Greetings, my darling dancers!
It’s a glorious Tuesday morning here in sunny Paris! (It’s almost a cliché how beautiful this city is. Almost…) Today I’m whisking you away to the world of ballet in 1932 for another instalment of my beloved Tutu Tuesday history series! Buckle your straps, grab a cuppa, and let’s twirl back in time, shall we?
Today I’m here for the opening night of "The Sleeping Beauty" by the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo! Isn't it a treat to witness this absolute classic, here in Paris, a mere week after it debuted in Monte Carlo? This iconic troupe, renowned for their flamboyant artistry and colourful costumes, just takes my breath away!
Of course, no tutu story is complete without mentioning the wonderful* Anna Pavlova. She was already a superstar at this time. What a legend! Her artistry and grace, oh my goodness. I’m delighted to know she has a whole ballet dedicated to her, which I have just *had to see!
Let’s step back from the grand world of the ballet for a moment. I can’t talk about ballet history in Paris without giving a shout out to the beautiful Gare du Nord. This station was (and is!) such a magical entrance point to the city. I always do my best to squeeze in a visit whenever I time-travel back to Paris. The sheer scale and majesty are a wonder to behold, don't you think? It reminds me a little of a fairytale castle, just bursting with romance and possibility.
As a ballet dancer, it’s vital that I look my best, and this era was such a fabulous time for fashions. And I just adore how much ballet costume design influences fashion. That is why this Parisian visit simply must include a stop at Madeleine Vionnet and her fabulous couture. Imagine, the iconic flapper look, yet somehow reinterpreted to fit seamlessly with ballet, thanks to the genius Vionnet. I love it when worlds collide, don't you?
The 1930s, much like today, was a truly fascinating period for ballet. The tutu evolved considerably from its earlier days and the fabrics were now so soft, elegant and comfortable, just the kind I look for when choosing my favourite dancewear. From a beautiful silken satin to the fine fabrics that let your movement truly sing, it’s the small details that make a real difference. And in this era, there were no shortage of amazing detail, let me tell you!
You may know that, before 1932, tutus tended to be more fitted. The era of "leotard-like" tutus is firmly gone, replaced by the classic form that still inspires designers today, a more romantic and free look. Imagine tulle floating, airy layers, it’s all about creating that beautiful silhouette. The perfect outfit for expressing ourselves through movement.
Fun Fact: Do you know what the most special day to go ballet dancing in the 1930s was? * Tuesday, of course! Every week, it was considered to be a real "special occasion", a kind of 'night out' that you simply couldn’t miss. And wouldn't you know it, I'm all about finding ways to keep Tuesday a special night! What do you do to make Tuesday a little special? Do share, my dears!
Now, let’s get back to the world of Paris and our magical ballet world. You know how I feel about Ballet in Paris right now? Just thinking of it fills my little pink heart with joy! Paris, the heart of fashion, and a home to such wonderful ballet traditions, you just can’t help but fall in love! The elegance, the culture and of course that perfect twirling opportunity. I’ve had the chance to explore some truly magical places here, and if I’m honest, it has given me all the inspiration I need to whip up the most darling ballet dress designs.
Just think! My first pink tutu was created in the heart of Paris itself! Can you imagine that? I mean, it just has to be a pink tutu, you know? We girls love that extra hint of romance! So naturally, this city was a perfect setting for finding the very first tutu of this pink tutu lover’s collection! Of course, a love of ballet and its costumes wasn't always so popular - the little rebels of the 1930s might even scoff at a full, flowing pink tutu, while some of my Parisian friends think it's positively lovely, but who am I to judge?! It’s just a beautiful piece of ballet history.
I hope this #TutuTuesday journey has filled you with inspiration, dear dancers! Don't forget to follow my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next Tuesday! Xoxo, Emma
