Hello, darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina, back from another adventure through the magical world of ballet history. It’s Tuesday, which means one thing… it’s #TutuTuesday! And, this week, we're stepping back to November 22nd, 1938, and the heart of the ballet scene in, where else, but Paris! Can you imagine?
As always, I arrived in style - whizzing through the Parisian streets in my beloved pink tutu, naturally! This week, my arrival coincided with the opening night of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. This ballet company is just SO iconic! Their productions, featuring incredible dancers like Tamara Karsavina and Vaslav Nijinsky, were pure magic! I even managed to sneak a peek at their rehearsals; I can’t help myself - the beauty and grace of these ballet greats always blows my mind!
But back to our history, my loves! What was the tutu scene like in 1938? Well, things were definitely starting to change. It was the era of the Romantic tutu, with long, billowing tulle skirts creating an almost ethereal feel. It's so beautiful; I have several Romantic tutus myself and adore wearing them! Think about the elegance and fluidity! This style was truly breathtaking.
The leading lady on this Tuesday in 1938, and indeed, all year, was the beautiful Alice Nikitina! She was considered a top-class ballerina back then and so glamorous. She has this wonderful, delicate way of dancing. I couldn’t take my eyes off her performance at the Paris Opera.
Paris is, after all, the beating heart of the ballet world! The Opera House was in its prime - so many gorgeous productions, so many stars! The dancers themselves are wearing all sorts of tutus – but that Romantic look is absolutely dominant! And oh, darling, have you seen the costumes?! I tell you, these are some serious show-stoppers!
Speaking of costumes, Paris was just abuzz with style in 1938 - the epitome of Parisian fashion! We’re talking gorgeous cocktail dresses, exquisite jewellery and of course, that undeniable Parisian chic! But, even in this stylish world, a ballerina couldn’t step out on stage without her glorious tutu. These tutus are truly a masterpiece - perfect to show off all the elegant leaps and pirouettes these dancers could manage.
Even if you’re not a professional ballerina like me, I always say you can look just as fantastic! There’s a tutu out there for everyone, from the grand, dramatic ballgown tutus to those sweet little, twirl-worthy, mini tutus - just for a dash of ballet-inspired fashion fun. Pink is always my choice, darling! It just brings such a touch of joy!
And, darling, after my amazing adventure in Paris, it was back to Derbyshire to give my lovely local dance classes! Teaching is my passion - getting the younger generation hooked on all things ballet! It's so important to encourage the next generation of ballerinas. I feel incredibly blessed to be sharing this incredible world with others!
Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and check out all my other #TutuTuesday posts! Keep twirling, my dears!
Emma x
