Bonjour mes amis! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time-traveler, ready to whisk you away to another fabulous decade of dance history! This Tuesday, we’re heading to the dazzling city of lights, Paris, for a peek into the world of ballet in October 1934.
I’ve been getting quite a few messages asking if I’ll ever visit Paris again – well, darling readers, it’s my absolute pleasure to finally sashay back to this gorgeous city! And wouldn’t you know it, today just happens to be a perfect day to be a Parisian ballerina. It’s October 2nd, and the world of ballet is abuzz! Let's get into it, shall we?
A City of Grace and Glitter
As you may know, Paris is absolutely overflowing with stylish, passionate people, and in 1934 it was truly the epicentre of the art world. Imagine yourself on a beautiful, sunny Parisian afternoon – the air filled with the sound of laughter, the gentle clinking of glasses, and the sweet scent of pastries. This is the backdrop for the elegant ladies of the 1930s, sporting dresses as dazzling as any stage costume. This era, with its strong connection to the Belle Époque (remember those whimsical fashion icons? They made their way into the 1930s) really pushed fashion to the next level – think bold colours, exquisite fabrics, and designs that flow and shimmer. This style perfectly captures the spirit of ballet - graceful, elegant, and full of flair!
Ballerina Stars: Elegance Meets Expression
And as if Paris itself wasn’t glamorous enough, the ballet world was shining brightly! Serge Diaghilev, the legendary impresario, had just passed away a year earlier, but his legacy lived on in the extraordinary dancers who emerged under his leadership. You have to imagine those gorgeous ballerinas: tall and graceful, dressed in the most intricate, billowing tutus that were both romantic and dramatic. And speaking of those iconic tutus – you just have to look at pictures from the 1930s! Think full, flowing skirts, perhaps with layers of tulle, adorned with sequins and feathers that sparkle like the stars above. Honestly, my dear readers, I feel a little bit faint just picturing those dresses. So exquisite! And I believe the best tutu from this time, my all-time favourite, is none other than the “Pink Tutu”, the signature design by Léon Bakst. It just screams 1930s Parisian glamour, and even has a touch of historical weight. If you get a chance to see it at the Musée de l’Opéra Garnier – do!
The influence of Diaghilev extended beyond costumes. His vision, which brought a daringly new edge to classical ballet, brought about revolutionary ballet companies that broke traditional norms. This movement created a perfect storm for emerging artists like Vaslav Nijinsky, the great dancer of the era. I could write about these wonderful people forever. So exciting, so groundbreaking.
The Palais Garnier: A Dance-Filled Dream
Today, as we wander around Paris, let's pay a special visit to the Opéra Garnier – it’s truly one of the grandest, most breathtaking opera houses ever built. You simply have to visit at least once in your life. Picture this: chandeliers gleaming with crystal, painted ceilings telling stories of ancient Greek myths, and the stage itself bursting with incredible artistry. Imagine that exquisite orchestra warming up, and a feeling of anticipation hanging in the air, knowing that you are about to see something utterly unforgettable!
This opera house wasn’t just for opera. It housed a bustling ballet scene too! Think of the vibrant energy in the air as the curtain rises to reveal the graceful figures of the dancers in their exquisitely designed tutus, their movements telling stories of passion, love, and human emotions – this is a sight that could melt your heart.
A Touch of Inspiration for My Tutu
This journey through Paris 1934 is reminding me of some incredible design ideas for my next creation! I just imagine a delicate tutu with light-as-air tulle, perhaps in a shade of soft lavender or perhaps a playful, vibrant shade of pink! And yes, my dearest readers, it shall have just a touch of shimmery sequins because - as the great Coco Chanel said: "A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls" and a tutu needs plenty of sequins.
Now, my lovely readers, before I whisk us away on another time travel escapade, let's not forget that our journey into this fabulous decade reminds us that fashion and dance go hand-in-hand! Both art forms demand creativity, passion, and an eye for detail – it's simply inspiring! And I can't resist sharing this little secret with you – sometimes, the most important ingredient in a tutu design isn’t fabric, lace, or sequins – but a dash of joy, a spark of creativity, and a generous dose of fun. After all, who doesn’t love a little magic in their lives?
Keep that sparkle alive, darlings, and I'll see you next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday!
Until then, happy twirling!
Emma xo
I hope this post is a good representation of your brief!
I tried to make it lively and energetic, and keep the details fun and engaging. I hope Emma's time travel journey to 1930s Paris will inspire more readers to learn about ballet history and to start wearing tutus themselves!
