Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another blast from the past for #TutuTuesday. This week, we’re taking a trip back to March 3rd, 1959, just before spring starts to bloom. Can you imagine? No emails, no internet, just the scent of lilacs in the air and the thrilling prospect of a new ballet season.
As always, I’m travelling by train – my favourite way to travel. The carriages, the rhythmic clickety-clack, and the sheer romance of watching the world go by, it's all so… dreamy! Oh, and have you ever seen the gorgeous outfits on some of these vintage posters? So much tulle, lace, and ribbon – it’s truly a sight for sore eyes.
Now, where are we headed this week? It’s Paris, darling! The City of Lights. It just wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday without a Parisian visit! Paris in 1959 was bursting with creative energy. You had Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris captivating audiences at the Palais Garnier with their graceful choreography and breathtaking costumes. Now, you see, this is why I'm so thrilled about tutus, dear readers! The sheer beauty and artistry, the way they can transform a dancer and convey so much emotion… just marvellous.
Of course, the ballet isn't the only thing happening in Paris in 1959. We’re also amidst a golden age of fashion – Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel… they’re all crafting outfits that ooze Parisian elegance and charm, all those beautiful dresses! And as any ballerina knows, clothes and dancing are two halves of the same elegant coin.
Think about it – what is more glamorous than a ballerina twirling on stage in a delicate, perfectly tailored tutu? It’s the essence of Parisian chic, and I, for one, believe it deserves to be celebrated. That’s why I’m on a mission to make everyone wear a pink tutu! The world would be a much brighter, prettier place if we embraced a little whimsy and elegance, wouldn't it?
Now, speaking of elegance, I’ve just found the perfect tutu at a vintage shop in Paris – a delicate pink confection with layers of silk tulle and a gorgeous velvet sash. It practically begged to be twirled and danced in.
The shop itself is pure vintage glamour. Gorgeous mirrored walls, a symphony of vibrant colours in beautiful scarves and ribbons and… oh, have I mentioned the tutus? So many beautiful tutus! You should see them, just gorgeous. It’s all I can do to stop myself from buying the whole shop!
This afternoon, I’m taking a lesson at the* École de Danse de l'Opéra de Paris.* It's renowned, you know. So many talented dancers have emerged from this institution! The students, they are all so eager, working tirelessly on their plies and leaps, with the focus and determination of Olympians. And wouldn’t you know it, the air is alive with the music of Tchaikovsky.
I love the ballet class! Not just the steps, the moves, the graceful poses, but also the joy of it. And there's something about those ballet shoes… Oh, those ballet shoes, a timeless elegance, a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
Later, we're seeing a show. The Palais Garnier, the magnificent grand opera house, is alive with excitement. The grandeur, the velvet seats, the chandeliers… everything about this iconic venue makes the senses tingle. And this evening, it's going to be even more magical. We’ll see Giselle, a romantic ballet about love, loss, and redemption. With exquisite music, the choreography is sublime - a poignant portrayal of a ballerina’s devotion. It’s an emotionally charged, heart-stopping experience.
As the curtain rises, the lights dim and a hush falls over the theatre. You can feel the anticipation hanging in the air, a quiet buzz of excitement mixed with a sense of shared magic. It's a truly breathtaking experience. And then, the music begins.
This is what it’s all about, dear readers – the magic, the artistry, the shared experience of beauty and grace. It’s the very essence of ballet, and why it's so popular, so beloved around the world. It’s also why I love travelling back in time and seeing how the history of the ballet is interwoven with so many different facets of history – music, art, fashion, and culture.
That's all from me, darlings! But don't worry – I’ll be back next week with another installment of #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep dancing, and dare to wear pink!
Your tutu-loving friend,
Emma
PS: Do you have any favourite tutus or dancers from the 1950s? Share your thoughts in the comments!
