Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and today's #TutuTuesday is taking us right back to 1931-07-28! My, oh my, can you even imagine a world without the delightful pink tutu?! I certainly can't! Today, I'm sharing some of the history behind this wondrous garment from a time when the tutus were becoming more prevalent than ever!
I've travelled all the way to Paris, the city of lights and, let's be honest, some of the most exquisite fashion imaginable! Oh la la! The Parisian fashionistas are as obsessed with tutus as I am. I'm spotting tutus everywhere, from grand ballets to the boulevards and, dare I say it, even some of the Parisian shops! It seems the tutus are not just for dancers, darling.
As for the history of the tutu itself, imagine the gasp of excitement from the ladies in the audience as their eyes feast upon the graceful ballerinas swishing and twirling across the stage! Imagine the elegance! I can almost hear the hushed gasps of delight, a sigh of pure awe at these shimmering beauties in their white, pale pink, and, oh, those lovely sky blue, airy gowns, with layers and layers of tulle! It's absolutely thrilling to be back in time to witness these incredible creations!
In the 1930s, a particular kind of tutu began to appear - the shorter, layered, full tutu known as the 'Romantic Tutu'. I simply adore them! You know, the type you'd spot a prima ballerina wearing as she floats effortlessly across the stage in a perfect fifth position, or gracefully ascends to a pirouette. The tutu at the time still featured tulle (made of silk!) but, dare I say it, it is getting bolder, with bolder colors, daring designs, and shorter lengths that really emphasize those strong ballerina legs! It’s quite a sight!
While I'm in Paris, there's one ballerina I simply must see. This legendary dancer, Anna Pavlova, is not only considered one of the greatest ballet dancers ever, but she also helped popularise the "Romantic Tutu"! You just need to see one performance of "The Dying Swan" by this exceptional dancer and you’ll see just what I mean, darlings! Imagine a single ballerina with a beautiful, simple, almost diaphanous gown that she spins like an elegant, magical cloud! Her tutu simply drifts and glides as she performs!
Now, I can't simply tell you about this fascinating ballet history. No! You, my darlings, need to experience it! It's time to hit up the famous Opéra Garnier theatre and take in the artistry of one of the top dance companies in the world, The Paris Opera Ballet!
Paris truly has something for every taste and occasion when it comes to dance. I even hear whispers of something called Ballet Street, which combines ballet techniques with street dance and acrobatics! Talk about amazing! Can you imagine twirling on a street corner in your own pink tutu? Absolutely delightful, my dears! It sounds like a real must-see for this week! I'm making my way there ASAP for a truly extraordinary experience. And maybe even some shopping? My dear friends, this trip just keeps getting better and better!
And oh, before I leave you, darlings! Have I mentioned today's date has a very special place in the history of theatre and opera! Can you believe that - it is the 40th Anniversary of the first ever Radio City Music Hall opening night in New York City, one of the grandest theaters ever built! Can you picture a beautiful stage bathed in spotlights, featuring dancers wearing those beautiful tutus in elegant shades of white and pink and adorned with shimmering rhinestones. How absolutely glorious, my darlings! This Music Hall even has a dance company of its own, called the Rockettes. Imagine the glamour of it all! I must get there as quickly as possible, because nothing brings more sparkle and happiness to my heart than the amazing stage performances like these.
This incredible performance of As Thousands Cheer , which premiered today, featured music by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II. The whole night is sure to be overflowing with magnificent sets and elaborate costumes, including... a little bird has told me... some rather impressive tutus. Imagine all those fabulous women dancing together, a coordinated flurry of tulle and sparkles! It’s a real ballet masterpiece that I will cherish in my heart, no matter how far I travel through time.
Right now, I am soaking up the energy of Parisian fashion and the charm of their ballet history!
You must come along on one of my time travels to experience it all! So, keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com for the next #TutuTuesday post, my darlings!
Till next time! Au revoir!
Yours in pink tulle and spinning skirts,
Emma
P.S. If you’re already wearing a pink tutu right now, let me know in the comments! My goal in life is to have the world covered in beautiful pink tutus! It's time to break free from convention, embrace the power of colour and twirl to our hearts' content! I can’t wait to see your pink tulle creations, darling.
