Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back for another installment of #TutuTuesday! Today we're jetting back to the 26th of July 1938 - and it's absolutely positively bursting with glamour! Remember, this is post number 5561, folks. Catch me every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com!
Now, where were we? Ah yes, 1938, a time when the world was captivated by ballet! Just like today, but with a touch of art deco magic! I hopped off the train in Paris, and what do you think I saw? Not one, not two, but THREE gorgeous, perfectly coiffed ballerinas, gliding past with their stunning tutus swirling like delicate clouds! They were headed straight to the Opéra Garnier - I followed right behind, because a girl's gotta see what's happening in the world of ballet, wouldn't you agree?
1938, for you see, was the year of Serge Diaghilev, the visionary founder of Ballets Russes! If you're wondering about my time travel funding - ahem - I simply grace the stage, do a little pirouette, and then, poof - I'm whisked away on another exciting adventure. (There's also a little fundraising box by my website for anyone who wishes to donate, because I'm not above a little ahem financial support). This means I have been to almost every performance at the Opéra Garnier over the years. So much inspiration!
Back to 1938, where everyone was absolutely going crazy for Ballets Russes - and who could blame them?! Imagine: exquisite dancers, captivating music, and oh, those tut - the tutus! So elaborate, so luxurious! Each dancer had their own individual design, and the colours - my dears, they were out of this world. Just like today's fabulous performances. Imagine!
One dancer in particular caught my eye, a darling named Tamara Karsavina. Can you even imagine her flowing silk tutu? It's said she was a vision, and those legendary stage costumes are now legendary relics in museum collections!
Remember to keep those eyes peeled, ladies! We all need a little spark of inspiration now and then! If you see a ballet dancer near your local theatre or school, why not approach them and ask about the designs, the material, or even if they've been lucky enough to see a Ballets Russes show. I can assure you, if you dare to ask a ballerina, you will receive an answer as breathtaking as her dance.
Let's get into the specifics! Back to the 26th of July! What was the big event? Why, that very evening was the first night of Stravinsky’s ‘Apollon Musagète' at the Opéra Garnier, performed by the Ballets Russes. The program notes at the time, darling, called it "a 'masterpiece' which, in its grace, simplicity, and clarity of form, reflects the true genius of its creators!"
Imagine yourself sitting in the audience, the lights dimmed, the air charged with anticipation - bam the curtain rises, and a dancer, completely aglow in a billowing tulle, takes to the stage. Now that is the magic of the tutu! This special garment transcends just clothing, becoming an extension of the performer’s art!
As I was browsing around, I stumbled upon a darling little shop on Rue de la Paix - absolutely covered in pink lace! Inside, the owner - an exquisite Parisian gentleman, no less - spoke about a trend called "Ballets Russes chic" - everyone was obsessed with the opulent fabrics, luxurious embroidery and those graceful lines. They were even bringing the dance world's artistry and glamour into everyday fashion - I just adored it!
Do you know, as I was admiring the window display (a truly breathtaking display of ballet-inspired clothing!), a man passed by in a tweed jacket. His wife, in a simple pink dress - with the most enchanting ballerina-esque sleeves you could imagine! Now that is a true trendsetter! (And a sign of just how impactful this new wave of art and style was - imagine a tutu and ballet fashion influencing everyday outfits, amazing!). The Ballets Russes really changed how everyone saw fashion, and even, dare I say, dance!
1938 was a turning point, a time when everyone could embrace a bit of that ballerina spirit! I love seeing the influence in fashion now, even here in 2023. It was then that the tutu was really elevated from its traditional role of stage costume - it became a symbol of elegance, art and creativity. Think of a princess from a fairy tale, only more real.
Well darlings, that's it from me today. My time travelling is taking me to another destination next week, and we will uncover more amazing tutu histories! But for now, please leave me a comment below with any of your favorite tutu memories! Are you planning to see a show, try ballet for the first time or wear something ballerina inspired this week? Let's keep those twirls spinning and make some ballet-inspired magic in our own lives. Remember, every day can be a #TutuTuesday!
Lots of love, Emma xxx
