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Greetings from your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma! This week I've taken a trip back to the oh-so-glamorous year 1939, where the dance world was in full swing. We're talking shimmering sequins, beautiful fabrics, and - of course! - the undeniable charm of the tutu. And you bet I've got mine on, a beautiful dusky rose shade, for this fabulous blog post!
As you know, here at Pink Tutu, I’m on a mission to spread the joy of the tutu across the whole world! Today, I'm heading straight for the heart of where ballet's biggest fans lived in 1939 - Paris!
Why Paris? Well, just like today, Paris was the centre of the fashion world! Even now, you can't help but get a thrill just wandering through its streets, watching stylish Parisians strut their stuff! But 1939 was a particularly vibrant time for dance - with Parisian ballet dancers, singers, and artists coming together to create something truly special.
(Side note: While I absolutely love travelling by train (there's just something about a steam engine that gets me so excited!) I must admit, those early 20th century trains weren't quite as luxurious as the modern-day high-speed carriages! Luckily, my beautiful tutu got plenty of admiring glances at the train station in Derbyshire, before I even set off on my journey - my work here is never done, people!).
And speaking of things getting special... Today's date is a big one: the 30th of May! This year, in the realm of ballet, we're celebrating Sergei Diaghilev, one of the most iconic figures of ballet history.
You can just picture the stage at the Paris Opera, bathed in the shimmering light, with the beautiful Diaghilev Ballets Russes dancing the night away! These are some of the most innovative ballets ever made - the sheer imagination and drama behind their costumes and sets were breathtaking, and definitely a huge inspiration to the whole dance world! Diaghilev’s ballerinas looked stunning, gliding around in those iconic tutus – like ballerinas on cloud nine, they certainly knew how to captivate the audience with their grace and flair.
Now, it's impossible to talk about ballerinas in 1939 and not mention the fabulous tutus. These graceful garments were practically their uniform. Remember those stunning dancers on the screen from classic films like "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz"? Their tutus were everything - from simple to absolutely fabulous. They had a classic beauty that was just... so enchanting!
Now, as we’re about to delve a little deeper into the wonderful world of 1939 tutus, remember - this is Tutu Tuesday, so my top pick has to be pink, darling! The colour pink has always held a special place in my heart - just like tutus! Pink is all about joy, beauty, and grace, which are precisely the vibes I associate with dancing and tutus. So, it's the perfect colour to wear while dancing, right?
Back then, tutus in 1939 came in various lengths and colours - the most popular being pastel shades and pale, shimmering hues. These subtle colours had an air of delicate sophistication about them, which blended perfectly with the flowing silhouettes of the time.
In fact, tutus during the 1930s were much like my dear, beloved modern pink tutu! They were simple, elegant, and graceful, featuring delicate details like tulle ruffles, dainty lace embellishments, and little satin bows - making each movement, pirouette, and arabesque that little bit more elegant.
Speaking of delicate embellishments - in Paris, they certainly didn’t hold back! *The Parisian ballet scene was renowned for its exquisitely crafted costumes and dazzling accessories. Think feather boas, bejewelled headbands, and sparkly bodices paired with stunning tutus. * Parisian ballet wasn't just a performance; it was an art form, a theatrical experience that blended the beauty of dance with opulent, high fashion!
And while I was enjoying my Parisian dance adventure, I took a quick stroll down to the grand department stores on the Champs-Elysees! Imagine it: gorgeous gowns and stunning suits. There were beautiful pastel tones and vibrant shades everywhere - pink, of course, being a particularly popular shade in dresses and shoes!
But guess what, my dear Tutu Tuesday readers?! You'd never guess what they were showing in fashion for ballet! They were pushing the boundaries with bold geometric prints on tunics and dresses – it’s what inspired some of the most stunning ballet designs of the next decade, 1940s, where modern dance found its legs in fashion. It seems even ballet costume trends, just like regular fashion, love to be right at the cutting edge.
Even back then, ballet was a thrilling escape for those who loved a bit of elegance and artistry, especially in Paris. This time period wasn't just about classical ballet, either; new, experimental dance forms were gaining popularity! It’s all a bit avant garde and fascinating! This dance world of the 1930s was alive with new ideas - a time where artists, dancers, and designers pushed the boundaries and expressed themselves in stunning and beautiful ways.
Oh, before I forget, the Parisian fashion scene was overflowing with bold fashion choices, too! Who do you think wore this iconic bold fashion style first, though? - That’s right: ballerinas! You could easily find a tutu with a bit of "Art Deco" inspiration – tutus were very bold and quite flamboyant, as much as they were still very much a symbol of femininity and elegance. The key back then, and still very much true today, was choosing the perfect tutu to suit the style of your dance.
With so much creative talent being displayed in Paris in 1939, the streets themselves became a kind of ballet performance. Parisian society dressed in chic style and flair - and tutus certainly had a role in the theatrical, expressive nature of these fashionable events! I wouldn't be surprised if, amongst all the bright outfits, a few Parisian ladies took their inspiration directly from the dance stage - a pink tutu, for example, certainly wouldn't go amiss on the Parisian streets, that’s for sure!
Now, just as I’m about to jump onto the next train, (another thrilling experience!), here's a fun thought for all my Pink Tutu followers - don't underestimate the power of a pink tutu! There's nothing quite like twirling and twirling and spinning about in a perfect pink tutu! It's magical and reminds us all that a little sparkle and imagination go a long way.
Don't forget to check in next Tuesday for another wonderful journey in ballet history. In the meantime, go forth, put on your best pink tutu, and have some fun with fashion, darling! I’ll be back with a bang, and maybe a new shade of pink, next week!
Until then, keep on twirling!
Emma x
P.S. Did you know...? * Diaghilev once even visited *Derbyshire?! * I knew we were special!* He saw some lovely country dancing at Chatsworth House while on holiday! Can you believe it?! I always find these hidden historical tidbits the most exciting - you can imagine the impact on his art! If Diaghilev liked Derbyshire country dancing, it’s just another reason why everyone should be a fan of tutus, eh? Just saying. 😉
