Post #8828
Oh, darling dears! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another jaunt through the fascinating world of ballet history, all wrapped up in a pretty pink tutu, of course!
As your very own personal time-travelling ballerina blogger, I'm whisked away on magical train journeys each week, ready to delve into the history of this magnificent, elegant garment we all adore - the tutu. This week, my adventures took me to the bustling streets of... wait for it... Paris, France! Now, anyone who knows me, knows Paris is the ultimate city for a bit of shopping, a delightful coffee at a cafe, and an enchanting ballet performance. I've seen The Nutcracker so many times here, it's starting to feel like I'm in a magical winter wonderland myself!
But before we embark on our Paris adventure, allow me to explain my latest time-traveling technique! No longer reliant on complicated gadgets and risky leaps, I've mastered a very, very elegant approach - a spectacular dance sequence in the spotlight of a magnificent ballet theatre. The applause and cheers are the fuel to my time machine, sending me whizzing through the decades! A wonderful, economical, and rather fabulous method of travel, don't you think?
Now, back to Paris and the year 2001! Oh my, what a fabulous time to be a ballerina. This was the year Moulin Rouge! Imagine, Nicole Kidman swirling across the stage in her flamboyant, feathered pink creations, truly a vision of beauty. It was almost as if the spirit of the can-can was making a comeback in a stunning new form. The costumes, the colours, the sheer passion... divine!
Speaking of inspiration, the ballet world of the early 2000s was also brimming with modern dance trends! In 2001, Akram Khan made history, incorporating classical Indian dance and contemporary style into his productions. It was groundbreaking! I mean, who would have thought that ballet could be so bold and captivating? This fresh style has paved the way for all sorts of new expressions, pushing the boundaries of the traditional and injecting it with such a unique vibrancy. And who doesn't love a little vibrant in their lives?
Oh, speaking of vibrancy and tradition, the Paris Opera Ballet itself is like a palace of history! Did you know they still wear the traditional tutu de la reine, a kind of ballet uniform of long and flowing tulle? The skirt flows and dances, like the very soul of ballet itself, which makes my ballerina heart sing! And as I walked along the charming cobblestone streets of the city, I even saw the magnificent Palais Garnier. Talk about iconic! A building brimming with centuries of history. The first tutu de la reine to be worn by the Paris Opera Ballet? That's just one of the many enchanting secrets it holds! But more on the origins of the tutu de la reine in another blog, dear reader.
As for my own personal style, why, of course, I was decked out in my own pink tulle tutu while strolling around the most fashionable streets in the world, Paris. What is the purpose of time travel if not to express your very best self?* Pink is my favourite colour - so elegant, vibrant, and happy! It just embodies everything about the ballet world, doesn't it?
While strolling around Place des Vosges this Tuesday, I popped into the fabulous Galeries Lafayette for a spot of shopping, and stumbled upon the most exquisite silk chiffon, absolutely perfect for creating the ultimate vintage tutu! The colour was a delicious pale lilac - an absolute must for my vintage collection!
Of course, in true 2001 fashion, I bought the French-inspired fabric to add a bit of European elegance to my wardrobe back in Derbyshire, my lovely home town! A small detail makes all the difference, and who wouldn't want a little extra sparkle?
So darling dears, here's the main takeaway of this #TutuTuesday: Embrace tradition, but always keep a touch of fun and a love of new and vibrant expression in your heart. And, of course, wear pink whenever and wherever you can! Just like the Moulin Rouge costumes and Akram Khan's contemporary choreography, embrace the new and embrace the fun. We've only just begun!
Remember to visit my blog next week, where I'll share my exciting findings from New York City in the 1920s. This city, with all its incredible jazz and fabulous roaring 20s style is going to be a true adventure, and I just can't wait to see what it has in store for my collection! See you next Tuesday!
Lots of love and happy dancing,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
