Hello my darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we explore the glorious history of the tutu! This Tuesday, we’re stepping back in time, all the way to October 31st, 1939. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and – oh, how exciting – a brand new ballet season has just begun in the wonderful world of Paris!
Can you imagine the thrill? The bustle of the city is infectious. Imagine all those shimmering lights, beautiful costumes, and exquisite dancing. It's almost enough to make me want to put on my own little pink tutu and pirouette down the Champs-Élysées!
But for now, let’s rewind our time machine a little and talk about tutus – those magical wisps of fabric that have captured hearts (and toes!) for centuries! In 1939, the tutu was at the peak of its power, reaching the height of its romantic, whimsical beauty. This was the era of "The Romantic Ballet" and trust me, it was quite a sight! Think flowing lines, swirling skirts, and ethereal movements, all spun into a symphony of elegance and grace.
On this very day, we have a double treat: not one but two wonderful ballets premiering! Firstly, “The Sleeping Beauty" by Tchaikovsky! This beloved fairytale ballet was revived by the celebrated choreographer Serge Diaghilev, breathing new life into the classic tale with breathtaking artistry. Can you picture a grand, shimmering castle, a sleeping princess, and a handsome prince, all spun together by magical tutus that whispered secrets in the breeze?
And then, on the same day, another exciting premiere, "Le Baiser de la Fée" – “The Kiss of the Fairy" – by Stravinsky! Now, this is a ballet that truly captured the spirit of the era, filled with delicate, graceful movements and beautifully choreographed stories told with just the flick of a tulle skirt.
Of course, this period was not without its challenges. The world was on the brink of war. But, even in times of uncertainty, art and creativity can offer us a little magic, a moment to escape and be swept away by something truly beautiful. And you know me, darlings, I always believe in the power of a pretty pink tutu to lift spirits, so let's dance through these challenging times with a sprinkle of grace and a whole lot of fabulousness!
Fashion Trends of 1939
This wasn't just any era for the fashion-obsessed – it was the age of opulent grandeur. We saw dazzling designs from fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli – the names that continue to inspire designers today. And how can we forget the elegance of the little black dress, a timeless masterpiece that was first introduced by none other than the incredible Coco Chanel in 1926, right? It wasn’t only women's fashion that blossomed. Look at those sharp, stylish suits adorning the men! It was a truly stylish period, my dears!
Where To Get Your Tutu Fix in 1939
Speaking of the magic of the tutu, can you imagine all the amazing shops in Paris selling these wonderful wonders of tulle? Shops like La Maison de la Danse, a legendary atelier dedicated to all things dance, would have been the place to be. They carried tutus in every style, color, and size – from delicate to extravagant. You could have found a beautiful pastel-pink tulle tutu, perfect for a romantic evening out, or perhaps a dramatic black tulle for a performance that would make you feel like a queen! Oh, I wish I could transport myself to this magical time and spend hours browsing those exquisite tutus.
Dancing the Night Away in 1939
In 1939, Paris was the city of dreams for anyone passionate about ballet. You would find countless venues offering a mix of the classic and the contemporary, both stunningly spectacular. From the majestic Palais Garnier – the grand home of the Opéra National de Paris, where you might have witnessed the divine grace of stars like Anna Pavlova - to more intimate stages, it was all about enjoying that magical synergy of movement, music, and sheer artistry.
As I look back on this special day in ballet history, I'm reminded of the power of the tutu to inspire and empower. They're not just garments; they are symbols of dreams, creativity, and beauty. And in 1939, just like today, a beautiful pink tutu could bring a little sparkle into your day, wouldn’t you agree, my darlings?
Now, you lovely lot know how much I adore tutus and that pink is my absolute favourite colour – I mean, it's in the name of the website! And I truly believe everyone deserves to twirl in a beautiful pink tutu at least once in their lives. So, my dear readers, let’s make this happen. If you haven't already, go and find your perfect pink tutu, don a wide smile, and let's twirl the day away! It's Tuesday, after all – and for me, that means #TutuTuesday, darlings!
Until next week, happy twirling!
Emma xx
P.S. Have you found your own pink tutu yet? Don’t forget to share your photos on our social media channels! You can find us on Instagram @pinktutublog, Facebook at facebook.com/PinkTutuBlog, and on Twitter @pinktutublog! I can't wait to see your twirls, darlings!
P.P.S. I've always dreamed of experiencing the magic of the 1939 Paris ballet scene firsthand, and you know what? Thanks to my dancing career and a sprinkle of my own "secret sauce," I managed to fund a very special little adventure. That’s right, darling, I time travelled, and trust me, it was an experience I'll cherish forever!
Stay tuned for more stories from my exciting trips through time!
Happy Twirling!
