Hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post! This week, we're twirling our way back to 6th September, 1938! Imagine, a world without TikTok, the internet, or even colour TV. Could you even fathom a world without our beloved tutus? Well, fear not, for they were already dazzling stages across the world!
Before we dive into our fabulous journey, let me just tell you, train travel is absolutely fantastic for a pink tutu! I boarded the most delightful express to Paris – just think, this magnificent city was already a hotbed of fashion and dance, just begging to be explored. I made sure my travelling ensemble included a perfectly pink tutu, just the right shade to catch the eye of everyone on the platform!
Speaking of Paris, where did I spend this memorable 6th September? In a truly grand setting, of course! The Paris Opera House, that beautiful old building, was filled with excitement that night. The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, featuring the amazing Serge Lifar, were taking the stage with their captivating production of “Le Beau Danube Bleu” – oh, what a delight! Serge's dance style, his power and grace, just captured everyone. Even the way he stood in his iconic stance with his hands on his hips had us captivated.
It wasn't just the dancing that was spectacular; the costumes, my dears! Imagine my excitement - seeing the glittering jewels on the dancers' headbands and their colourful tutus shimmering under the stage lights! Talk about inspiring, it's like being in a dreamscape! I spotted a stunning pale blue tutu paired with a bejewelled bodice - quite exquisite, even by today's standards. It's not a coincidence, I'm sure you’ll agree, that the ballet world was the ultimate inspiration for the rise of the tutu as a fashion staple in the 1930s and 40s!
But this post wouldn't be a true #TutuTuesday without some pink, would it?
Oh my! Imagine my absolute delight when I saw the stunning Anna Pavlova, one of the most celebrated dancers of her time, gliding across the stage in a delicate pink tutu! She moved with such lightness, such pure beauty – she had the audience absolutely enthralled. Her pink tutu floated gracefully around her, almost seeming to enhance her movements and elevate her already extraordinary talent. This is the kind of performance that truly captures the heart and stays with you long after the curtain has fallen.
Let's take a little moment to appreciate Anna Pavlova – a truly inspiring figure in the world of dance. She was an advocate for dance education and artistic development and travelled the world sharing her artistry! Imagine my awe seeing her, such an elegant ballerina, dressed in such a graceful, feminine tutu, inspiring everyone to embrace the joy of dance. Her presence alone helped make 1938 a truly magical year for ballet!
Of course, there's so much more to tell about the history of tutus. From their beginnings as ballet dancers' practical yet stunning performance attire to becoming symbols of artistry, beauty, and graceful movement, tutus have become so much more than just dancewear!
The fun doesn't end with the Parisian stage. While travelling back to Derbyshire, my lovely pink tutu provided a dash of brightness to even the dullest carriage. It attracted plenty of friendly glances, prompting me to engage in conversation about ballet and its glorious past with my fellow passengers. A lovely older lady, clearly with a lifetime's love of dance, even told me her most treasured memory – a grand ballet performance she'd seen in 1938. It warmed my heart to know that her experience had inspired her, and her passion resonated through generations!
So, that’s my tale from this #TutuTuesday! Don't forget, the next time you put on your pink tutu, remember that you're connecting to centuries of grace, beauty, and artistry. If you have any fascinating stories about tutus, or just want to chat about all things dance, do come visit me at www.pink-tutu.com and share your love for this remarkable garment!
Keep on twirling, you beautiful bunch! Until next Tuesday, darling, stay pink and keep dancing! 💖💃🏻
