Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with another instalment of my Ballet Tutu History blog! As always, I'm beaming in from somewhere across the swirling sands of time - I won't spoil the surprise - and I'm positively positively giddy to share with you all the sartorial splendours of this day, 17th October 1939. This is blog post number 5625 - it never ceases to amaze me just how many stories tutus hold!
Now, you know I adore pink. My heart flutters with the sheer delight of a ballet shoe box brimming with satin and silk in every shade of blush and bubblegum. Today, though, I must confess that my gaze is drawn towards something rather different - a splash of vibrant scarlet. Yes, my dear tutu-loving friends, we are transported to a time of daring fashion, an era where tutus were less delicate swans and more powerful peacocks.
London is the epicentre of all things fabulous right now, so picture a crisp autumnal day, the scent of hot chestnut vendors wafting through the air, and we are standing just outside the grand, red brick entrance of the Royal Opera House, my tulle skirt billowing as I make my grand entrance. It's a place that's seen decades of tutu brilliance, and trust me, this day is no exception!
But hold on - isn't there something in the air, a sense of uncertainty? 1939 - a year that changed the world. While London shimmers with glittering chandeliers and dazzling performances, there's a hushed sense of war on the horizon. But don't you worry, dear readers! It's all the more important to celebrate the joy of movement and beauty during times like these, don't you think?
So, today, let's turn our gaze to the world of the Ballet Rambert, a company pushing boundaries and inspiring generations with their unique style. You won't find your traditional "Sleeping Beauty" tutus here! The Rambert dancers are known for their modern, expressive movements - and their costumes reflect this!
Picture this: flowing gowns, with daring asymmetrical lines, splashes of colour, perhaps a flash of scarlet for a particularly bold statement! Their tutus are streamlined, almost like a continuation of the dancer's own body. Think a light wisp of silk, more suggestive than restrictive.
Just imagine them, a whirlwind of scarlet and swirling shapes! These dancers embody the era's spirit - fierce, fearless, and utterly captivating.
But, the Ballet Rambert isn't the only star on this date. Let's head back to my hometown, Derbyshire, England, and travel by train, a much more glamorous journey back then! For even amidst this historic moment, there are still the ordinary lives unfolding, filled with the joys of the ballet. Think the hushed anticipation of a country theatre waiting for the curtain to rise. And believe me, dear readers, even on the most mundane day, there's a glimmer of tutu-tastic fun to be found!
This was an era where fashion was everything and one could spend the day poring over magazines or chatting with friends at a cozy tearoom about the latest trends. Even the simpler dresses featured ruffles, tiers and little frills, which - I need not say - reminded everyone of tutus, those heavenly swaths of tulle! The dance-inspired aesthetic was absolutely all the rage, even amongst those who never set foot in a ballet studio!
Now, a true #TutuTuesday wouldn't be complete without a little fashion inspo, wouldn't it? Think pencil skirts paired with luxurious silk blouses. Don a bold scarlet lipstick or, for a truly on-trend look, borrow that iconic "scarlet fever" shade that is the must-have shade of the moment! Don't be shy about adding a touch of glitz with sequins or a tweed jacket!
Oh, and while we're talking fashion, remember to check out my latest ballet performance! This time, I'm channelling my inner Black Swan with a stunning darker pink tutu - it's truly mesmerizing. I'm performing a stunning contemporary dance piece about time travel and a certain time-travelling pink tutu wearing ballerina! The details are available on my website at www.pink-tutu.com! Be sure to look out for it!
My dear tutu lovers, even in the shadow of uncertainty, let's celebrate life and art. Remember to always look for the sparkle, for that glimmer of tutu magic, no matter what life throws our way!
Until next Tuesday, darlings! Stay stylish, stay sassy, and always wear pink!
With love and tulle, Emma x
