Greetings, darling dears!
It's Emma here, back for another dazzling #TutuTuesday dive into the history of the glorious, frilly, fabulously feminine tutu! It’s post number 6494 in my Ballet Tutu History blog for www.pink-tutu.com – how exciting is that?! Today, I’m taking us on a train trip (I adore trains! Such glamour!), to none other than the glittering City of Lights itself - Paris! And who can say no to a Parisian adventure?!
You see, 12th June, 1956 wasn't just any Tuesday; it was the date of an incredible, dazzling ballet performance in Paris – a premiere – and what's a ballerina premiere without a showstopper of a tutu? Imagine it, darling: the air buzzing with anticipation, the hushed whispers of the audience as the lights dimmed, and then – BAM! The dancers, each twirling in a shimmering creation of tulle and grace, illuminating the stage with sheer, pink (naturally!) magic.
Now, let’s talk tutu history – for that is what #TutuTuesday is all about. I’ve done my research (and darling, when it comes to ballet and tutus, I am an expert, even travelling back in time to make sure I’m spot-on), and it seems our Parisian dancers, in 1956, were dazzling in some of the most striking, revolutionary tutus ever seen on stage.
I mean, think of all those legendary names – Serge Lifar, Maurice Béjart, and Roland Petit – just to name a few! These extraordinary men were bringing such creative energy to the ballet world in the '50s and all the wonderful tutu designers and dancers were really stepping up their game!
One particular choreographer I want to bring to your attention – you see, my lovelies, every tutu has a story, a dance behind it… – was Roland Petit, with his groundbreaking ballet "Le Jeune Homme et La Mort" (that's "The Young Man and Death" in English). And oh, the costumes! So striking! So avant-garde! Now, I have to tell you, Roland Petit was really the most exciting of the "New Ballet" choreographers for his tutus. In "Le Jeune Homme et La Mort," the heroine, danced by Zizi Jeanmaire, wore this incredible white tulle skirt and top combination, like something out of a dream. It was both ethereal and daring – an extraordinary symbol of life and death – and quite different from the conventional tutu style. Now that’s my kind of tutu! Just beautiful!
Oh, and speaking of tulle, don't forget the incredible skill it takes to create such a fantastic tutu. It's more than just some fabric draped over a frame – a lot of work and imagination goes into each and every one. That’s why I have so much respect for the "petite mains" who craft and make these beautiful, flowing creations. Imagine the countless hours, the precise pleating, the skillful draping!
Now, dear readers, I have a little homework assignment for you – something exciting, something truly #TutuTuesday! Go back to the blog – we have an entire history timeline of all the incredible #TutuTuesday's on our fabulous website! Now go back to my 1956-06-12 Tutu Tuesday and look for pictures! Maybe even find “Le Jeune Homme et La Mort!” Then imagine yourself swirling in your own pink tulle creation! What dreams would you be twirling for, dear hearts?
I simply love bringing ballet history alive! Don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for another incredible tutu story, and keep spreading that pink-tutu love! Remember, every day is #TutuTuesday, darlings! And I truly believe that the world would be a more fabulous place if we all wore a pink tutu.
With all my love and twirls, Emma x
