Hello darlings!
Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic! It's me, Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet aficionado. And oh my, have I got a treat for you today! Get ready to twirl back to 1st September, 1936, because this week we're delving into the glorious world of ballet fashion and, you guessed it, tutus!
This week's #TutuTuesday post is extra special, though, as I'm whisking us back to a truly golden age for ballet. Paris, my loves, is the place to be. It's buzzing with exciting new talent, new choreography and new fashion - and tutus are leading the charge. Just imagine my delight when I popped out of the time-tunnel and landed smack bang in the heart of the Paris Opéra Ballet!
Backstage Glam!
First things first - let's talk costumes, shall we? Think classic silhouettes, but with a delightful touch of Parisian elegance. Think strappy, beaded bodices, flowing tulle with a slight touch of romanticism in the form of delicate flower embellishments. Imagine a pastel-dreamy palette of ivory, lilac, and pale pink, with a splash of dramatic ruby red for those truly powerful moments. Pure heaven!
And then, my dears, the tutu itself. What a masterpiece! Now, 1936 is still clinging to the "Romantic tutu", that gorgeous long, multi-layered cloud of tulle that seems to float like a magical dream. It's so airy, so dramatic, it's like wearing a swirling storm of soft feathers! Imagine it! Each movement, every graceful turn is highlighted with a touch of sheer ballet-magic.
The great Olga Spessivtzeva, a ballerina I'd be thrilled to be just half as talented as, is absolutely stunning on stage in her tutus! She radiates such power, yet such elegance in these delicate costumes, you could just swoon. And talking about power, my trip to the opera wasn't just about the beautiful clothes (though, let's be honest, they are the main event). We're also getting to see the legendary Sergei Diaghilev, the man who redefined Russian ballet, staging some of the most groundbreaking performances in ballet history!
Beyond the Stage!
But it's not all about the grand theatre. As always, I just have to take a trip around the shops, and the fashions outside the theatre are just as delightful as those on stage. 1936 was a period of amazing innovation in dress, and this energy just radiates off the streets of Paris! Women's fashion has just blossomed into a daring world of slim skirts, and beautiful flowing dresses - and just think, pink is EVERYWHERE!
From pink coats to silk scarves and dresses, Paris is overflowing with my favorite colour! I just couldn't resist adding some pieces to my collection. Oh, I have to show you a darling pink silk scarf with tiny silver sequins - perfect for adding that extra something to any outfit! But I also found this incredible antique dress. It's a deep ruby red, fitted like a dream and it's just... perfect! I feel like an actual ballerina just wearing it. You'll definitely see it on my Instagram later!
The Power of the Tutu
For a modern-day girl like me, who has a particular weakness for a well-structured tutu, this era is like a time machine back to the root of my love for all things ballet! The tutus of this time, they really capture that sense of delicate elegance, like a perfect mix of dreams and delicate craftsmanship.
Speaking of dreams, it is almost time to jump back into the time tunnel and bring this beautiful, pink-tinted journey back to the present day. Oh, but I simply cannot resist saying one final thing, and that is to wear pink! Let your inner dancer shine through with a tutu or a splash of pink in your outfit! There's nothing more delightful than seeing a fellow ballerina enthusiast rocking a splash of my favourite colour, my darlings!
That's it for today, but tune in next Tuesday for another exciting #TutuTuesday. Remember to join the #TutuTuesday community! Spread the word on social media - I'd love to see your #TutuTuesday looks!
Love always,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. My #TutuTuesday blog is always open to your comments and requests, my darlings. Do you have any favourite ballet periods? Any must-have ballet shows I should watch? Leave me a comment below, or drop me a tweet, and let's share our love for this wonderful world together!
P.P.S I found a brilliant book called “The Art of Dance”, which gives a stunningly detailed account of ballet's evolution, focusing on costuming. It really brought my journey to 1936 into sharper focus! Just sayin', if you're after a truly inspiring ballet read, check it out!
P.P.P.S. You guys might be curious to know that September 1st, 1936 saw the British Air Ministry declare its intentions for a new plane: the Gloster Gladiator - one heck of a plane for the Royal Air Force! Maybe next week we'll even travel back in time and see a show!
