Oh darling! Bonjour, my lovelies! Happy Tutu Tuesday from your favourite tutu enthusiast, Emma, writing to you live from the heart of the ballet world…Paris! 🩰
The city is alive with the sound of rehearsals and laughter, the air electric with the anticipation of the next performance. It’s a delight to be here, tucked away in a cosy little Parisian café with my notebook and a glass of the most divine, bubbly rose.
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to November 20th, 1951, a day when the tutu was undergoing its very own Parisian transformation, taking on a decidedly modern vibe. You see, 1951 marked a shift in ballet design, and I'm not talking about a slight tweak to the ribbon on a toe shoe! This was a significant change, a moment where the tutu embraced the chic and sassy Parisian attitude of the era.
So, how did the tutu embrace this modernity, you ask? It embraced the revolutionary "tutu de plume" or the "feather tutu." Now, imagine a ballerina, lithe and elegant, twirling in a shimmering cloud of white tulle, but instead of the traditional layers of stiff net, imagine the layers of tulle replaced by meticulously layered, delicate feathers. It was truly a sight to behold, a delicate and airy, almost weightless ensemble.
The credit for this visionary creation goes to the fabulous Madame Carolle, the famed costume designer who captured the era’s modern aesthetic through the grace of the feather tutu. It became synonymous with the era’s leading ballerinas, adorning the stage during performances of classics like "Giselle" and "Swan Lake." The feather tutu transformed the dancers' movements, creating the illusion of fluttering wings as they leaped and pirouetted. The design was nothing short of revolutionary and I must confess I feel a tinge of envy at not being able to have graced the stage in this remarkable piece.
But what about this "Modernity" everyone’s talking about? 1951 wasn’t just about a change in the ballerina's garb. It was a period marked by exciting changes in the world around us. This year was about new styles and a change in society’s dress code, much like the feather tutu made its mark on the world of dance. In London, where my own heart belongs, people were excited by the fashion and social scene of the 50s, and even the women of Derbyshire had begun to shed their wartime clothes in favour of the “New Look,” which emphasised the female figure with cinched waists and flowing skirts. And let's not forget, in November of 1951, a new look emerged in the world of technology: the very first jetliner took to the skies, opening a new chapter for travellers worldwide. This was the era of "progress" and, just like the tutu de plume, this modernity captured a sense of liberation and forward-thinking in both fashion and society.
However, I digress, darling! Let's not forget our focus, the ballet. While the 50s brought new forms of transportation, exciting social and fashion trends, there was one thing that was truly unchanging: the love for ballet! As the feather tutu swirled across the stage, the magic of the dance enchanted audiences, just like it did all those years ago when the tutu was a fluffy, classic creation. And speaking of ballet, I just have to tell you, I had a delightful day in Paris today, catching a show at the renowned Opera Garnier! It's always a dream come true to be in a world where music, artistry, and grace reign supreme. And if you ever get a chance to travel by train, you simply must visit Paris!
The elegant ladies in the Parisian theatre audience were simply delightful. You can tell by the twinkle in their eyes that ballet is more than just a form of entertainment, it’s a way of life! There’s just something magical about sitting in the darkened theatre, watching these incredible artists soar and glide across the stage. They take you to another world with every gesture, and that feeling...that is pure magic. And darling, there's one thing I learned today - the love for ballet is timeless. No matter if it's the 1950s or now, people from every corner of the globe will flock to these elegant halls to watch graceful figures twirl across the stage. It’s a universal language of art, beauty, and grace.
And I must tell you, as I sit here surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Paris, with the air thick with the scent of Parisian cafes, I have to admit, it makes me want to pack up my tutu, grab my trusty map, and just wander aimlessly, discovering new corners of this incredible world. Perhaps we will venture out together, darling, on my next ballet adventure!
Remember to follow along on our ballet journey on www.pink-tutu.com Every week on Tuesday, we delve into the fascinating history of tutus and discover how this beloved ballet garment has evolved throughout history.
Until next Tuesday, remember, there's nothing a splash of pink and a good pirouette can't fix! Until next week, darling, you know what to do… twirl and be bold. 💖
Love,
Emma 🩰
P.S. If you ever find yourself in Paris, do stop by the Palais Garnier! I'd be delighted to tell you all about the secrets hidden within its magnificent walls and the story of the ballet world! You can find me on Instagram and TikTok at @pinktutublogger. I'd love to hear from you and your thoughts about ballet.
