Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! Today we're heading back to November 26th, 1929, for another magical jaunt through ballet tutu history! Buckle up, loves, because we're about to journey through the decades with a sprinkle of tulle and a dash of sparkle. ✨
This week's #TutuTuesday post is number 5109, and oh my, does it take us back! You wouldn't believe the adventures I've been having recently. Last week I waltzed with the Vienna Opera Ballet, this week it's back to Paris, the heart of all things ballet, to discover the fascinating fashion and frocks of 1929. Now, my dears, 1929 was a time of dramatic changes! The roaring 20s were in full swing, flapper dresses and bobbed hair were the rage, and of course, ballet was experiencing a renaissance of its own.
I was lucky enough to catch a stunning performance by the legendary Ballets Russes at the Theatre des Champs-Élysées! They're such a talented bunch! Imagine a beautiful and captivating show, complete with dazzling costumes. And the tutus! Oh, the tutus! Each one a masterpiece of craftsmanship and exquisite detail, they swirled and shimmered on stage like shimmering clouds! It was truly a sight to behold. I confess I might have even had a little twirl in the audience, it was just too hard to resist! 😉
But it wasn't just the performances that made this trip so special, oh no! I simply had to explore the boutiques and fashion houses of Paris, where the creative spark of the "New Look" was just beginning to take hold. The French fashion designers were masters at creating those iconic chic dresses. But it was the boutiques de ballet that stole my heart! Rows upon rows of beautiful tulle, satin, and ribbons! A ballerina's paradise! And of course, no true ballerina's outfit is complete without a good old-fashioned pair of pointe shoes. I purchased the most elegant pair of pink pointe shoes - with a tiny pearl tucked under the ribbons for a bit of sparkle, naturally. 🎀
Speaking of pointe shoes, remember we touched on that amazing advancement back in our #TutuTuesday post last year! In 1929, those exquisite saddle-shaped shoes that the Ballets Russes made famous were becoming the ultimate choice for ballerinas worldwide! Not only were they comfy enough for complex pirouettes and graceful leaps but they offered so much more elegant silhouette. Think about it, imagine the effect of pointe shoes from today - those thick blocks of shoes - on those elaborate dresses! They’d be lost beneath! Luckily for us all, these incredible dancers made the switch, adding so much more elegance to those elaborate routines. And, those costumes! I’ve mentioned this already, but 1929 was a prime time for elaborate ballet costumes! You had dancers in exquisite flowing garments with exquisite, hand-stitched detail, often trimmed in luxurious sequins or precious stones. They'd even be draped in stunning silk, each one made specifically to suit the dance - what a work of art, truly! 🎨
Back to Paris now! Today was simply full of discoveries! Did you know that, back in 1929, a dance studio named "Les Ballets du Palais" was gaining notoriety with the most extraordinary performance space, all built in the beautiful Neo-Classical style. The sheer number of these studios is amazing - think ballrooms with a view. They would become the training ground for future ballet stars. Just imagine! The Parisian air was electric, filled with the spirit of the era. It was the perfect combination of classic elegance and daring newness! And, of course, it wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday post without me mentioning the train ride, darlings! What can I say? There is just something so magical about embarking on a grand adventure on a steam-powered locomotive. 🚄
Speaking of my favourite mode of transport - The Blue Train, an opulent train that travelled from Paris to the French Riviera, had just opened in 1929! Now, can you even imagine? It was one of the world's first trains featuring sleeper cars. I wouldn't trade a chance to ride this gem for all the sweets in Derbyshire! Maybe next time!
Well, my darling dears, as I'm writing this, I’m at Ladurée, savouring the most delectable pastries and a cup of fragrant coffee, planning for my next big ballet adventure. It's never too late to dream big, especially when it comes to the enchanting world of ballet and our oh-so-inspiring tutus! Remember, my little dears, life is a dance, so wear your heart on your sleeve, your spirit on your soul, and of course, that magical, swirling, beautiful pink tutu, and twirl with joy, wherever you go! 💕
Until next time, darlings! Stay twirly, stay magical! ✨
Your Emma x
