Bonjour, mes chéries! Emma here, back from another exhilarating time travel adventure. This week I’m hopping on the Orient Express (who knew the train would be this comfy! And so stylish!) to Paris in the glamorous year of 1934! It’s the perfect spot for a Tutu Tuesday as the city is practically bubbling over with the joy of ballet.
So grab a cuppa, a scone (with clotted cream, naturally!), and get ready to be transported to the chic Parisian ballet scene… from the comfort of your very own pink tutu.
Paris, City of Light…and Tutus!
You might be thinking: Emma, what on earth are you doing in Paris, 1934? Well, let me tell you, my dear friends, this was the golden age of ballet! There was the Ballet Russe, with its revolutionary and stunning designs. They even had Le Spectre de la Rose at the Opéra de Paris – just imagine the breathtaking costumes and swirling tutus. It truly was a time of unparalleled artistic beauty.
Stepping into the Palais Garnier
I managed to snag a ticket to the Ballet Russe (a steal – you just have to know the right people!) and let me tell you, darling, the Palais Garnier was even more magnificent in person! The interior was dripping with opulence, chandeliers sparkled, and the entire air crackled with anticipation. I nearly swooned.
The ballet I saw that day – a vibrant, swirling piece set to a symphony of colours, was incredible. It reminded me how timeless ballet is. We’re talking about a form of art that can take us on journeys across the globe and through the ages – all in the space of a couple of hours.
But beyond the stunning performances, what I loved most was how the ballerinas carried themselves. They moved with such confidence and poise – pure elegance, all while twirling in these magnificent tutus! Talk about an empowering experience.
Shopping Spree
Speaking of tutus! I had to take a stroll through the boutiques, right? Paris, especially in 1934, was a paradise of stylish boutiques filled with breathtaking fashions, hats, and shoes.
Of course, the key element for any fashionable, pink tutu-wearing ballerina like myself is to be looking absolutely fabulous at the theatre, so I found myself mesmerized by the beautiful tutus on display. I particularly adored those made with lightweight fabrics, embroidered with delicate florals – it was so graceful and sophisticated!
Now, remember dear readers, when it comes to the tutu, you never sacrifice comfort for style! Let me tell you, some of those older models I tried on (the ones from, say, the 19th century) could make even the most graceful dancer feel like she was going to break a leg, so to speak! I was so pleased to discover how beautifully tailored the 1930s tutus were, and it wasn't all stiff, frilly tutus, either! I even spotted some made from flowing, feather-light silk. Perfect for some impressive fouetté turns!
Back to the Future...With Tutu Dreams
My time in Paris was a whirlwind of ballet bliss and a serious amount of shopping! Back in Derbyshire now, I’m still basking in the magic. You know, when you see a live ballet performance – whether it’s a beautiful production by the Ballet Russe in Paris, 1934 or a stunning show at Sadler's Wells today - it truly is a time-stopping moment, you know? The passion, the dedication, the stories being told through the dancers… and all in those exquisite tutus.
So let's all keep those tutus spinning, darlings, and continue to spread the joy of dance across the world. We might be from different places and different times, but our love for this incredible art form unites us all!
I’m off to practise my pirouettes, with the image of Paris' ballerinas still fresh in my mind, all dressed in their glorious tutus, of course! Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday goodness!
Bisous,
Emma xx
P.S. What’s your favourite type of tutu, darlings? Let me know in the comments below!
Emma's Travel Tip: Catch a ballet performance while you’re travelling. There’s nothing more enriching than immersing yourself in a new culture, and dance can be a truly unique window into a society’s spirit. And of course, you’ll never regret a visit to the iconic Palais Garnier - the stage lights, the atmosphere, it’s truly breathtaking!
Today's Fashion Highlight: The ballerina bun, the iconic ballerina look, made so popular by dancers during this era. And did you know, dear readers, this classic hairstyle even got a fashionable twist in 1934 when ballerinas, particularly in the Ballet Russe company, would adorn their buns with fresh flowers! I even spotted a few with feather boas wrapped around their elegant tresses, a dramatic but wonderfully sophisticated look.
