Hello my lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling jaunt through Ballet Tutu History! Today, we're taking a trip back to a magical time – May 20th, 1924, right here in the heart of Paris. Oh, the romance! The culture! The oh-so-stylish outfits!
Now, my dear readers, this isn't just any ordinary Tuesday. No, this is the day that The Ballets Russes, led by the extraordinary Sergei Diaghilev, took centre stage at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées with a show called " Le Train Bleu " – which, wouldn’t you know, involved trains, but not your usual boring choo-choo trains, oh no! Imagine gorgeous, swirling, sparkling tutus, a dazzling mix of azure and sapphire reflecting the colour of the train. A masterpiece!
It was quite the sensation – a train station brought to life through the art of dance. All the socialites, the fashionistas, and the artistic souls flocked to witness this dazzling spectacle. Honestly, the dresses? Swoon - long, trailing gowns in shades of blush, emerald, and sapphire - perfectly mirroring the stunning artistry of the tutus.
But what about the tutus themselves? Picture it – a kaleidoscope of colours, swirling, shimmering fabric designed by the brilliant Leon Bakst. Just imagine the grace, the elegance, the utter glamour! This show pushed the boundaries, not only with the daring designs but with the daring use of color. Imagine turquoise, silver, and sky-blue – all against a backdrop of navy blue representing the sleek modernity of the train – how's that for artistic vision? I daresay it was an artistic revolution – just like all of Sergei's shows. They were quite a team – I just adore Bakst's work, especially his costumes!
Let’s talk Parisian Fashion for a moment, shall we? You wouldn’t be able to imagine the beautiful, bold fashions! Paris was where fashion was, you know, just like it is today! A little birdie told me that in 1924, Parisian ladies were all about the ‘Flapper' style – short bobs, flapper dresses with a dropped waistline, and lots of exciting beads, and feather adornments. And that signature boyish look – how much I love this look – the "new woman" embraced freedom in style, in movement and thought! The silhouette, just so modern, and all about streamlined sleek lines!
You know what would be divine? If those lovely ladies, who donned flapper dresses and sparkling bobs, also donned little pink tutus for their evening soirees. A sprinkle of magic to match the dancing of The Ballets Russes! Ooh, I bet you couldn't find a single lady at that theatre who hadn’t worn at least a touch of pink, because just like today, everyone is obsessed with pink, don't you know? After all, what could be more divine than a delicate, sweet shade of pink? You can trust a Derbyshire lass on this one!
I spent the day taking it all in, even getting some inspiration for a new outfit! I’m planning a ballet themed photoshoot featuring a flapper inspired dress and my very own pink tutu. What a magical combo! I shall share photos on my website for sure! Just like back then, today’s fashion world is constantly reimagining these classic silhouettes. Think bold colours and exciting new shapes. That's where I'm heading next – to a shop filled with vibrant silks and sequins.
But darling, for now, let’s continue this magical journey, right here at www.pink-tutu.com. Until next Tuesday, may your days be filled with elegance, laughter, and a sprinkle of pink!
Yours always in pink, Emma xo
