whisper of a waistline! And the colours? Think soft pastels - dreamy blues, delicate pinks, and dreamy lavender hues. Oh, it was just delightful!
In the grand Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris - a truly awe-inspiring masterpiece, by the way! - I'm watching a production of Giselle – and you know I just had to slip on my pink tutu for the occasion! This story of love, betrayal, and loss really has a powerful hold on the soul. The dancing was ethereal, so graceful and gentle. And the tutus? Simply divine. Think long and flowing skirts, adorned with intricate embroidery and layers of ruffles, perfect for dancing on cloud nine, or so it would seem!
Dancing into the Night:
Back on the streets of Paris, the air is abuzz with anticipation. Tonight, there's a performance by the famed Ballets Russes. Imagine the anticipation, my darlings! The Ballets Russes were absolute sensations – a travelling dance company, dazzling the world with their unique, innovative, and vibrant style.
The music is lively, the crowd buzzing with excitement. We're about to be swept away into another world, into a land of enchantment, artistry, and utter brilliance. Now I've gotta pop off - my favourite designer is holding a secret sale on vintage fabrics. And you know how much I adore fabrics, and you know I must grab some for the next extra-special pink tutu. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more about 1921 and the incredible tutu history that surrounds it. Stay fabulous, my loves! And remember:
Pink is the colour of dreams and tutus are the way to make them come true!
Bisous!
Emma
PS. Keep an eye out for more #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog posts, where we will explore the evolution of this iconic garment throughout the ages, as only a pink tutu wearing ballerina could do. I'm thinking next week might be all about Swan Lake, maybe even try out a few classic steps - stay tuned!
