Bonjour, my dearest tutu-lovers! Emma here, your trusty time-travelling ballerina, back from another dazzling trip through history. This week, I'm taking us back to 24th June 1924, a day that's practically dripping with Parisian elegance, where tutus were not just taking the stage, they were taking the streets. And yes, this time I've found a truly exquisite vintage pink number that fits me like a dream. (Let’s just say the time travellers of the 20s were slightly less obsessed with the corset than we are now - bonus!).
Now, 1924 wasn’t just any year for the world of dance. The world of ballet was experiencing something of a "Renaissance". In London, the Vic-Wells Ballet (later the Royal Ballet) was born under the talented Nijinsky, and in Paris, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes was hitting its stride.
But it was in Paris, the "City of Lights," that we were experiencing something extraordinary. Forget the sleek modern silhouettes you see on catwalks these days! Think of elegant ladies in full-skirted dresses that flowed and swirled like a beautiful ballet skirt - and I'm talking colour too, my loves. From shimmering silks to delicate chiffons, Paris was an explosion of vibrant hues. Just imagine those delicious pastel colours! (I actually snagged an original Art Deco pattern silk shawl from a charming shop – it practically whispers “Paris 1924”!).
And the most wonderful thing is, everyone was swept up in the "ballet fever". It wasn’t just for the stage. Paris had embraced a new kind of ballet chic, where graceful movement and a hint of dance elegance found its way into everyday life. Women would wear dresses with delicate pleats or soft billows, reminiscent of the swirling tulle tutus we know and adore. Imagine those gorgeous dresses dancing in the Parisian sunshine, the light catching those silks like magic!
Speaking of the streets, let's talk about street performances! It wasn’t uncommon to find dancers gracefully showing off their moves in Parisian squares, inspiring everyone around them. In a time when everyone seemed to have an innate sense of style, it's no surprise that these dances sparked a trend of adding a bit of ballet elegance to the world.
I’ve got to admit, Paris never fails to leave me with that feeling of joyful anticipation. You can just sense it in the air. That special sense of style that combines art, passion, and freedom, just like our beloved ballerina tutus!
Now, what could be more exciting than being in the City of Lights in June, the peak of the Parisian season? Oh, to be back there on the 24th, strolling the bustling streets! Can you picture it? The Tuileries Gardens, a bustling sea of colourful gowns, delicate fans waving in the air, and maybe even a few bold tutus tucked into the folds of elegant dresses! Imagine my surprise, a lone pink tutu standing out amidst all that beautiful pink silk and frothy frocks! It truly felt like the whole city was swept up in the magic of dance and all the whimsical twirling it could offer.
And remember, every Tutu Tuesday post is a step back in time to the wonderful world of dance history! Just wait till I show you some of the exquisite creations from the Ballets Russes… I mean, have you ever seen costumes that were both dramatic AND ridiculously elegant?
This #TutuTuesday, let's all twirl with a little Parisian flair. Imagine ourselves twirling under the Parisian sunshine, just a touch of ballet chic and that playful, delightful energy of the "city of lights"! And remember, it doesn’t matter what we're wearing, we can all embrace the art of grace and a dash of elegant twirling!
As always, keep your pink tutus at the ready!
Love,
Emma
P.S.: This post was originally supposed to go out on the 24th, but a charming detour to Vienna led to a lovely encounter with the Strauss family - an amazing waltz performance with a full, pink tutu in sight! But my lovely Pink-Tutu readers deserve all the Parisian enchantment I can offer!
