Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another instalment of my beloved #TutuTuesday, and boy oh boy, are you in for a treat! We're heading back in time today to 27th June 1939, and if you’re feeling peckish, perhaps have a cuppa at hand because you’re going to be whisked back to London, England!
Let's hop aboard my time-traveling steam train, chuffing our way through the fields of Derbyshire to that vibrant, bustling city! My new pink satin tutu – which I snagged in a fabulous little boutique in Covent Garden just this week – is positively begging to twirl with the energy of the era!
Imagine yourself at the Royal Opera House. Oh, it was all such a whirlwind! Just last night, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Giselle, an exquisite ballet with such beautiful, poignant dancing, and the costumes were just breathtaking. So incredibly elegant! It brought me right back to this day in 1939 when Giselle first premiered – can you believe it?! – in the same hallowed hall. What a landmark moment for ballet history!
I remember seeing photos of the original dancers; they were absolutely captivating! It was fascinating to see how their costumes have evolved over the years. From the frills and ruffles of the earlier period, the costumes of this time had embraced a more streamlined and practical look – especially important for those long, demanding routines. Though, just to give you a little behind-the-scenes secret, a good sprinkle of diamanté here and there never hurts for added sparkle! And can you believe it, those diamanté, well they have been going strong for a very long time - almost a century since those original dazzling costumes!
There was just such an air of excitement and anticipation all around the Royal Opera House. People in those days seemed genuinely thrilled by the idea of a new story, a new dance form – it really reminds us that new beginnings are so magical and spark such energy in us!
Speaking of excitement, let’s take a quick look at what else was happening on the 27th of June 1939! We’re in the middle of the '30s - so fashion is all about luxurious fabrics, sharp tailoring for the gentlemen, and sleek silhouettes for the ladies. For them, it was an era of the glamorous cloche hat, the perfectly coordinated ensemble – think fitted dresses and those beautiful little coats with luxurious trims. So I think I will whip my pink tutu over my smart grey frock, throw on a jaunty matching pink fascinator and go have myself a time exploring some vintage fashion houses!
Don’t even get me started on the beautiful, intricate craftsmanship that went into everything! From the dresses to the hats to the shoes, every detail was carefully considered and executed with precision – just like our beautiful ballerinas who put just as much care and skill into perfecting every step and movement on stage.
And we can’t talk about 1939 without mentioning the World's Fair! This magnificent spectacle was being held in New York City, a grand celebration of progress, innovation, and a dazzling array of "wondertainment", showcasing new creations, architecture and new technologies. I think a pink tutu might just be the perfect attire to get a giggle from the crowds over there!
Back in our own time, it’s truly an inspiration to see how the ballet world is continuously evolving. We are experiencing a burst of contemporary choreography that brings its own dynamic energy and creativity – and of course, I am seeing more and more glorious costumes in the boldest, most beautiful shades of pink!
So, until next Tuesday, remember: if you can’t dance like a ballerina in your pink tutu, just imagine the world as your stage! Keep those twirls coming and share your favourite pink tutu moments with me – #PinkTutu for life, darlings!
With all the pinkness and twinkle,
Emma
