Hello darlings, and welcome back to my weekly jaunt through the history of ballet tutus! I'm your resident pink tutu aficionado, Emma, and today we're travelling back to the fabulous 1920s, to a date that's as elegant and stylish as a well-tailored tutu: July 22nd, 1924. This week, I'm in glorious Paris, the city of love, fashion, and of course, the ballet!
Tutus & Twirling: A Whirlwind of Style
I’m standing right outside the Opéra Garnier – oh, darling, you can just imagine the bustle of this grand old lady! Fashion is everything here, and let’s just say those gorgeous women strutting into the Opera are absolutely killing it! Their bobbed hair, cloche hats, flapper dresses and those delightful shoes - they know how to make an entrance. You wouldn’t catch me dead wearing anything other than a vibrant pink tutu here, but, it wouldn’t be completely out of place - even the women wearing street clothes seem to embrace a certain Parisian je ne sais quoi in the way they hold themselves and walk with such exquisite grace.
Let's talk about tutus, because of course we must! It’s 1924, and although we still see those full-skirted, layered, romantic tutus of the past, a new kind of elegance is being born on stage. Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes has revolutionized ballet in the early 20th century, introducing a new, streamlined aesthetic. And trust me, darling, it’s utterly delightful! We’re seeing tutus with shorter, more fitted skirts, offering a captivating view of those gorgeous dancer’s legs! There’s a certain modernity, a bold energy to the movements. Think * Sheherazade, *Petrushka , and, my personal favourite, * Les Sylphides - the ballet world is undergoing a captivating evolution, and I am simply captivated!
And it’s not just the dance. There’s an explosion of colour on stage! Instead of those more traditional pale shades, think bright emerald green, dazzling golds, and even shocking pink, darlings. Think dazzling Costumes by Bakst and Picasso, imagine scapes filled with bold geometric designs - a whirlwind of dazzling colours and exquisite patterns that would have you saying *Ooh la la! * with every step.
This date, July 22nd, 1924, saw a wonderful performance of Le Sacre du Printemps, Diaghilev’s controversial ballet, choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, with an original score by Igor Stravinsky. I hear it’s truly electrifying, filled with passion, energy, and a touch of rebellion, - it’s quite a break from traditional ballet, if you will. This piece, while maybe a bit too intense for me - pink tutu needs a touch of romance! - has brought an unprecedented, almost tribal flavour to ballet. The costumes? Think rough fabrics, bold colours and * *dramatic shapes, which are so daring, yet completely breathtaking when performed with such gusto.
And don’t get me wrong! While some consider * Le Sacre * a break from tradition, there’s still an undeniable focus on classical elegance. On the very same stage, the Ballet Russes were also staging beautifully classic productions with these daring, almost revolutionary elements! It's a lovely mix of old-world charm and bold new ideas, a thrilling combination that, you’ve gotta admit, adds a spark to ballet history!
Beyond the Stage: Tutu Dreams Come True
The day started off with a splendid journey to Paris by train! There is no place I love more than being surrounded by beautiful people in beautiful places. You know the only things better than a trip to Paris? Taking a trip to Paris by train, surrounded by gorgeous people! And I’m absolutely smitten with the style of the 1920s, my love for a bit of elegance, chic fashion and luxurious, flowing fabrics makes these journeys completely fabulous! Oh, my darlings, I must mention! It was so delightful, I saw the most fabulous cloche hat on a woman, a bold red adorned with a feather! I must try and snag one for my next #TutuTuesday adventure!
While the performance was phenomenal, my true Parisian thrill came afterwards! Imagine yourself in a little café, sipping a divine coffee in a cosy corner, surrounded by artists, writers, dancers, and * *swaying to the jazzy music playing from a gramophone . You would think that this time it would be * Paris, darling, the city of love! * The air hummed with creative energy It was sheer enchantment, and even though it was so lovely, it simply wasn't the perfect setting for my * *Pink Tutu Dream. . It needs an elegant stage, beautiful lighting and, oh, a stunning performance of course! But that just made me think, *what if we could all embrace a bit of that Parisian flair, those delicate dresses and graceful walks? What if we added a bit of spark to our day by sporting a chic hat and even adding a pink tutu, of course! What if, for once, the sparkle of imagination, passion, and fun were the most fashionable accessory. That's my mission, my dears, and I know, together, we can make it a reality!
I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into ballet history with me! Come back next #TutuTuesday when we explore more! I'm sure you're itching for more, because even a girl from Derbyshire knows a good Parisian adventure can only inspire!
With a twirl and a smile,
Emma xx
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