Hello, my dearest tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my blog, where we're on a thrilling journey through time, exploring the evolution of the tutu, that glorious, twirling symbol of dance! This week, we're jetting back to 19th March 1940 - a time of war clouds gathering over Europe, yet with the arts still burning bright.
This is Post Number 5647 in my Ballet Tutu History series! If you're new here, each Tuesday I delve into the past to uncover the amazing story behind the tutu, sharing the delights, challenges, and the ever-changing styles. Grab your favourite pink tutu, darling, and let's step back in time...
Paris, City of Light
This week, we find ourselves in the dazzling heart of Paris, a city overflowing with artistic creativity. Picture bustling streets, vibrant cafes, and of course, grand theatres overflowing with dance! 1940, despite the shadow of war, still boasted an incredible energy, and a love of fashion that extended right into the ballet world.
Today's date is extra special. I was fortunate enough to attend a performance at the Opéra Garnier, the very temple of ballet! It was The Sleeping Beauty! Oh, what a dream it was - with opulent costumes, intricate sets, and some of the most beautiful dancing I've seen in all my time travels. It reminded me just why the tutu is such a magical piece of clothing, able to carry a dancer on a wave of movement, taking the audience on a journey with each twirl.
Tutus on the Move
Imagine my excitement when I saw the ballet dancers! They were absolutely stunning. Those elegant tutus, each with its own graceful, flowing lines, they moved so beautifully against the stage. The ballerina was wearing a pale pink tutu, the colour of a sunset, and its delicate layering captured the sunlight, shimmering like a thousand stars. I immediately wished I could own it!
These early 1940s ballerinas still embraced the Romantic style - long, airy tutus cascading like waterfalls, emphasizing a lightness and flow that had captivated audiences since the 1800s. We see soft tulle, expertly gathered to form voluminous, almost billowing shapes, allowing every movement to become poetry in motion.
But the modern world was beginning to have its influence.
That night, I spotted a new trend - the rise of the "Classical Tutu". Shorter and more fitted, emphasizing the line of the dancer’s body, it was a bold, streamlined style. Even back in 1940, these "modern" tutus were starting to carve their own path!
My Outfit For the Occasion
Of course, being in Paris, a fashion capital, I made sure I was a picture of chic! A little black dress, a perfect choice for an evening performance. But how could I visit the Operà Garnier without adding a little tutu touch?
I decided on a delightful pink tulle overskirt. It wasn't too grand, just a delicate cloud of pink swirling around my knees. I felt ready to pirouette right into the heart of the Paris Opera House!
Tutu Trends Around The World
I even discovered that tutus were gaining a wider popularity beyond the dance world. It was almost becoming a fashion statement!
Imagine a stylish Parisienne on a Parisian terrace, perhaps wearing a charming frock with a delightful, swirling pink tulle overskirt, much like mine! A nod to ballet, and yet utterly stylish for daytime. I found myself taking mental notes on the street-fashion trend.
And did you know tutusevents.com already existed back in 1940? I found out they're planning a massive tutu event for June. It's going to be massive, all about tutu fun, tutu fashion and tutu entertainment. The only downside? It's going to be right in the middle of war, a real whirlwind of excitement!
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
I simply can't resist the allure of a Parisien shop, particularly in the area surrounding the Palais Garnier! In my 1940s outfit, it was such a delight to browse the stores with their charming window displays. I was looking for inspiration for a special tutu, something to commemorate my visit!
There were beautiful silk scarves, the colours of the night sky, that could be the perfect tutu fabric! But a small shop tucked away in a back alley drew my eye. Imagine this - shelves overflowing with fabric scraps! Beautiful velvets, sparkling sequined satins, and stacks of delicate, flowing tulle that called out to me! I couldn't resist - I grabbed handfuls of pale pink tulle, soft as a feather!
*It's the Perfect Fabric for a new Tutu! *
I knew just what to do! Back at the Derbyshire cottage I call home, I'm going to get started making myself a new pink tutu!
A reminder: keep your eyes peeled for my blog next Tuesday - where I will be exploring the history of another iconic Ballet tutu moment! Until then, my dears, go on and embrace the magic of the tutu, whether on stage or in the street, and #spreadthetutulove!
Emma, Your Tutu-obsessed Time Traveller.
Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and explore the world of tutus, history and fashion. I would love to hear your thoughts on my blog posts! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #pinktutuesarethebest!
