Welcome back to my darling #TutuTuesday blog! This is post number 5664, and weāre hurtling through time with our pink tutus, ready to explore the history of balletās most beautiful costume! Today, weāre whizzing back to July 16th, 1940.
I know, 1940 doesnāt exactly scream āfashion forwardā, does it? War clouds were looming, and everyone was tightening their belts (and rationing their silk, I imagine!). But let me tell you, the tutu was still going strong in the world of dance! And letās face it, darling, what could be more glamorous and uplifting than a tutu when the world feels a little bit gloomy?
Imagine yourself on a train carriage (oh, how I love a good train journey!), gliding through the English countryside, maybe on your way to a big ballet performance. The windows are steamy, you can smell a whiff of warm bread and tea (so comforting, isn't it?), and your eyes land on a stunning lady wearing a perfectly pink, fluffy tutu. Just the sight of that twirling perfection would melt away your worries, donāt you think?
But what was a tutu like in 1940? Weāre stepping a bit further away from the traditional romantic tutu shape we see today, darling. 1940 was a time of change and experimentation, a kind of creative ballet renaissance if you will!
On this particular day in history, the Bolshoi Ballet was performing a newly revised production of "The Nutcracker" in Moscow. Just imagine the spectacle! You canāt tell me a beautiful, flowing pink tutu wasnāt adding that little touch of magic, just as it always does. Iād have been in Moscow in a flash, twirling in the wings alongside the most talented ballerinas. Oh to be surrounded by such fabulousness!
Now, let's get back to that tutu evolution: we're on our way to a super short, ultra-airy style. Imagine a swirling, barely-there garment. This, darlings, is the birth of the tutu we all know and love today.
Think back to the days of Marie Taglioni, the ethereal goddess of the Romantic era. She popularised the Romantic tutu, with layers upon layers of tulle. Picture those iconic ballerinas gliding across the stage like clouds, graceful and enchanting. And thenā¦ in 1940, we see the start of the change! It's all thanks to the genius of the famous dancer, choreographer and costume designer, Serge Diaghilev. He understood that dance needed freedom. A new wave of expression, an athletic approach. This revolutionary approach led to the development of the modern classical tutu that you might see in a ballet like Giselle, the one you would be thrilled to wear if only you were dancing on stage right now! (My inner ballerina is still waiting for that magical stage debut).
So what's happening on our blog post day of 1940? Well, there were numerous performances that featured dancers in their beautiful tutus: * A show at Sadler's Wells, London was presenting a dramatic, dance-filled ballet featuring the new and evolving tutu - oh I would have loved to have been there, wouldn't you? * Another London venue was showcasing a wonderful adaptation of the iconic Swan Lake - with tutus flying high in the air! I imagine a wonderful and thrilling performance of black and white tutus and ballet slippers as the ballerina's take us on the dramatic tale of betrayal and love. * There was a magical production in Paris! Oh, imagine being transported on the train to the glamorous city of lights and all the chic dance happenings and, of course, a stunning showcase of ballerinas wearing pink tutus, with maybe some extra dazzling features and trims! I'm thinking shimmering sequins!
But you know what? Thereās a lot more to the story of the tutu than just being a ballet costume. It's an expression of creativity! An icon of femininity! Oh, how I love all things feminine. I'm all about those soft tulle swirls, pretty trims, and graceful shapes. Itās a symbol of strength and passion ā because weāve all seen what amazing, powerful things ballerinas can do in those incredible, ethereal garments!
If you haven't heard of her yet, one name I should mention, that always pops into my head when thinking about the tutu, is Maria Tallchief. Her stunning performances, especially as "The Firebird" really had an impact on the modern-day tutu. So you see, even in 1940, during times of great upheaval, we had a timeless icon in dance, a fabulous tutu taking flight on stage to captivate audiences and inspire generations of dancers! The beauty of the tutu is truly ageless!
Speaking of beautiful and ageless - do you know what the perfect way to finish off #TutuTuesday is? That's right! Iām going to step out into Derbyshire countryside, wearing a breathtaking pink tutu and a beaming smile, twirling in the fresh air! Itās just how I imagine all ballet history lovers will choose to celebrate, even in July.
I know I said it last time, but I will say it againā¦ Itās a new day, darling! So go on, go grab your tutu and twirl! Don't forget to send me your #TutuTuesday photos!
Until next week,
Emma. xx
