Bonjour, my darlings! It's Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed tutu enthusiast, back from another delightful journey through time! This week, we're twirling back to January 17th, 1922, a time of glamour and sophistication in the City of Lights - Paris! Oh, the magic of that era...
This trip, I'm decked out in my most delicate pink tutu, perfect for a whirl around the glittering Parisian cafes and the magnificent Opera Garnier, the iconic home of ballet in France. Speaking of, what's going on in the world of ballet today?
Well, let's just say it's the roaring twenties! This is the era of Vaslav Nijinsky, a Russian dancer and choreographer who was captivating the world with his unique style, bringing modern dance to the forefront. But let's not forget the ladies - famous dancers like Anna Pavlova, with her exquisite grace and technical brilliance, and Olga Spessivtseva, renowned for her dramatic interpretations, were electrifying audiences on stages worldwide.
As for my tutus... well, we're still in the age of classic romantic ballet, and those tutus, with their soft layers of tulle and delicate embroidery, were absolutely breathtaking! But did you know, my darlings, that there wasn't one definitive tutu back then? Different schools and companies had their own favoured designs, reflecting the artistic spirit of the era.
I had a marvellous time perusing vintage ballet archives, and oh, the dresses! You've got to see these glorious creations, from sumptuous velvets to ethereal silks, with daring slits and playful embellishments, it's pure fashion heaven! Let me tell you, a lot of it looks rather modern - with some modern tweaks, it could walk the runway today!
You might be wondering, "Emma, what do you find so enchanting about the early days of the tutu?"
Well, there's just something utterly romantic about those first ballerina gowns. It's like the beginning of a fairy tale! These tutus were all about grace and femininity, a beautiful blend of structure and ethereal lightness. It's a look that's effortlessly elegant, without being too restrictive or dramatic - a perfect balance, just like the graceful art of ballet itself.
Now, back to 1922. Paris was teeming with energy, and I had to grab my chance to catch a spectacular ballet performance. And I wasn't disappointed! Imagine, my darlings, a glittering chandelier sparkling above, the scent of rose perfume and powdered wigs in the air, and the elegant hum of chatter before the music begins… pure magic! I don't think anything has ever surpassed that feeling of pure enchantment, even today's spectacular shows!
I've found myself drawn to "Les Sylphides" in particular. This exquisite work by Mikhail Fokine is an ethereal beauty, all delicate gestures and haunting melodies - a real treat for the senses. And what tutus, my dears, such sheer elegance and simplicity! Think flowing, cloud-like tulle, graceful lines and a subtle touch of pink here and there - it's no wonder this piece became so popular during this period!
After the show, naturally, I had to find the perfect spot to shop for a touch of vintage glamour. Paris is just brimming with charming shops and boutiques - even today, you can find a lot of delightful vintage clothing and costume jewellery. I picked up a beautifully worn silk scarf, perfect for a romantic evening stroll under the Parisian moonlight. Just imagine, my dear reader, me in my tutu and my new silk scarf, with a hot cup of chocolate and a croissant… the quintessential Parisian scene!
So, that's my latest adventure for #TutuTuesday! I'll leave you with the same question I ask each week: what would you wear as a ballerina in 1922?
Stay glamorous, stay inspired, and remember: pink tutus for everyone! 💖
Until next Tuesday, my darlings!
XOXO
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
