Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back again for another #TutuTuesday blog post from my favourite corner of the globe: Paris! Oh, how I adore this city. It’s the capital of chic, and today I'm delving into a glorious slice of ballet history!
Now, you might not know this, but today is the 5th April 1932! Just imagine! It was almost a century ago!
Think of all the fab tutus that were floating across the stages of Paris back then, a vision of elegance and grace! And speaking of Paris, what better day to visit the Palais Garnier than today?
For the first time, the grand opening of the "The Sleeping Beauty" ballet took place today! This magnificent production was staged by the Paris Opera Ballet. They have a stellar reputation, don’t they? They always know how to put on a show. I just adore that old world charm and the grand spectacle of the traditional Parisian theatre.
I was particularly mesmerised by the dancers, their incredible fluid movements and effortless spins, so graceful and elegant. Each move was an artistic expression, telling a tale through motion! What a wonderful performance to commemorate! The music was a treat to the ears too!
But you know what was most striking to me? It wasn't just the breathtaking dancing - it was the glorious tutus, each a delicate dream come true! Just look at the intricate embroidery on the ballerinas' skirts, oh, it’s pure Parisian charm!
Even the colour palette of those 1932 tutus is making my heart flutter - it was a kaleidoscope of pastels - whispery pinks, gentle lavenders, and the lightest shades of blue. Isn’t that divine? I’d love to be backstage for their final rehearsal before the first showing, peeking at the intricate designs, the swirling tulle, and the delicate fabric artistry of each individual ballerina's garment.
I know it might sound crazy, but I've started a little challenge, my lovely readers. It's a small and sweet way for me to inspire you to unleash your inner ballerina - Wear Pink! Wear a Tutu! Even if it's just a pink ribbon, or a tiny sparkly tutu, it's about expressing yourself, feeling confident, and spreading a touch of ballet magic into your daily life! You don’t need a grand stage to be fabulous, my darlings, just wear your heart on your sleeve, or your tutu on your legs, if you get my meaning.
I have a special place in my heart for these fabulous fashion trends that go beyond the confines of the stage, because sometimes you have to bring the art into your everyday life.
Let's take a step back in time and picture a quintessential Parisian lady, gliding down the Rue de la Paix in her beautiful blush-pink silk dress, a tulle-trimmed cloche hat shielding her from the sun, and her trusty poodle skipping at her side! The epitome of Parisian grace! Now, who would think of putting a simple pink tutu beneath a fashionable dress!
Speaking of dresses, let's delve a little deeper into that Parisian fashion in 1932. The classic Chanel influence was making waves everywhere! Remember the revolutionary Chanel dress – that classic knee-length style that embraced elegance and comfort? Now imagine that style, with a ballerina’s elegant flair! What a lovely mix, isn't it?
Oh, and did you know? Fashion designers, influenced by ballet and the beautiful tutus they witnessed, were incorporating tulle and tulle-like fabrics into everything, from elegant evening gowns to luxurious wraps and delicate embellishments. That’s the beauty of dance - it always seems to find its way into other art forms. Even though fashion may change, the style and elegance will endure. I like to think that these lovely tutus started a fashion trend that lives on even today.
And then there’s the story behind the very design of the tutu itself. We are all indebted to Marie Taglioni, the pioneer of the tutu as we know it! In 1832, during a ballet performance of "La Sylphide," Marie wore the short romantic tutu for the very first time. Her vision for this elegant design helped to redefine what ballerinas would wear forever after, just think about all those pretty designs, those dainty shapes. And that little detail of shorter skirt length was an absolute revelation! The ballet was a sensation in Paris and became an overnight sensation!
As I admire those incredible 1932 ballerinas gliding effortlessly across the stage, I'm always struck by how fashion, theatre, and dance are woven together, just like a graceful ballet! I find so much beauty in their elegance and elegance! Just like these ladies were dancing a timeless story on that grand Parisian stage.
But don't you think this story of tutus is truly magical, my lovely readers? To go from a simple design of tulle, a vision of Marie Taglioni, to a stunning, glamorous wardrobe for dancers - the power of the tutu is inspiring! I hope you enjoyed taking a peek into our #TutuTuesday trip through ballet history!
Until next Tuesday, let’s stay fabulous, keep those dreams big, and don’t forget to wear a little pink – if only for a moment.
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
