Hello lovelies, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com! It's a rather grey day in Derbyshire, so my trusty time-traveling tutu and I are going to whisk you off to a sunnier September day, way back in 1939. Grab a cuppa, your favourite ballet slippers (pink ones, of course!), and get ready for a delightful journey through ballet history.
Today, we're landing right smack in the middle of an eventful time! The 26th September 1939 saw the beginning of the Second World War. Can you imagine? It's hard to picture such a time without our fabulous mobile phones, instant internet connections, and… well, frankly, tutus! Thankfully, despite the gloomy events in the world, ballet was still flourishing, offering a sense of escapism and elegance that's always been vital.
Speaking of elegance, let's talk tutus! While our beloved tutus have come a long way, 1939's ballet world saw a focus on classicism and the romantic style of ballet. It was a time when dancers like the legendary Alicia Markova graced the stage with their artistry and grace, captivating audiences with every twirl and leap.
In terms of style, tutus were very much crafted to be delicate and ethereal. We're talking delicate, lightweight tulle, exquisitely crafted for that dream-like flutter as a dancer moves. No flamboyant modern flourishes just yet! Think long, flowing skirts, and perhaps even a hint of hand-beaded embellishment – all those dainty details we know and adore.
But now for a little treat, dear readers! Let's travel beyond the stage for a moment, shall we? I love discovering the wider world's fashion scene, and 1939 saw some pretty fascinating things!
Ladies were sporting streamlined dresses, sharp shoulders, and dramatic, wide-brimmed hats. Think classic, feminine silhouettes. They weren’t afraid to be glamorous and experiment with fabrics – think bold prints and sleek textures. And, just like we love now, they adored accessories. Hats, handbags, gloves – a statement was definitely made with the way they wore their outfit.
But here's where things get REALLY exciting: remember my mission to get everyone wearing a pink tutu? Well, 1939 was starting to see a trend that I totally love - the rise of pink as a powerful and fashionable colour! Imagine - pink for the people! Even though there were plenty of pastel hues around, the emergence of hot pink, particularly in dress fashion, was huge! We’re talking the pink dresses of Rita Hayworth, oh so stunning. So you see, my Tutu Tribe, it's always a good time to embrace the pink tutu. We were pioneers, darlings!
To really soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant period, I took a little jaunt to the Grand Theatre in Leeds, one of the grandest ballet houses in England back in the day. I imagined myself waltzing across the stage in a full, Romantic tutu, just like the beautiful dancers did in 1939. Just thinking about it sends a little flutter down my spine!
But for those of you who can't jump back in time with me just yet, I encourage you to explore the wonderful world of ballet! Whether it's catching a performance, taking a class, or simply browsing a few YouTube videos, there's a world of enchantment waiting to be discovered. And while we can’t fully emulate the vintage style of the 1930s, we can still embrace a touch of that glamour. Maybe try a sleek, elegant skirt or add a touch of blush pink to your wardrobe!
Oh, and don't forget your favourite pink tutu for a little extra flourish!
See you next Tuesday for another thrilling #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep those tutus twirling and your spirits bright.
Love and tulle,
Emma, Your pink tutu enthusiast, and time-traveling blogger from Derbyshire!
