Hello, my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another instalment of my Tutu Tuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Today, we're taking a spin back to November 1st, 1938. Buckle up, because this time we're travelling by train – the way a true fashionista travels!
As the autumn leaves turned crimson and gold, and the crisp air filled with the aroma of wood smoke and cinnamon, I found myself on a bustling train platform, platform ticket clutched in hand, eager to step into a world just slightly removed from our own. Now, 1938 was a very stylish year! I can't resist confessing that even today, I find myself rifling through vintage shops, on the hunt for a silk scarf or a perfectly cut evening dress reminiscent of the era.
After a charming journey, with its attendant clatter and clickety-clack, I finally reached my destination. And where else would I be headed on this tutu-licious adventure, than the epicentre of all things ballet: the beautiful, romantic, majestic city of Paris!
Paris, always the heart of elegance and fashion, was buzzing with excitement, and everyone was talking about…the opening night of "La Sylphide." Oh, how I adore the delicate artistry and ethereal grace of the Romantic era ballets! As I strolled through the city, I felt like a princess stepping out of a storybook.
The grand Palais Garnier, the jewel of Parisian opera, was lit up like a sparkling gem. Stepping inside was an overwhelming delight – the magnificent architecture, the velvet curtains, the palpable sense of anticipation...I could hardly contain my excitement.
And what a performance it was! The delicate, fluttering tutu worn by the ethereal Sylphide was an absolute vision – a beautiful, diaphanous cloud, catching the stage lights and the eyes of everyone in the audience. Oh, to have been that sylph! To float effortlessly through the air with every movement, as if gravity had forgotten her for just a moment!
However, I didn't just spend my time glued to the stage, I wanted to capture every inch of this city, of its vibrant atmosphere and the sheer enchantment of being transported back in time. So, off I went on a series of charming Parisian explorations!
I had to try the most heavenly pastry creations at Ladurée! Oh my, the macarons...they were like tiny jewels bursting with flavour. And I couldn't resist browsing the fashion houses, filled with designs inspired by the world of dance! Think delicate chiffons, delicate beading and that graceful, flowing silhouette, oh so typical of the 1930s!
But it wasn't all fancy teashops and grand boutiques. I felt it was only right to take a stroll down the elegant boulevards, past charming flower stands bursting with bright hues and bakeries filling the air with delicious aromas.
And of course, there were ballet classes. The famous Paris Opera Ballet was the most esteemed school of ballet in the world at the time and it is just so fascinating to see where this incredible art form has come from and see it thrive in its natural setting! It felt so magical, like dancing among the ghosts of legends like Anna Pavlova.
Now, what do you say we all indulge in a spot of shopping for some inspiration? I've just found the most delightful pink tulle skirt that is utterly begging to be spun around a dance floor.
But before we move onto our next historical adventure, do you know what happened on November 1st, 1938? This was a significant date in musical history, dear friends, as this marked the first ever public performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s famous symphony number five, a beautiful piece with a very tragic background. A story for another time!
Well, darling readers, that's a wrap for this week's Tutu Tuesday! But keep a close eye on www.pink-tutu.com because next week, we're taking a trip to the future… until then, don't forget to twirl! And do try and convince your friends, your family, your colleagues to join me in my mission - the world is a much prettier place with more pink tutus in it!
Sending you a cascade of twirls and kisses!
Emma xoxo
P.S. I must mention – my latest project is a ballet performance raising funds for my next time travelling spree – “The History of the Tutu” a fabulous performance which takes the audience on a journey from the beginnings of dance all the way through the eras of ballet to now! So do join me for the world premiere at the Derbyshire Ballet Theatre! You know where to find the details on my website.
