Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure in the time machine! It’s time for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday and this week we're heading to the glamorous Parisian streets of February 14th, 1939, all for your enjoyment! 😉
Post number 5590 – prepare to be enthralled, because today’s journey takes us into the world of a tutu that revolutionised dance – the iconic tutu of the *Ballet Russe! *
Fancy a little Parisian treat, lovelies? Imagine stepping off a glamorous train at Gare du Nord, and into a world buzzing with café life, fashion and the thrill of theatre. Paris is the absolute hub for dance and it’s where I find myself on this #TutuTuesday adventure. We’re all about fashion in this blog and if you can believe it, there’s a whole new wave of exciting ballet designs sweeping through the French capital, all influenced by the Ballet Russe! 🩰
The Ballet Russe arrived in Paris in 1909 and I tell you, the Parisian audiences were enthralled! This ballet company brought a fresh, new, revolutionary approach to dance – from the music to the costume designs, they simply stole the show. In fact, I’ve heard tell that one of the original members of the Ballet Russe, Diaghilev, was obsessed with bringing out the visual spectacle in each piece! And he didn’t only use colour to draw you in, but beautiful shapes too! So the evolution of the tutu was something quite unique and eye-catching for its time. I must admit, lovelies, I find this very fascinating! **
Before the Ballet Russe arrived in Paris, tutus were quite plain. A little frilly, yes, but not much more than that! However, things began to change, and they changed fast. By 1939, there were so many types of tutu designs and colours! I just love a touch of colour, especially in pink, don’t you?
It’s also the time for ballerinas to embrace their athleticism! Think long limbs, dramatic leaps and beautiful swirling movements! To help those balletic movements take centre stage, the dancers wear tutus that highlight their physique in all its glory! The Ballet Russe tutus featured longer lengths and a new silhouette, creating an even more feminine look, all thanks to the creativity and genius of costume designer Leon Bakst. And he just adored beautiful colours, the brighter the better! 💖 It's no wonder that he's credited as a true revolutionary in the design world!
What a time for tutus! But here in Paris, the influence of the Ballet Russe extended even further than just the dance! 👗 Fashion designers, dressmakers and couture houses - even milliners! – were taking inspiration from the Ballet Russe and translating it to women's everyday clothes! Think swirling, elegant silhouettes, shimmering silks, exquisite colours, and, of course, a whole lot of embellishment! Now that’s how you take an iconic look and make it even more spectacular! And if you’re in the mood to add some sparkle to your life, then get down to the Galeries Lafayette on February 14th – you’ll find tutus and beautiful outfits just like the ones the ballerinas are wearing at the Opera! 💖
The best thing about these stunning designs is that they all look so stylish! In fact, they were even adapted to* afternoon dresses and elegant evening wear!* If I had been in Paris on February 14th, 1939, I would’ve headed straight to the opera for a glimpse of those wonderful dancers and designs! You see, it’s so easy for ballet and fashion to blend into a beautiful synergy! 💕
Now, how could I forget? On this delightful Valentine's Day in 1939, what a perfect opportunity to explore Paris! The whole city is celebrating, you’ll find romance around every corner, and don't forget all the lovely pink candy, flowers and the charming cupid’s arrows! 💘 But if your heart is set on a night out, why not join a glamorous evening at the Palais Garnier, Paris' iconic opera house? That’s where the Ballet Russe were showcasing their phenomenal talent, and you'd find an enchanting world of artistic delights, filled with swirling tutus, stunning dance routines and magnificent sets! It’s the ultimate combination of Parisian culture, love, romance and beautiful, delicate dance. A ballet performance is something you must add to your must-do list, lovelies! You can take your inspiration from fashion and dance to create a glamorous wardrobe! ✨ It’s the Parisian way of life and we all love to live life to the fullest!
It's time for us to take a bow and journey back home, darling! But before I do, don't forget to add a touch of ballet to your outfits with your own stylish tutu. Pink tutus will have everyone looking your way – and they go with everything, just like pink! 💕
Until next #TutuTuesday, be sure to catch up with me at www.pink-tutu.com!
Lots of love and twirls!
Emma 💖
