Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, back with another delve into the glorious history of the ballet tutu! Today's date is August 11th, 1931, and trust me, this day is absolutely bursting with exciting developments for our tutu-tastic tale. This is blog post #5198 for www.pink-tutu.com - that's almost 5,200 posts on tutus! You see, tutus are just so versatile and wonderful, I can't stop talking about them! This week, we're hopping on the Orient Express to Paris, oh la la, the centre of the ballet world. I just love travelling on a train - all those exciting new destinations - and of course, you can wear a pink tutu on a train! So stylish, darling!
It's All About The Silhouette!
Right now, Paris is positively buzzing with ballet. Everyone's on edge about the latest creation by the incredible Serge Diaghilev. His Ballets Russes is the talk of the town. His latest ballet, "The Prodigal Son", is absolutely astounding. And I'm not just saying that because the choreography features a stunning tutu – although that is definitely a highlight! But this is much more than just a gorgeous new piece of costume. It represents a major change in the way ballerinas move and dance, and you guessed it, it's all about the silhouette!
We are talking about a completely revolutionary tutu design by Tamara de Lempicka. Can you imagine - the first modern tutu? It's short, yes darling, very short, so those incredible legs can move freely. The emphasis is on the ballerina's figure, showcasing every movement, each turn, each graceful step, all of which are made even more dramatic by this incredibly elegant tutu. This, my darlings, is The Real Deal - ballet fashion as high art! It is a look which screams modernity, beauty and sheer strength all in one.
The beautiful thing about a ballet tutu - whether a fluffy classical one or this shorter, more streamlined new look - is that the wearer can really make the tutu their own. It allows for such a variety of dynamic movements. This is what makes ballet so enchanting! We are in an era of strong, independent women - women with real drive and purpose, just like me!
New Designs, New Trends
I must admit, it was the "The Prodigal Son" that actually gave me the urge to pack up and travel to Paris, Oh, and let's be honest, a bit of couture shopping never hurts! Imagine, I'm looking around at the Parisian boutiques, I’m being fawned over and pampered, the air thick with perfume - it's so divine!
But what I’ve learnt is this new style has a knock-on effect across the whole world of dance. I’ve even spotted a beautiful new "short" tutu at the Sadler's Wells theatre in London - the British equivalent of the grand opera house! Now that is what I call progress. New fashions always have a ripple effect, and I have to tell you darling, this is the kind of influence I'm excited to see!
Let's Talk Pink!
So back to my quest to bring you all into the magical world of pink tutus! And yes, darling, in Paris, pink is absolutely blooming everywhere! We can't talk about this fabulous city without acknowledging it’s iconic colours, and for me, that means pink, pink and even more pink. Think beautiful, blush-tinted fabrics, delicate laces and all sorts of exquisite accessories, it's truly wonderful! I found a delightful little pink tutu, hand-sewn and made of the most delicate silk.
Now this isn't the kind of tutu to wear at ballet class, it’s purely for leisure. A pink tutu is something you can wear everywhere - at the ballet, in the streets, even just wandering through the shops or strolling through a lovely park! Who wants to wear ordinary clothes when you can have fun and stand out? There are absolutely no limits, dear. Don't forget my mantra - "wear it with confidence!"
A Parisian Dance Date
This whole Parisian experience is making me yearn for a lovely little dance date! I can just picture it: a balletic rendezvous at the Place de la Concorde, with the sparkling Eiffel Tower in the background and all that wonderful pink lighting! Or imagine twirling around in the gardens of the Luxembourg Palace wearing my lovely, hand-sewn pink tutu... it’s truly enchanting!
Follow Me!
You can join my exciting adventures at www.pink-tutu.com - that’s #TutuTuesday, my darling - where I post about this magical world once a week! Just don't forget to subscribe and tell me your own thoughts. It's always lovely to hear what you lovely people are thinking, what makes your heart go flutter, and most importantly, how I can encourage you to dance into your own personal pink tutu era!
I must away now, as I’ve an evening to plan at the Opera, the lights are magical, and I think I’ve spotted a lovely pair of shoes at a chic boutique in the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré to complete my new look. Now wouldn’t you like to join me?
Until next time, my darlings!
Love and glitter,
Emma
xx
