Bonjour mes amis! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveller, ready to whisk you away to a glorious day in ballet history, the 18th April 1922! Don't worry, I've packed a basket full of macarons and we're taking the Orient Express to Paris. Can't you picture it, a flurry of feathers and silk, the clatter of a Parisian cafe, and the soft whispers of "C'est magnifique!"
Oh, the thrill! It's a Parisian premiere of Serge Diaghilev's "Le Sacre du Printemps" by Igor Stravinsky, which premiered back in 1913. You see, back then, it caused a riot! Scandalous costumes, shocking music – it was pure artistic rebellion! But 1922, well, it's a whole new world. Fashion's changed, attitudes have softened, and the ballet's found its footing.
I can picture myself, in a shimmering, rose-pink tulle tutu, standing amongst the well-heeled audience at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees. Now, you know I adore all tutus, but those worn by the "Sacre du Printemps" dancers were something special. No, they weren't the graceful, flowing skirts I wear to class! They were simple, practical, and quite frankly, a little bit earthy! Imagine natural colours like brown and gold, perhaps a dash of silver. It was a new era of costume, less focused on the dreamy fairytale aesthetic and more about portraying the power and energy of the music and dance.
Honestly, I almost wished I could be up on stage with them. Just imagine – whirling across the floor with the vigour and passion of these dancers, showcasing a fresh perspective of the art form.
Now, we can't talk about Paris in 1922 without a nod to the fashion! The flapper era was in full swing –think daring bobbed hairstyles, cloche hats, dropped waistlines, and a healthy dose of jazz! Women were experimenting with free movement and looser silhouettes. Now, my dear readers, a tutu with this look? It'd be a beautiful disaster, but in a magnificent, utterly Parisian way! I envision a chic and elegant ensemble, a shimmering pink tutu perhaps, layered under a tweed or velvet cloche dress. It would be the perfect Parisian twist!
Oh, and speaking of Parisian style, I absolutely must mention the legendary Coco Chanel. You know, she was all about comfortable, practical fashion - dresses with dropped waists and no corsets! Just the way I like my tutus!
Now, on this magical journey through time, we can't neglect the shopping! Paris has always been the epicentre of style, and in the 1920s, it was buzzing with shops bursting with beautiful fabrics and designs. Imagine, yards and yards of pink silk just waiting to be transformed into a whimsical tutu, ready to capture the joy and energy of Paris itself.
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without experiencing its vibrant café culture! Can't you just picture yourself enjoying a delicious pain au chocolat, surrounded by lively conversation and watching Parisian street performers? Imagine a captivating dance, choreographed for the sidewalk – the graceful lines, the elegant movement, the power of expression unfolding right before your eyes! That's what the Paris of the 1920s was all about - beauty, artistry, and expression, and all perfectly captured in the movement and magic of the ballet.
I’ve always believed in the power of pink. It brings out the happiness and optimism in everyone. Why not spread that spirit of joy with a pink tutu?
Until next week, remember: Pink tutus for everyone, always!
Love, Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
Now go explore those pink tulle dreams, my dear friends! #TutuTuesday