Bonjour mes chéries! Welcome to another week of #TutuTuesday! As you know, here at Pink Tutu we adore the history of dance and particularly the evolution of the majestic ballet tutu. This week, we're heading back to December 9th, 1924, a truly magical day in dance history!
Today's train journey was especially delightful. From my home in lovely Derbyshire, England, to the heart of Paris, where ballet truly dances, the journey was full of charm. Every carriage seemed to hum with the excitement of theatre goers heading for an evening of enchantment, and as I peered out the window, I could almost hear the orchestra playing, the dancers twirling. Ah, to be in Paris on the eve of a premiere!
Now, you see, December 9th, 1924 is not just any date, It marks the anniversary of the debut of "La Pastorale, a delightful ballet composed by Arthur Honegger! Now, dear readers, if you know your ballet, you'll understand why this is such a huge deal.
Arthur Honegger was a composer who didn't shy away from experimenting with music. He didn't want just another classical ballet; he wanted to push boundaries, to create something fresh and exciting. And boy did he succeed! "La Pastorale" featured innovative music full of lively rhythms and dramatic, even poignant, melodies, the kind that makes you want to twirl right in your seat, don't you think?
Now, picture the costumes! Ah, they were something special. It's said that "La Pastorale" embraced the fashions of the time – think flowing fabrics and graceful silhouettes, with a nod to the romanticism of the earlier eras. And, of course, let's not forget the tutus!
Imagine a soft, gauzy, pink tutu, like spun sugar and sunshine. Just picture those delightful wisps of tulle swirling about the dancers' legs, like petals in a summer breeze. Those beautiful, dreamy forms. And then, imagine a deeper, richer hue of pink, almost a raspberry shade, highlighting a stately, elegant, regal tutu - just the thing for our gracious ballerina primadonnas!
"La Pastorale" became a resounding success, and rightly so! Not only was Honegger's music absolutely brilliant and fresh, but the choreography, the dancing itself, was truly awe-inspiring. The ballet's delicate and intricate footwork and graceful, sweeping arm movements truly highlighted the artistry of the tutu, didn't it?
I’d just love to step into a time machine and watch that premiere! I bet it was an electrifying evening filled with the sheer joy of performance, music, and ballet.
And let me tell you, after an evening in the beautiful Theatre de la Musique, it's quite the experience walking back to your hotel. The Parisian streets, shimmering in moonlight, seem to reflect the delicate shimmer of the stage lights from within the theatre.
Now, as we wrap up this edition of #TutuTuesday, let's think about our own Parisian journeys, eh? We all have our own dreams, our own goals. What makes us feel that wonderful glow of achievement and excitement, like a graceful ballerina onstage? We don't have to wear a tutu to achieve that feeling! Think of all those things that make you dance! And if a gorgeous, twirling, pink tutu can make your dreams a little bit more magical, well then, dear reader, I say, embrace your inner ballerina, and wear your tutu with pride!
Until next Tuesday, when we explore even more magical moments in ballet history, Happy Twirling!
Your Emma
P.S. Just like my #TutuTuesday blog is always in pink, your ballet wardrobe doesn't have to be! While I can't imagine wearing a colour other than pink for ballet, what are some of your favourite ballet colours, dear reader? Don't be shy, share them with me!
