Hiya lovelies! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu aficionado, back with another #TutuTuesday! Today we're taking a train journey to the past, specifically to 3rd September, 1940. Buckle up your ballet slippers, because we're about to take a trip down memory lane!
Now, before I start spinning tales of the history of tutus, I've gotta admit, September 1940 wasn't exactly the most fashionable time. You see, ol' World War II was in full swing, and even tutus couldn't quite compete with the seriousness of the moment. Imagine – the war effort was the main focus, not a twirling ballerina with a pink tutu!
Still, fashion has a way of thriving even in the face of hardship. Despite rationing, women still wanted to feel elegant and empowered. This period saw a surge in interest in practical and utilitarian styles – but that didn't mean giving up on beauty altogether. Think crisp, tailored silhouettes and feminine touches. Just like a beautiful ballet costume, these outfits celebrated strength and grace all at once.
Now, speaking of grace... remember that iconic ballerina pose you're probably thinking of right now? The "arabesque" that every ballet dancer knows by heart? It was developed in 1905 by none other than Mikhail Fokine, one of the most celebrated ballet masters ever! It was named "arabesque" in 1913 after it was used for the ballet Scheherazade, choreographed by Fokine for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. You might have spotted this dazzling display of leg lengthening on a poster of Nijinsky, a legend of ballet in his own right, who was famed for the elegance and power he exuded on stage.
Fokine had a massive influence on ballet's development and how tutus evolved! He loved making ballets full of exciting, dramatic choreography. His work called for freedom of movement and the focus of beautiful dancers, which meant dancers needed a comfortable but very lightweight costume - think the very early stages of the tutu! Imagine delicate fabric swirling in the spotlight as dancers pirouetted their way into our hearts.
Anyway, back to September 1940. There was an even greater need to lift spirits and maintain a sense of normalcy in times of hardship, and this provided a great outlet for entertainment and the performing arts! Despite everything, people craved joy and connection. Even if they weren’t being staged in glamorous theaters, dance recitals, ballet shows and the ballet itself provided a brief escape. This made for a truly unique historical time!
Speaking of beauty, what have I been wearing this week? Well, my love for pink just refuses to be contained, and you know what? I have absolutely no regrets! I've been dancing around town in a gloriously flamboyant, hot pink tulle tutu paired with a cream-coloured top and a silver sequined cardigan. This combination allows for plenty of movement, allowing my pirouettes to shimmer and shine in every shade of pink. Let me tell you, nothing quite lifts my mood like twirling around in a big pink tutu!
Right now, my pink tutu has taken me to the stunning city of London – just one of many exciting adventures I've experienced during my time travels! From shopping for the latest styles to watching captivating performances, London in 1940 truly felt alive and vibrant. I must confess – London has never looked more charming. And the food! Even amidst the hardships, the bakeries had these adorable pastries called pink meringues (a clear sign, I tell you!). I simply couldn’t resist buying a few and sampling some British delicacies! (Can’t go wrong with a traditional fish and chips, right?)
This little trip back in time has given me such a newfound appreciation for how powerful a tutu can be! Whether it’s a reminder of simpler times or a symbol of joy and empowerment – the message is clear! It's a message that crosses times and cultures: dance your way to happiness! And, of course, never forget: pink tutus for everyone!
Now, tell me, darling – what's your favorite thing about wearing a tutu? Tell me in the comments below!
Keep twirling, Emma 💖
