Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballet enthusiast, Emma, here with another #TutuTuesday adventure! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to 1958. Put on your most glamorous dress, grab a vintage handbag (a little sparkly, maybe?), and let's hop on a steam train together!
Destination: The Heart of Ballet, 1958
I arrived in Paris a few weeks back, and it's a whirl of charm and Parisian chic! Every corner is a new opportunity for a picture-perfect ballet moment. Imagine it - cobbled streets lined with charming cafƩs, where the sound of violins drifts from a nearby opera house. You can almost hear the patter of tiny, dancing feet on the pavement... oh, it's just dreamy!
But today's #TutuTuesday isn't just about Parisian romance. We're delving into the fascinating history of tutus, specifically 15th July 1958. Can you believe it? Itās already July, and we've had the most beautiful weather.
Iāve been spending my days immersing myself in all things ballet: from visiting the grand Palais Garnier to taking a couple of ballet classes (and let me tell you, even these Parisian dancers can learn a thing or two from a Derbyshire girl!). The classes have been simply heavenly! Picture rows of elegant ballerinas with sleek buns, gliding across the floor in their graceful white tutus. I swear, I'm getting even more excited about tutu-wearing by the day!
15th July 1958: A Ballet Birthday?
15th July 1958 wasn't a date filled with dramatic tutus stories or flamboyant debuts. Instead, it marked a special event in ballet history - a moment of incredible inspiration and innovation. On this day, a ballerina named Margot Fonteyn, already a star of the Royal Ballet, had the opportunity to meet the celebrated choreographer and ballet maestro, Frederick Ashton.
Imagine the excitement in the air! You can almost see the sparks flying! Both Fonteyn and Ashton had a profound impact on the world of ballet. Fonteyn, a legendary ballerina known for her grace and elegance, revolutionized the way classical ballet was danced, showcasing a more fluid and expressive style. And Ashton? Heās considered a ballet revolutionary! He introduced new forms of choreography and challenged conventional ballet traditions with his modern yet captivating works.
This encounter, this brief moment in time, became a seed for countless unforgettable performances. This wasn't a gala performance, but a moment of inspiration. The meeting would have ignited a spark of creativity, paving the way for future collaborations and, perhaps, the birth of new ballet masterpieces.
Iām currently savoring the opportunity to visit a special exhibition dedicated to Fonteyn at the MusĆ©e National de la Danse! You can imagine my excitement ā there are photos of her most iconic performances, exquisite sketches of costumes (some featuring tutus, of course!), and a glimpse into the life of this incredible woman who truly revolutionized the ballet world.
And guess what? Tonight, I have tickets for an opera at the Palais Garnier. I can already imagine myself sitting in a luxurious velvet seat, the air thick with anticipation. The ballet world is buzzing, my dear friends. We are about to experience the magic of ballet and a truly extraordinary time! Don't worry, I will fill you all in next Tuesday!
My Personal #TutuTuesday Challenge: The Parisian Tutu Stroll
As for my #TutuTuesday challenge? I'm planning a āpink-tutu-parade" through the streets of Paris! Can you imagine it? Picture rows of tutus, each shimmering like a fairy-tale dream, drifting through the romantic Parisian streets! I have a vision of myself leading the charge in my brightest pink tutu! So if youāre reading this and are lucky enough to be in Paris this week, come find me for a photo-op and maybe a twirl or two! I canāt wait to see your pink tutus, my fellow ballet lovers! Weāre in the heart of Parisian glamour, so be prepared for some fun and excitement ā but, above all, let's dance!
Until next Tuesday, darlings!
Much love and twirls, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to share your own ballet-inspired memories and pictures on my Instagram @pink_tutu!
P.P.S. Did you know that 15th July 1958 marked the beginning of the second phase of the āSecond French Republicā? Pretty impressive for a regular day in history! It seems history is full of little gems waiting to be discovered! Now excuse me while I practice my arabesques! We're all just twirling in time!
