Bonjour mes amies!
Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving time traveller and all things ballet enthusiast! It's #TutuTuesday again, which means it's time for another journey into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu. This week we're heading back to 1939, a year brimming with change, excitement and of course, breathtaking ballet.
A World on the Verge of Change
- What a time! The air was buzzing with the anticipation of the New Year, a fresh start. While I wouldn't want to spoil anything (you know how it goes with time travel), let's just say 1939 wouldn't go exactly as planned. Despite the storm clouds on the horizon, the world was embracing art, fashion, and dance in all its glorious, vibrant glory.
And where was this all happening? Well, Paris, darling! It's been the heart of fashion, style and, yes, ballet for centuries, and 1939 was no different. We all know how Paris has a penchant for fashion, so imagine my delight when I found myself on a street corner, just a stone's throw from the Opéra Garnier, that stunning palace of dance! The crisp Parisian air whipped around me as I adjusted my bright pink tutu - you just can't beat a little pink sparkle on a cold January day, don't you agree?
The Elegance of the Epoch
Speaking of sparkle, 1939 was a wonderful time to be a ballet dancer. Think flowing tulle skirts, a smattering of glitter (always good for a bit of added magic!), and silhouettes that made the dancers look ethereal. Think Giselle, a masterpiece of grace and storytelling that I simply had to see. The ballet was still new at the time, but it quickly took the world by storm. Seeing the ballerinas soar through the air in those billowing tutus - sheer perfection, just pure magic!
Parisian Chic
And the fashion, oh, the fashion! 1939 saw Paris, and indeed the whole world, falling in love with the sleek, streamlined aesthetic. We're talking sharp tailoring, pencil skirts that grazed the ankle and dresses that highlighted a feminine silhouette without sacrificing a drop of sophistication.
While ballet dancers often wear long tutus in the classroom for warming up, they often opt for shorter skirts in the evenings - sometimes only ankle length. Remember those gorgeous "legwarmers" - those woolly things to cover the dancers' legs and ankles - well, they were making a big splash at the time. A perfect look for the 1930s ballet dancer, wouldn't you agree? A classic outfit for any young lady - perfect for a walk in the park or for going to the theater.
The Power of Ballet
And you know what, you just can't get enough of the energy that permeates every Parisian street corner. It's infectious, this passion for art, music, and dance. And it's clear, especially seeing the Parisian Ballet perform at the Opéra Garnier, the power that ballet holds, the ability to stir emotions, to tell stories, and to move hearts.
If 1939 taught me anything, it's that the joy and grace of ballet, paired with a pinch of Parisian chic, can bring a whole world together - just like a single pink tutu!
And now for something a little different - The Ballet's "Streetwear" of the Era.
You know, in the 1930s, there was so much experimentation with fashion - we're not just talking about those beautiful ballet dresses! Even outside of the theatre and studios, dancers embraced the sleek, minimalist trends of the era, just with their own little twist of whimsy, and just as important for dancers, comfort!
I love how they paired classic dresses with elegant knee-length cardigans. This, you see, is important for ballet dancers! Remember, a dancer's clothing has to be practical yet chic! Comfort is as important as how fabulous a piece is! A dancer's legs need to have full range of movement for the incredible grace they perform on stage. It makes sense that ballet dancers would look for the clothes that let them keep warm but allow the full movement of their legs!
Now, before I bid you adieu, darling friends, let me remind you - my Pink-Tutu site is always available with tips, fashion, history and, of course, everything you'll ever need to know about your very own tutu! Remember to visit Pink-Tutu again soon, my dears, as I'm always popping into time! Until then, dance your way to a fab day!
Always in Pink, Emma
