Oh darling, how utterly divine! Today’s #TutuTuesday is a bit of a whirlwind, much like my journey through time to get here. I’m popping into Paris, the very centre of fashion and glamour, right on the cusp of the most unexpected war. Did I mention I have my trusty pink tutu packed in my steamer trunk, ready for a Parisian afternoon of ballet and fashion?
We're still clinging to the golden era of ballet, the dreamy world of tutus billowing with glorious layers of tulle, and where else to find them than in the grand ballets of Paris? It's a bit chilly for a full-blown tutu in the streets, but that just means I’ll have to wear a darling little pink cardie over the top!
Oh, and the most sensational thing happened today – the opening of "Le Beau Danube Bleu" at the Opéra de Paris. Now, my darling friends, that is a ballet! The dancers, those elegant swan-like creatures, are gliding in ethereal, shimmering costumes, and it's all I can do to not fly out of my seat to join them. The grand ballerinas of the day are utterly stunning in their creations - there’s so much emphasis on flow and movement, on highlighting the shape of the dancer, a real feast for the eyes. I could talk for hours about the dazzling costume designs of Léon Bakst, with the shimmering silk and decadent embroidery – I feel as though I’m on a sugar rush of sartorial perfection.
I mean, did you know the tutu of 1939 has roots deep in the nineteenth century? And it wasn't even just for the women, darling! Imagine that - gentlemen twirling around in *masculine, flowing tutus. Talk about revolutionising the stage! * But as a tutu enthusiast, my true passion lies in the magnificent evolution of the feminine version. We've come a long way from the romantic ballet tutus with the more rigid pannier silhouette! Nowadays, it's all about those layers and layers of beautiful tulle, catching the light like a kaleidoscope. Imagine, just imagine, that billowing swirl as you take a grand jeté!
And speaking of the grand jeté, darling – don’t forget, it was here in Paris where I learnt my very first one. And, let me tell you, the journey here on the train from Derby was well worth it. There was such excitement at Victoria Station - everyone, it seemed, was also headed for the excitement of the Paris shows, to feast on the visual splendor. It made me realise what an incredibly magical and important city this is. It truly feels as though the whole world looks to Paris to set the fashion and art trends – and the tutu, my friends, is absolutely a vital part of it all.
Now, I mustn't stay on the topic of tutus all day, because darling, we mustn't forget the bigger picture. This beautiful, hopeful world we've just stepped into... is on the brink of immense upheaval. We’re on the cusp of a huge change and we’re trying to hang onto a semblance of what life was like before. So I'm trying to appreciate each of these magnificent ballets for what they are – a refuge, a dream-like escape from reality, a chance to let my heart soar on those beautiful wings of tulle!
Now I really do need to get back to exploring. My Parisian guide has just booked us tickets to a theatre show featuring the very latest in *chanson! * You can find me later sipping tea at a chic Parisian café, in my fabulous, floral dress - it wouldn’t be chanson without a dash of fashion darling. But don’t worry, my pink tutu isn’t far behind – it’s always with me, like a good friend. It’s tucked away in my room, waiting for a grand performance on the dance floor of a Bal des Vampires, which, after a quick glass of wine at Le Chat Noir (can you even imagine, a cabaret cat themed club?! ) is the place I want to be. It seems the Parisians like a good spooky night out.
It is truly a whirlwind, my dears. But let us not forget, my fellow lovers of dance and fashion: There's beauty in every day, a chance to embrace life and wear a fabulous pink tutu with a bold, confident strut. We can't live life hiding behind curtains, darling. The world awaits us, ready for a little sparkle! And what's more magical than the swirl of tulle, dancing through the world? I'm off to create more ballet memories...and I’d be delighted if you join me on this journey! You know where to find me, right here on Pink-Tutu.com, every #TutuTuesday!
P.S. – * I'm currently looking for more ballet photos, articles, even postcards and paintings for my #TutuTuesday blogs – I’d be thrilled if you'd share with me anything related to ballet history – please do email them through to *
- **Emma, the Pink Tutu Blogger **
A quick look at my blog history for 12th September 1939
* The Ballet – "Le Beau Danube Bleu"
* Paris – "La Ville Lumière"
* Theatre – Chanson (musical) at a theater
* Cabaret – Le Chat Noir - A club dedicated to Cats.
* The Dress Code – Chanson Chic! (Think feminine dresses and beautiful details)
* Fashion Tip – I always keep a pink tutu in my trunk when traveling... You never know where you’ll be invited to dance.
* Ballet Inspiration - Leon Bakst.
