Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, back with another installment of our weekly voyage through ballet history! This week, we're taking a spin back to 14th March, 2023. The world was a very different place back then, don't you know? It was filled with… gasp… no tutus? Okay, I'm exaggerating, but believe me, the tutus were just a little… less fabulous than they are now!
I was whisked off to the heart of it all: Paris! Oh, Paris! The city of love, lights, and yes, the very foundation of tutu history! My darling Paris is so glamorous, you'd be absolutely chuffed to bits with all the amazing shows and boutiques. But, in 2023, they were all a bit "basic" in the fashion department - nothing like our modern ballet wear!
That said, it was an eye-opening experience! You see, dear readers, in the 2020s, they were still figuring out the "modern tutu". There were all sorts of interesting variations happening, you know? From the dramatic and voluminous romantic tutus, reminiscent of the "La Sylphide" era, to the elegant and streamlined designs favoured by ballerinas like Sylvie Guillem and Darcey Bussell. You can see how our contemporary tutus are a product of all this experimentation.
But what was actually going on in Paris on 14th March, 2023? Let's take a look at some highlights.
Firstly, the world of theatre! In Paris, they had "Le Lac des Cygnes" at the Palais Garnier! Now, this ballet, my dears, is an absolute classic - a story of love, betrayal, and of course, beautiful ballerinas. I love "Le Lac des Cygnes"! Imagine all the graceful movements, the swirling tulle, and those breathtaking leaps!
While the ballet was dazzling, fashion was a bit, well, underwhelming! A few designers were already experimenting with pink, and a tutu-inspired skirt here and there... but not much in the way of "tutu" itself. A bit of a letdown for a pink tutu-loving gal like myself!
Another bit of history you might find fascinating is that in 2023, the world was a tad preoccupied with…technology! They were already using social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote their ballet productions! Can you imagine - using technology to share the beauty of ballet with the world?! It certainly was innovative and something that my own time is benefiting from.
Of course, I always found myself drawn to the most dazzling thing about 2023 Paris - the ballet dancers themselves! Their skills were unparalleled. Even if their tutus weren't as fantastic as we have today, they were breathtaking! The artistry and grace of these women... well, that truly transcends time. It made me yearn to be back in the studio, practising my own leaps and turns! Just remembering the elegant moves brings me back to my roots in the Peak District. How I yearn for a nice Derbyshire dance at a classic theatre back home, the one at Buxton, it's amazing!
You know, darlings, I do love a little trip back to the "olden" days! But as with any time traveler, I'm always happiest in my own time. With the wonderful tutus we have today and all the wonderful shows I get to perform in. Speaking of which, I need to get going! I'm performing at the "Swan Lake" at the London Coliseum tonight, and you know, I've got to put on the grandest pink tutu I can find! I'm thinking of an ultra-layered number with sparkling embellishments – wouldn't that be magnificent?
Oh, but I must dash. Let's twirl again next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to spread the love of tutus! And remember, you're never too old, too young, too tall or too short for a pink tutu. Keep twirling and dreaming, darling!
Yours in tutu bliss,
Emma
