Hello, my gorgeous tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here with another enthralling instalment of your favourite blog, www.pink-tutu.com!
This month, I've found myself in a dazzling, captivating 1913, transported to the very heart of Parisian ballet! The year is brimming with sartorial wonders, and I simply had to share them with you, my dear readers. So grab your fanciest teacup and settle in, because we're going on a fashion voyage through time!
Remember my dazzling pink sparkling leotard? The one that whisks me across centuries? Well, she had her work cut out for her this time! With a delicate twirl and a sprinkle of fairy dust, I landed right outside the magnificent Palais Garnier Opera House. I was in awe of its grandeur! The gilded details and breathtaking architecture screamed ‘opulence' in every breath-taking angle!
As I made my way towards the building, I saw the most beautiful dancers – I felt instantly transported to a wonderland of grace and elegance. The costumes, oh the costumes! I was smitten. Think luxurious silks in deep shades of sapphire, emerald, and ruby, flowing gracefully around the ballerinas' limbs. The tulle – oh, the tulle! – was voluminous and dramatic, practically shimmering in the afternoon light. It was like stepping into a masterpiece by Degas, and I swear I could hear the whispers of Chopin in the air!
This being 1913, we’re just on the cusp of a truly exciting new era for leotards. Forget your boring old black practice gear – it's all about colour, darlings! It was this year that the Ballet Russes company brought the vibrant, opulent aesthetic of the East to the West. You’ve got your soft, flowing silk leotards in jewel tones –think rich, rich burgundy and emerald greens! They were perfect for expressing the flowing movements of eastern dance, while still allowing for flexibility. This was a real turning point in dance wear history! The combination of Eastern motifs with Western fabrics gave way to bold colours and delicate beading. Can you imagine a dazzling ensemble adorned with jewels and flowing scarves in swirling emerald green and deep gold? Just thinking about it makes my tutu twirl!
But the biggest change in leotard history happened at the Opera House. As I wandered through the halls, I noticed the gorgeous outfits. They looked distinctly… practical. That’s because the legendary Serge Diaghilev and his company, the Ballets Russes, had revolutionised leotards and ballet wear by introducing… wait for it…. leggings! They weren’t those ghastly stretchy things that came in pairs, they were more like tailored pants – imagine soft silk trousers with a touch of satin for that extra bit of shimmer. This was a game changer for dancers – it allowed them a level of movement and freedom they never experienced before! These leggings were in earthy colours and decorated with gorgeous beads and even sometimes feathers. These looked nothing like the ones they make now!
Speaking of costumes, we absolutely must talk about the show that brought me back in time: Vaslav Nijinsky's "L'Après-midi d'un Faune" – the inspiration for the film 'Black Swan'! This was groundbreaking choreography! Think athletic, graceful movement set against a backdrop of a beautifully bare stage. Minimalistic, you might say, but truly daring! It truly took dancers away from the structured and almost overly complicated designs of the time, and introduced us to the freedom of body language, a crucial aspect of dance and theatre today. And the dancers' leotards were something else! Simplicity itself! Think elegant, flesh-toned pieces, allowing their form and movements to truly speak for themselves! I loved the fact that they were like canvases for their dance. You simply couldn’t help but be drawn in.
Speaking of dancing, oh darling! That’s exactly what I was doing later that day in the heart of the Montmartre! It’s simply a treasure trove for the fashionable soul. You’ve got art galleries filled with incredible artists, cobbled streets overflowing with laughter and song, and… drumroll, please… the most exquisite café in all of Paris – Le Chat Noir! Yes, the café that birthed the Parisian cabaret – oh, what a treasure trove for a time-travelling dancer like myself!
And it was here in this extraordinary Parisian jewel box, in the shadow of the Moulin Rouge, that I found myself amidst an extraordinary throng of talented souls! Every inch of the café buzzed with creative energy, and you simply couldn’t ignore the breathtaking artistic spirit swirling around this iconic spot. I felt so inspired that I simply couldn’t help myself – I had to showcase the magic of the pink tutu, and with the rhythm of a jazzy tune in my heart, I twirled out a spellbinding performance!
You wouldn't believe the reaction I got! Imagine my joy when people threw rose petals and bouquets of lilies! They seemed spellbound. In fact, there was even an incredible violinist who joined my performance – what an impromptu show! You’ve got to try dancing for your supper, darlings! It's absolutely thrilling. And besides, there’s no greater feeling than sharing your passion with the world, one elegant pirouette at a time!
My visit to 1913 was more than just about exploring a fascinating world of ballet; it was about being part of something bigger – a time of vibrant, innovative and incredibly beautiful change. Leotard history, oh my!
I simply had to take in the energy of the time. You’ve got these beautiful artists, poets and revolutionaries creating their art! I simply couldn’t help myself, darlings! So, with the rhythm of the night pulsing in my heart, I embarked on an extraordinary Parisian adventure!
I ventured through charming art galleries – imagine those mesmerising works of Picasso and the glorious surrealism of Salvador Dalí! They were so mesmerising, it was almost as if I was stepping into a dreamscape! What an exhilarating journey! The city is a magical tapestry of creativity and history. Just walking the streets is an absolute adventure!
There were breathtaking shops filled with the most beautiful costumes! Think beaded creations, luxurious silks, and gorgeous velvets – it was a sartorial wonderland! It felt so decadent – just what my inner ballerina needs! The Parisians truly know how to indulge in the finer things. I bought a few pretty, intricate velvet headbands to complete my ballet looks and even a magnificent lace handkerchief – oh darling, how I wish I could show it off to you all! It was just like the ladies of the time – just think elegant black, or midnight blue!
I’m going to share some of my favourite moments in 1913 with you. Just take a peek at these pictures I've shared below – you'll be seeing lots more pictures and videos next month, of course!
So, my darlings, as we leave this glorious trip in the dust, let's remember this: every era holds a unique beauty in leotard fashion. Whether it's the rich colours of the Ballets Russes or the bold new world of leggings and modern costumes, fashion, dance and creativity always dance in step. Don't be afraid to embrace the magic of fashion in any century. As for me? My pink tutu will continue its whirlwind tour of time – join me, darlings!
P.S. Remember, every day is a good day for a twirl!
Love,
Emma xx
(insert 3 pictures - 1 of Emma in 1913 dressed in the style of a dancer then with 1913 fashion details added to her outfit to modernise the look (think long skirts over her leotard, pearls around her neck etc.), then 1 picture of Emma looking down a Parisian street with a cobblestone background, 1 image of the Opera house outside from the perspective of someone approaching the house from the steps and cobbled streets.)
