Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink Tutu! It's Tuesday, and you know what that means... it's time to step into our time machine, put on our fanciest pink tutu (this week's a pale, blushing shade with a hint of glitter - absolutely divine!), and travel back to the world of ballet's glamorous past!
Today we're waltzing back to the 17th of April, 1934. Can you believe it? A whole century has passed! We might be travelling through time, but my passion for tutus and all things ballet remains eternally fashionable. And darling, let's be honest, a good tutu never goes out of style!
As you know, my mission is to bring the elegance and grace of tutus to everyone, to share their dazzling history, and of course, to encourage a little more pink in our lives! After all, who can resist a splash of colour in these grey and mundane times?
Today, we find ourselves in the vibrant heart of ballet, of course. Paris! Ah, the City of Lights... the aroma of pastries wafting from the bakeries, the iconic Eiffel Tower reaching for the heavens, and of course, the grand, majestic opera houses bustling with dancers and enthusiasts. Today, the grand Palais Garnier, a stunning building in itself, is the epicentre of ballet. The most exquisite, romantic stories unfold upon its stage - the emotions are pure, the passion undeniable, the movement so captivating.
Ballet's Starry Night: The Ballets Russes and The Romantic Legacy
1934, just like today, is a year that whispers of ballerinas' graceful strides, intricate footwork, and the magic of pirouettes. The air is filled with the lilting melodies of Tchaikovsky and the enchanting stories woven into the choreography. We're still reveling in the glory of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Those revolutionary dancers brought the world a new language of ballet, with opulent costumes and groundbreaking designs. Just imagine, the swirling colours of Bakst's creations, the exoticism of Stravinsky's scores - such sheer spectacle! It truly was an era of groundbreaking brilliance.
We also see the lasting legacy of the romantic ballets like Giselle. It was born in the mid-19th century, but continues to resonate in our hearts. Can you imagine being whisked away by a ballet that tells the story of a village girl in love, the deception and loss, and ultimately, the yearning for transcendence? It's a story that will make you weep and sigh with longing!
A Touch of Time: The Ballet Tutues of 1934
You might think, darling, that a tutu of 1934 might be quite different from our contemporary tutu. Of course, there are those quintessential features, the tiers of tulle, the delicate form that highlights the ballerina's body, and those beautifully delicate straps. But 1934 was also a time of experimentation!
Imagine the graceful lines of the long, fluid tutus that made dancers appear to be drifting on air, the daringly short and layered tutus that allowed for breathtaking leaps, and the shimmering beaded designs that glittered beneath the stage lights. Those tutus of 1934 were not just a simple costume, darling. They were works of art in their own right!
But darling, my trip is more than just history! It's all about fashion!
The Parisian streets, as always, are a canvas for fabulous outfits. We’ve a chic bob, my trusty pink beret and, of course, a glamorous velvet coat that whispers of bygone sophistication. I have just visited the latest couture house and fell in love with a delicate dress, the colours are exquisite.
Tonight, we are heading to the theatre! The excitement is building already, my heart flutters in anticipation of another glorious ballet. The dancers, I hear, will be performing the timeless masterpiece, "La Sylphide", the story of a mythical fairy, and the man who seeks to capture her. Can you imagine the magic of this ethereal dance, where ballerinas, their tutus whispering of ethereal lightness, float through the air, defying gravity, making dreams come true?
A Day in Paris with Emma!
After the ballet performance, I'm looking forward to visiting a charming little cafe with a breathtaking view of the Seine. A glass of chilled Chablis with a dainty pastry will be the perfect ending to this fabulous journey through time!
Until next week, darlings, remember that a splash of pink, a touch of glitter, and the undeniable elegance of a ballet tutu will bring a little magic to even the most ordinary day!
Don't forget to share your favourite pink tutu moments with us on Instagram. Tag @pink-tutu and use #TutuTuesday - let's share the tutu love, all around the world!
Your Time-Travelling Tutu Darling,
Emma 🌸
