Greetings, dear tutu enthusiasts! 🩰
Emma here, your ever-optimistic, pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! It's #TutuTuesday once again, and I'm thrilled to whisk you back in time to a rather extraordinary day, 24th October 1939.
Now, let's be honest, 1939 was a year of unsettling shifts across the world. But for a certain dance enthusiast like me, tucked into my darling pink tutu, it also held the promise of exciting artistic moments. My time travel doesn't have to mean only big, historical events – I often find myself zipping between decades simply to revel in the joy of a captivating performance.
Speaking of performances, did you know this very day was the 85th anniversary of the opening of The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow?! Can you imagine being in that audience as the curtain rises on an extravaganza of beauty, movement, and the grand spectacle that is Russian ballet? The sheer grandeur of it all – the glistening costumes, the dramatic set, and the intoxicating melody weaving through the air! My heart flutters just thinking about it.
Oh, but the costumes – imagine a sea of gowns glittering with embellishments. Think lace, sequins, velvet, silks. I've just fallen head over heels for a vintage lace collar and have the most whimsical ideas of how to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Perhaps a charming ballet top! I simply have to find the time to get into my sewing room, which will be quite the adventure, as I'm currently tucked away in Paris for my next exciting performance.
You see, dear friends, I get to finance my extraordinary journeys through the magic of ballet. Nothing brings me more joy than being a part of a beautiful show – the exhilaration of sharing those moments of exquisite expression, the hush falling over the audience as the dancers gracefully take the stage. And in return, I get to weave through the centuries, savouring the exquisite fabrics and trends that have influenced ballet costumes and our world of fashion over the decades.
Now, let's dive into the world of tutu evolution on this memorable date. 1939 saw the rise of an era where experimentation and fluidity began to shape ballet, mirroring a changing world. Imagine the ballerina, a delicate butterfly of movement in a tutu that wasn't quite the iconic, fluffy, romantic tutu we all know today.
Let's go back to 1939: It was the year when some dancers began moving away from the 'full tutu', often found in Romantic ballets like 'Giselle'. Think shorter tutus, even incorporating bold geometric shapes and bolder movements – like a burst of rebellious freedom on the stage.
This move toward streamlined silhouettes gave rise to a wider array of styles that didn't simply highlight grace, but allowed for more athletic, dynamic performances. It was like witnessing the evolution of a magnificent flower from its shy bud into full bloom, radiating its elegance and beauty with effortless grace!
This year saw the debut of some truly innovative costume designers who played with textures and colours – and let me tell you, those tutus, although sometimes simple, were eye-catching, playful and brimming with life! Imagine, for instance, a pale-blue tutu made of light, flowing material with delicate, silvery accents – almost as if a dream were taking to the stage! I could just picture myself pirouetting in that dream-like outfit.
This fascinating change mirrored a shift in social attitudes too, and let's be honest, even with all that elegant lace, sequins, and satin, fashion in general became more practical and accessible for women – just as it is for all you beautiful ballerinas out there!
Remember, darlings, you don't have to be on stage to channel the joy and glamour of the tutu! Wear yours with pride! Whether it's a twirl around your own kitchen, a playful ballet-inspired outfit for a day out with friends, or a special occasion. Embrace the freedom, confidence, and charm of that magnificent, inspiring piece of costume!
Remember, my dear friends, that fashion isn't just about clothes. It's about self-expression. Be bold! Let's spread a touch of ballet-inspired joy everywhere we go, a pink tutu at a time!
Now, go and find your perfect tutu! And if you see a gorgeous vintage lace collar out there, let me know!
Until next #TutuTuesday!
Emma xx
