Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another Tuesday of fabulous fashion and fantastic tutus!
Today, we're taking a whirlwind trip back in time to 1917-04-03. Imagine it: London's streets are abuzz with the rumble of war but here at www.pink-tutu.com, we're focusing on the delicate beauty of the ballet! 😉
As ever, this week's trip has been generously funded by my darling patron, the charming Lord Featherstone. It was thanks to a magnificent ballet performance of "Giselle" (such drama! such a graceful final scene!) at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden that I was able to secure my return ticket for this trip. Did you know, darlings, that "Giselle" is often considered the very first story ballet? A dramatic tale of betrayal and a love so pure it lasts beyond the grave, it's definitely one to catch!
I must confess, this period in time feels slightly less dazzling than my usual forays into the opulent Edwardian era. This time around, things feel a little more "wartime-practical." But have no fear! The charm of the tutu is undimmed! We might be wearing heavier fabrics (perhaps with a touch of patriotic red!) and practicality has crept in with our designs but, dear readers, even in times of uncertainty, the grace of the ballerina continues to inspire us!
In 1917, the tutu wasn't quite the symbol of ballet it is today. It was a stage costume, a necessity, yes, but the focus was very much on practicality, ease of movement, and (for you fashionable darlings out there!) - colour!
You see, with so many ladies joining the war effort, they'd discovered the allure of practicality. Our "daytime tutus," you might say, have gotten a makeover! Skirts were increasingly shorter, even with hems touching the knee - revolutionary, I tell you!
A beautiful example is the classic 'hobble' skirt! A short and practical skirt that helped streamline movement. (Do try this for yourself - perhaps on a day when you need a boost of femininity and want to move with more grace! Trust me, the skirt truly transforms the way you walk - almost as elegant as a ballet step, my dear.) And speaking of skirts, we must pay homage to the "bloomers," also becoming incredibly popular during this era.
With an ever-increasing number of ladies working outside the home, the 'hobble' skirts and "bloomers" provided the perfect mix of elegance and practicality. They were still feminine, but offered the freedom of movement for an active lady on the go! And I, dear readers, simply cannot tell you enough how exciting it is to see the world adapting to this newfound 'activity' that once was considered only for men. This time has truly challenged how we think about clothing!
While this week is certainly all about practicality and resilience, it was so delightful to observe the ways our Parisian and American counterparts embrace the elegance of a tulle skirt, regardless of "practicality"! Oh, you fashion-loving darlings are simply irresistible with your Parisian style.
We've also got the "shimmy," a dance that originated in American theatres! It features short skirts and provocative hip movements - a delightful expression of confidence, independence, and an unapologetic flair for style, I must say! The "shimmy" quickly gained momentum, becoming popular among both soldiers and civilians in 1917 and was a powerful display of energy, sass and defiance against the gloomy war era!
Even with wartime hardships and shifting norms, ballet continues to enthrall the world, even within this very era of war!
Imagine the scene, darlings. The war's ongoing, but in a moment of pause, an enchanting story unfolds on the stage. As dancers grace the floor, every step, every leap a poignant testament to the strength and beauty of the human spirit. Ballet's timeless elegance offers a refuge, a moment of transcendence, and perhaps, a whisper of hope.
This, dear readers, is the beauty of the ballet! This, my darlings, is why I travel in time - to experience this powerful artistic language and the beauty that never seems to be silenced, no matter the situation. And to witness the elegance of the ballerina - whether onstage in the full majesty of the tutu, or in the everyday grace of our ‘hobble skirts,’ they stand as symbols of a lasting charm.
But let’s get back to the subject of this very special #TutuTuesday post! Today marks an incredibly significant day: 1917-04-03. It is the day of the United States’ official entry into the Great War! Now, this doesn’t affect us directly here in our little ballet haven, but remember, our beloved tutus are a reminder of the universal yearning for beauty, even amidst turmoil.
Don't forget, darlings, to keep the spirit of #TutuTuesday alive all week! This time, dare I suggest you embrace a ‘practical elegance’ by slipping into a graceful “hobble” skirt. This simple change can help us step into this time with the poise and charm that’s so emblematic of the era - just imagine!
Remember, it’s always Tutu Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com - and every day can be a pink tutu adventure if you let it be!
Until next time, keep those skirts swirling, my darlings, and remember - we all have a little ballerina in us! 🩰 💖
