Hello my darlings, and welcome back to my weekly blog, Pink-Tutu.com! Today's #TutuTuesday post marks a whopping 5,591 days of celebrating all things tulle and twirling. It's a big milestone, so let's get this party started, shall we? Today, we're time travelling back to 21st February, 1939 – oh, how exciting! My trusty time travel machine (you never get used to how fabulous it is!) just dropped me off in London, the capital of all things sophisticated and glamorous! And don't you just love that London in the 30s was already rocking a touch of the future in its design – what with its Art Deco architecture and streamlined fashion! The city's abuzz with anticipation – they are practically rushing to the cinemas!
I can’t resist a good movie, so off I pop to catch the latest film! As a ballerina, I have a soft spot for dance films! Thankfully, "The Wizard of Oz" is playing at the Plaza theatre, with a big old red-carpet premiere - the kind with twinkling lights and photographers everywhere. But this is about to be so much fun because today is THE day when Judy Garland, who’s so cute with that bright yellow dress on, officially opens up this big film!
Just to imagine that today, in 1939, everyone in the world will have seen The Wizard of Oz by the time I pop back home to Derbyshire! It’s just brilliant for someone who loves all things movie related!
Back to our history lesson on the tutul! In 1939, the tutu is changing as ballet evolves, you know. We’re moving away from the heavy, cumbersome romantic tutus and are seeing a gradual shift to lighter, more whimsical skirts, like a dancer's second skin. The ballerinas are now freer to jump and twirl and show off those long, lean legs, especially when in a demi or short tutu! Imagine – being a ballerina at that time was so thrilling, getting to play a vital role in creating a fresh new style. Just looking at a picture of this era is almost enough to make me want to pack a bag and travel through time to experience it for myself!
So, what do I do to take myself to that world? I don't just watch – I’ve got to live the dream! A trip to the Savoy Hotel is non-negotiable for me! There I will enjoy tea and dainty finger sandwiches, sip from an elegant china cup and, of course, ooh and ah over the latest fashion! And while the rest of the ladies swoon over elegant hats and designer frocks, I’m going to take a sneaky peek at the fabulous dancing shows! You know how it is - I just have to go to every ballet performance I possibly can, no matter where in the world I end up.
Later, when it gets dark, I'm whisking off to the ballet in a sleek vintage cab. The Royal Opera House is going to be hopping, I've a feeling, with performances that combine the drama of stories and the athletic grace of the dancers – pure bliss. As the ballerinas flit on the stage, with their light and delicate tutus swirling like the petals of a pink rose, I can’t help myself, I just have to tap my feet along and pretend I’m one of them. I just love that they are still wearing the poetic and graceful style of Romantic ballet. So romantic! Even if a few designers had their hands in making it a little less… well… cumbersome. Ballet isn’t all about swirling fabrics. It’s all about expressing emotions through a body in movement.
Then, before I blink, it’s back to Derbyshire for me! Time to plan for my next journey and think about my next tutul! Oh, I'm off to London in February 2041! My dearest darling, join me there! Just bring your prettiest pink tulle outfit. Let's make a fashion statement, yes, we absolutely will!
See you next week for another fabulous Tutu Tuesday on Pink-Tutu.com, darlings! I've so much more exciting history to share with you all! And don't forget, everyone looks divine in a pink tutu!
Love,
Emma.
