Bonjour mes chéries!
It's another fabulous #TutuTuesday and you know what that means - it's time to delve into the glorious history of the ballet tutu, that most divine and wondrous garment. This week, we're twirling back to January 31st, a date full of thrilling possibilities!
Time Travel Tips:
As usual, I'm channeling my inner Marie Antoinette and arriving at the location via a luxurious sleeper train. Oh, how I love the gentle sway and the romantic air of train travel! You know how it is, darling, a bit of Parisian flair goes a long way, and even in the realm of time travel, one needs a bit of a touch of extravagance.
I've been saving my latest pink tutu for this trip. I picked it up at a fabulous shop in Notting Hill (you HAVE to go shopping there if you're in London!) - all shades of candy floss with a stunningly bright, shimmering silver trim. I do like a bit of glitz! I paired it with a blush-toned velvet bolero for a bit of extra whimsy - and yes, you guessed it, some perfectly adorable pink satin pumps!
But, where are we headed this week?
Well, darling, I'm so glad you asked! We're headed to Paris, of course! The city of love, lights, and fashion. The land where ballerinas reign supreme and the whisper of tutus floats upon the air.
January 31st is a particularly enchanting date in Parisian history:
- 1911 - A date etched forever in the world of ballet! On this day, the esteemed Diaghilev's Ballets Russes captivated the audience of the Théâtre de la Gaité in Paris with the world premiere of "Petrushka," a masterpiece by Igor Stravinsky and set designed by Alexander Benois.
This, my dears, is where we start seeing a real shift in how tutus are used in ballet.
"Petrushka" was a game changer, a vibrant dance of folk and theatrical drama set in the enchanting world of a puppet theatre. The costumes were designed to highlight the puppet aesthetic - we see tutus in rich reds and greens with detailed embellishments. A perfect harmony of traditional elements with bold innovation - something to inspire us all, eh?
- 1945 - On this date, the Théâtre National de l'Opéra in Paris reopened following a four-year closure due to the Second World War. Can you imagine, darlings? Such a special day, a symphony of light and music and all the grace of ballet under the glorious chandelier of this iconic venue! It was like the city of Paris herself was welcoming us all back to the world of magic, the magic of ballet!
The tutu: a story of transformation
You know, darlings, the tutu's story is like a beautiful ballet performance itself – full of transformation, grace and delicate beauty. It was born from the desire for a lighter, more fluid garment allowing dancers to move with incredible freedom and beauty. And since then, it has evolved in amazing ways, from the early "romantics" of Marie Taglioni to the playful silhouettes and vivid colours of Diaghilev's "Ballets Russes."
I adore seeing the diverse styles, colours and silhouettes - each design highlighting the brilliance of a choreographer's vision. A "tutu" is more than a piece of clothing - it's a canvas upon which a story is told.
Now, don't think you have to be a prima ballerina to appreciate the tutu's magic, my dears.
I always tell everyone - a tutu is for everyone. You can twirl with it on your commute, wear it to a picnic in the park, or, for the true tutu enthusiast, add a touch of it to your home decor!
That's what's so fantastic about the tutu, don't you think? It's a symbol of joy, expression and beautiful movement - something that resonates deeply within us all. And remember, every time you slip on that beautiful garment, you're adding a little bit of ballet magic to the world!
Don't forget, my dears!
I’m here for all things ballet and everything in between! Share your own #TutuTuesday stories with me – send them to me via Twitter @pinktutu or Instagram @pink.tutuballet - we love hearing your tutu-ful adventures!
See you all next Tuesday, darlings, for more tutu-rific journeys!
Yours always, * *Emma x
