Hello, my dearest tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to another instalment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. Iām Emma, your trusty pink tutu-wearing guide to all things tulle and twirling! Itās me, your girl from Derbyshire, England, travelling the world through the power of ballet. This week, my time machine has transported me back to the 7th of November, 1939. A chilly autumn day in the world of ballet, filled with anticipation for the future and the lingering effects of the recent past. And of course, fabulous fashion!
This week, we are standing on the cusp of history, my darlings. As I write this, the world is holding its breath, watching as war clouds gather. Yet, in the magical realm of ballet, a new generation of ballerinas is rising.
Just like in my era, the 1930s was an exciting time for dance and fashion. The art of ballet was becoming more accessible to the public, thanks to the proliferation of companies touring the world.
On this particular date in history, 1939, we find ourselves right before the outbreak of World War II, the start of a terrible global conflict, and a stark contrast to the glamour of the ballet scene. For many of us who cherish the ethereal beauty of the ballet, we hope it would endure. Even today, when the world may be changing or going through hardship, it is inspiring to see that beauty, art and our favourite activity can still carry on and inspire!
The Tutu Takes Center Stage
For centuries, women had worn intricate garments to adorn the stage. But, 1939 was a big year for the evolution of the ballet tutu. We are smack in the middle of what was the golden age for ballet design! As you all know, the classic tutu is that magnificent puff of tulle that makes dancers look like fairy tale creatures. We've had various iterations and incarnations over the years and one such example, was that glorious tutu made for the legendary dancer Anna Pavlova. Remember the name? Pavlova herself popularized the famous āPavlova,ā an incredible combination of jumps and spins with leaps in which dancers float across the stage with ethereal grace and fluidity! The costumes used, for these shows, reflected that very special style that Pavlova embodied in her movement and in her graceful performance style!
Imagine, the year was 1909, and she graced the stage in that exquisitely crafted, tiered and dramatic design with layers of soft tulle, each delicately feathered with tulle that gave the tutu such magnificent volume! It created the perfect movement for Pavlova to show off those incredible leaps and turns. Oh how I wished I could be a fly on the wall during the making of that costume! How much did those talented dressmakers and seamstresses cherish creating that outfit. That must have been magic, and it remains as legendary as the woman who wore it!
Ballet's Impact on Fashion
But let's not forget the ripple effect of ballet on fashion! Do you ever stop to think about how dance impacts all that we see on the street?
Remember, before fashion was accessible like it is today. You didnāt have Zara, H&M or Shein on every street corner, or available to you on your phones for instant fashion purchases. You have to picture the glamorous movie stars and fashionistas. In that time period, ballets, concerts and fashion shows were their big avenues to see all that was fashionable and new.
They looked to the elegance and creativity on the ballet stage as inspiration. Itās no wonder that tutus inspired new clothing designs for those outside the realm of ballet. Think of the influence of tutus on dresses in the early 1900s with all those beautiful ruffles and flowing skirts. Ballet really paved the way for modern fashion! And, itās not just tutus, my friends! Ballet has given us the graceful styles we still wear today. Like think about our tutus, it's still a favorite silhouette in fashion today, because of the romantic air, elegance and femininity! Ballet gave us the sweaters, leggings and leotards we adore and, well, every little girl loves to twirl just like those ballerina performers on the stage.
I can just picture my friends sitting in the audience. The bright lights, the smell of perfume and popcorn, and that gorgeous curtain coming up as the orchestra begins to play, those stunning outfits on stage and then, boom - the dancing begins. Every movement! Every twirl. Each carefully planned and practiced gesture. Itās like a beautiful dance.
Now, that's a picture I wish we could create here in 1939. Letās all imagine that today, everyone was at the ballet! The elegant dress on, wearing all their accessories like pearls, the diamond jewellery, the fascinators and the hair, pulled back to show off their gorgeous face, as always. Itās beautiful.
And who wouldn't want to join in the dancing? Maybe one day everyone will want to don their tutus and just twirl on by, right? Who knows, that might just happen!
What Makes Tutu Tuesday So Special
This post is number 5628, in this Tutu Tuesday blog, and there are even more on the website www.pink-tutu.com. So you can follow along and see where we have travelled!
As always, I love reading your comments. Which ballet or dance performance did you last attend? Why don't you drop a comment, my dear tutulettes. Who are your favourite dancers? Have you ever seen an elegant ballerina and said to yourself āI wish I could move like her,ā? Do you have any other tutu moments youād like to share. Let's hear about them!
So whatās happening this 1939 November 7th? In Londonās Royal Opera House, this evening the Covent Garden company is performing a matinee and an evening show. They are showcasing the amazing choreography of Russian dancer, choreographer and impresario Mikhail Fokineās famous and innovative ballet Le Spectre de la Rose, where a ballet dancer embodies a mysterious lover of a sleeping girl, and then is seen in the last moment to have transformed himself into a lovely rose, with a touch of dramatic mystery. I just know this ballet will captivate my heart with its grace and romanticism.
Here I am, in 1939, a glimpse back into the glorious world of ballet! The most magical place on Earth, it's always captivating my senses. I adore being here for this amazing historical moment, in this very magical world. But now, my lovely friends, it is time for me to hop back into my time-travelling tutu, to continue my exploration. I'll be sure to keep you updated about my ballet discoveries.
See you next week, darlings, with more tutu-filled history!
Until then, keep twirling!
Your pal, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
