Hello my darlings! Itās Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! This week, Iām whisking us back in time to the 14th of March, 1939 - a day that would forever be etched in my memory thanks to a wonderful journey I took with the TARDIS (well, actually it was a rather stylish, streamlined steam train. Very elegant, donāt you think?).
Now, letās be honest, you might not think 1939 is exactly overflowing with sartorial delights, but believe me, my dears, even with a war brewing, the world of ballet was buzzing with glamour! The tutu, my absolute favourite, was already taking centre stage in the world of ballet, becoming more and more essential to the look and feel of the performances.
Imagine me, in my own glorious, powder-pink tutu (that, my loves, was the epitome of chic back then!), strolling through the heart of New York, the cultural capital of the world at the time, soaking in the electrifying energy of Broadway. I was lucky enough to catch the very latest show, āThe Great Waltzā, and oh, how those ballerinas twirled in their beautiful tutus! Their white and pastel tulle were ethereal, delicate like a feather on the breeze. It was absolute bliss to behold, I tell you!
What were the latest trends for tutus in 1939?
It was the golden era for the āclassicā tutu, my dear. Imagine layers upon layers of soft tulle gathered in a perfect circle around the waist, ending just above the knee. The perfect skirt for expressing grace and lightness! Now, donāt think for a moment that everyone was just sporting white. They were making waves with pastel colours like rose pink, lemon yellow and lilac, creating a delightfully feminine air.
You see, back then, the ballet world was captivated by the concept of āRomanticismā ā and tutus were the perfect vessel for that artistic expression. You can see this reflected in the airy, ethereal styles, like the famous āRussian pointeā tutu ā all cascading tulle, long and flowing ā creating the illusion of weightlessness, like the dancers were soaring on clouds. Honestly, who wouldnāt be inspired by such graceful elegance?
Of course, it wasnāt all about delicate hues and Romantic vibes. Some designers were bravely experimenting with the shape and the design of tutus. This meant "flirtyā knee-length tutus, featuring delicate lace, embellishments like beads, sequins and feathers, adding another layer of decadence to these captivating garments.
Oh! And you simply canāt mention the 1930s without thinking of Martha Graham. A game-changer, my dears! Her innovative dance technique, the 'Graham techniqueā, called for a whole new kind of costume. Instead of flowing tulle, she designed her tutus from heavier fabric. It's interesting, because her styles moved away from the classic āRomanticā tutus towards a more grounded and realistic representation of the body. It's fascinating how her radical choices sparked new conversations about form and style within the world of dance, opening the door for new artistic avenues.
But it wasnāt just in New York where tutus were taking the stage by storm!
I hopped aboard the next train, bound for London. I have to tell you, my dears, a railway journey was such a luxurious affair back in 1939! Imagine sipping on a steaming cup of Earl Grey, gazing out the window at the rolling countryside, while the elegant steam train sped along. Pure bliss, truly!
Once I reached London, I quickly immersed myself in the vibrant theatre scene ā Covent Garden Opera House, to be precise. They were absolutely enthralled by āGiselleā that season! This iconic ballet features the ultimate romantic tutu ā a beautiful cascade of white tulle and chiffon, flowing in delicate layers, perfectly evoking Giselleās character: vulnerable, ethereal, and hauntingly beautiful.
Itās incredible to imagine how many people have enjoyed this timeless ballet, from the days of grand ballrooms to today! Thatās the magic of ballet, isnāt it? Its ability to connect people through time with its captivating beauty and grace. And, of course, with the absolutely enchanting tutu, a garment that embodies everything that makes ballet so enchanting!
As the evening drew to a close, I found myself lost in the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky's āSwan Lakeā played at the Royal Opera House. What a treat! It was like stepping into a fairytale with the magical and evocative use of costumes - tutus being the star of the show! White tutus, some embellished with sparkling diamonds, transformed those elegant dancers into enchanting swans.
My tips for your 1939 inspired look:
Now, as much as I love to travel through time and witness those historical spectacles firsthand, itās time to talk about how you can capture that timeless 1939 look right now, with a sprinkle of my signature pink!
The Classic Ballet Tutu: Seek out those layers of tulle and a simple, flattering design. Think flowing and graceful, a shape that gently follows the curve of the body. You can even experiment with delicate layers of white and pastel colours, for a touch of whimsy!
Adding a touch of glamour: I am all about the details! So for that 1939-inspired look, think sparkling beading or elegant sequins, a dash of lace, perhaps a tiny feather embellishment. Just remember to keep it classy!
The "Pink" Touch: A splash of my beloved pink! If you want to capture the elegant romance of 1939 with a touch of modern twist, look for a pink-hued tutu - maybe a gentle blush, or even a soft lilac to bring in those delicate colour palettes that were popular in 1939!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, my lovelies! Another wonderful glimpse into the history of the glorious ballet tutu! This week we've stepped back to the 1930s, with the world on the cusp of immense change, and found an explosion of colour, fashion, and artistic expression that left me absolutely enchanted!
Remember, whether you are a passionate ballet aficionado or simply adore the grace and beauty of the tutu, embrace that sense of artistry and express yourself in ways that celebrate the history of this beloved garment! So, do not forget to wear your most fabulous tutus this week, and tell me all about your adventures!
Don't forget to join me again next Tuesday for another trip back in time, filled with even more stunning tutu trends!
Until next week, my sweethearts! Love,
Emma ā¤ļøš©°
