#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1939-07-11

Greetings, fellow tutu-lovers! Emma here, back from another fabulous trip through time, this time landing smack bang in the middle of 1939. It’s me, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad blogger, ready to take you on another whimsical journey into the world of ballet tutus!

This week’s trip landed me right in the heart of London. I could feel the history swirling around me, from the grand architecture of Covent Garden to the buzz of excitement for the latest theatrical production. But what could be more exciting than the evolution of the ballet tutu itself? Let's step back into time and see what we can uncover!

As the clock struck 11th July 1939, the world was still grappling with the shadows of the impending Second World War. The theatre world, however, seemed to hold its breath, anticipating the unveiling of the Ballet Rambert’s performance of “Carnaval”, a charming and light-hearted ballet showcasing the company's agility and graceful elegance. Now, you know how much I love ballet performances – those delicate steps, the graceful movements, and of course, the gorgeous costumes!

Can you imagine watching the beautiful, delicate ballerina costumes, probably shimmering in shades of ivory and pearl, fluttering around the stage in this piece, set to Robert Schumann’s whimsical music? Oh, it must have been an enchanting spectacle! Just imagine how this must have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences in that era – it was surely an escape from the harsh realities of the looming war.

Let's travel back even further in time and take a peek at how the tutus were shaping up in the late 1930s. It seems that in this era, there was a fascinating blending of classic tutus, with their layers and frills, with more modern interpretations, especially in terms of their materials.

Can you imagine this? Think of it as a beautiful dance between tradition and the emerging ideas of what ballet costumes could be! Silk was the material of choice, making them wonderfully flowy, but experimentations with new fabrics like synthetic ones like rayon, and nylon were also beginning to take root in fashion and, subsequently, in ballet costumes as well!

There were several influential names in ballet during that time period. The legendary Margot Fonteyn was already a star at this point, wowing audiences with her beautiful dance and dramatic flair! She might even have been gracing the stage that evening with a truly show-stopping tutu, a perfect canvas for her talent! And then there was Sergei Diaghilev, who, even though he'd left this world earlier in the 1920s, continued to be an inspiring force for his revolutionary approach to ballet, and, you guessed it, the iconic tutus he brought to the fore! His creations really redefined how tutus were viewed - less about classical formality and more about movement, storytelling, and innovation!

You know how much I adore all things pink, and while there was plenty of fashion-forward inspiration floating around 1939, sadly, pink tutus weren't exactly mainstream just yet. I bet you're all saying "Nooo! How can that be?". I know! I'd have loved to be able to pop into the Ballet Rambert in my fabulous pink tutu. Just imagine how much the pink would have stood out amidst the more traditional white and ivory outfits of the dancers! A touch of colour like that would have brought a unique vibrancy and joy to the show, wouldn't it?

That's why I love being able to travel through time! Just a sprinkle of my pink magic and a dash of history and bam! Imagine how we could create some stunning pink tutu ensembles with modern-day fabric techniques! Think layers of tulle, elegant embroideries, and a splash of pink so radiant it'd leave everyone spellbound.

Let's not forget the fashion beyond the ballet! The fashion trends of the 1930s were a beautiful blend of sophistication and a dash of whimsy, a kind of era that whispered of grand dances and even grander ambitions. The graceful silhouettes and the use of delicate materials perfectly captured the era's spirit, just like how tutus danced their way onto the scene! I can practically see it now - those exquisite bias cuts and dramatic shoulders of dresses would blend beautifully with a well-chosen pink tutu, creating a truly striking and unique silhouette!

You see, even if pink tutus weren't centre stage back then, the fashion and creativity were alive and kicking, making 1939 a truly inspiring time!

I’m still yearning for that time when every woman and every girl feels empowered and elegant, ready to wear a pink tutu. My goal, dear readers, is to create a tutu revolution – a wave of pink-tutu-powered positivity across the globe! Join me, and let’s spread the pink tutu magic!

Until next week, dear tutu lovers, keep dancing and keep dreaming!

Yours truly,

Emma,

www.pink-tutu.com

Don’t forget to follow me on my next adventure through time - coming soon to a blog near you!