Hello my lovely tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide through the glorious world of ballet and, of course, tutus!
This Tuesday, my time machine has whisked me back to February 6th, 1940. Now, you might be thinking, "1940? Wasn't that, like, the middle of a world war? How could that be a fun, happy time?" Well, my dears, history is filled with surprises!
The year 1940 saw the world embroiled in the horrors of war, but, even in times of darkness, ballet was a beacon of light and joy. Back then, Paris was THE place for ballet – think long, elegant dresses, the thrill of grand theatres, and the breathtaking grace of legendary ballerinas. Oh, how I long for that elegance and beauty!
My journey started with a beautiful train ride – I just adore the rhythmic clack-clack of the wheels on the track. (Just try to tell me the sound of a train isn’t reminiscent of a dancer’s rhythmical steps!) It led me to the breathtaking Opéra Garnier, a true Parisian gem! This grand, ornate building is a sight to behold - an absolute testament to the art of dance and drama.
Imagine me, a pink-tutu-wearing girl, in the heart of Parisian culture, my eyes sparkling as I watched a ballet performance of The Nutcracker, just as they would be performing back in 1940. The delicate grace, the breathtaking leaps, the beautiful costumes… everything about ballet whispers of a dream world – even if the world outside is in turmoil.
I took a detour to one of Paris' chic boutiques for a spot of retail therapy – after all, a trip to Paris isn’t complete without some shopping, right? Their fabrics and designs were positively inspiring! Just think – this was the era that birthed the iconic "little black dress" and popularized the feminine silhouette with full skirts! So much fun and flair – all I can say is, how lucky we are to have such stylish heritage to inspire us today!
And for this #TutuTuesday, let's delve into the world of tutu evolution during this fascinating era! Whilst today’s tutus come in many variations (you know I love my puffy, bright pink ones!), back in 1940, they were quite different.
Tutus back then were made of soft fabrics like tulle and silk, creating a gentle, flowing movement on stage. Imagine, soft tulle, swirling and billowing, capturing the essence of delicate fairy-like creatures. Those flowing lines created a breathtaking elegance, making them as alluring and captivating as the ballerinas who wore them.
I’ve actually found that tutu styles were evolving dramatically during this time, especially with the growing influence of the "new wave" of ballet – I am talking about "neoclassical ballet". Think strong, dramatic movements and a bit less fluffy and a bit more structure in the costumes! It’s all about adding depth and power to the performance.
After my Paris adventure, I traveled further, catching a glimpse of the evolving tutu styles in Moscow. This, my dears, was where we began seeing tutus designed with even more emphasis on form and functionality. Imagine tutus with shorter, more fitted skirts – a streamlined silhouette perfect for fast, powerful movement! It was a complete shift from the traditional "Romantic tutu" of earlier eras, showcasing the athleticism of the ballerina while keeping their femininity at the forefront.
So you see, darling readers, even amidst war and global unrest, ballet remained a vibrant source of inspiration and beauty. In 1940, while the world struggled, ballerinas were dancing with incredible artistry, inspiring awe and a sense of hope.
It’s quite magical, you know? To see how even in tough times, beauty shines through. We can take a page from their book and find a way to bring a little sparkle into our lives, no matter what the world throws at us.
This #TutuTuesday has taken us on a historical tour of tutus, and it reminds us, once again, of the evolution of beauty. Let's continue to celebrate our shared passion for dance, fashion, and the elegance of the tutu!
Remember, ladies, put on your own beautiful tutus and let your inner ballerina shine! Until next week, I hope you find some ballet magic in your day!
With love,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
