Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! 💖
Welcome back to another instalment of my #TutuTuesday blog, where we delve into the fascinating history of our beloved tutus! Today, we're travelling back in time to January 21st, 1941 – quite a momentous year for the world, and one where the dance world was facing its own unique challenges!
But before we journey back, a quick reminder: This is post number 5691 in my ever-growing Ballet Tutu History blog! Every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, I bring you a fresh dose of tutu-rific insights, just like this!
Now, hold onto your tiaras – let's jump into the magical time machine and see what we can discover…
🚂 Chug, Chug, Chug! 🚂
Our time-travelling journey started this morning at the opulent Grand Central Station in New York City, where I indulged in a little vintage shopping! (They have some incredible millinery shops – did you know you can still find feather boas?!) I picked up a gloriously flamboyant, feathery, cerise hat for my vintage ensemble – a stunning pale pink satin gown (so glamorous!), of course! (Pink, you know me!)
Once adorned in my outfit fit for a princess, it was time for the ultimate dance-worthy travel experience: a vintage sleeper train! I must say, travelling on the luxurious Pullman train in my glorious outfit – pink hat and all – did turn a few heads. Especially from the dashing gentlemen travelling in their perfectly-tailored suits! But alas, there were no waltz opportunities in the carriages! 😂
Back in the World of Ballet…
Speaking of dashing gentlemen, 1941 saw the world dealing with some serious issues! With World War II raging across the globe, the world of ballet faced new realities, just as it did with previous world conflicts. But let's be optimistic!
Firstly, what was the most important thing on this very date in history for us tutu lovers? Ballet! And boy oh boy, we had some major star power! On January 21st, 1941, the legendary American Ballet Theatre opened its season at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Now that's some tutu magic, eh?!
And wouldn't you know it, my dear Tutu Twirlers, the opening night featured an original piece from the one and only Leonide Massine, choreographed especially for this legendary company. Massine, one of the founding fathers of ballet, brought some of the most revolutionary, dazzling dance steps to the world stage, with a special touch of "Russian mystique" (as they say in those days!).
To celebrate such a glorious day, we just have to imagine that audience – imagine their outfits! Perhaps we'd spot ladies in graceful long dresses, with elegant evening gowns. And maybe the gentlemen were sporting their snazzy suits with some dapper waistcoats! Just thinking about it gets my little ballerina heart fluttering!
Oh, how I long for the days of glamorous dressing! 👗 💖
But hold your horses, tutu twirlers – the glamour didn’t end there! Just a short trip across the Atlantic, and in England… yes, our very own English homeland… the world's most celebrated ballerina of the time was performing!
Back to the Old Sod...
I was back in the UK by late afternoon. London felt more like a scene from a World War film – rationing was already in place, and everyone seemed a little preoccupied! I grabbed some ration-approved hot tea (with one tiny sugar, thank you very much) and settled in for a rather emotional performance at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This was it: the legendary Alicia Markova's most famous performance of “Giselle!”
Oh, how I adore her artistry! With her gentle grace and lyrical style, Markova captivated audiences across the world! It’s just a pity this performance was interrupted by a siren sounding off, a stark reminder of the war. (What would those poor ballerinas do?!)
Imagine those backstage scenes! Did they run for the bomb shelters with their tutus on? Or did they stand, holding each other for comfort?
Perhaps, however, this is a tale for another Tutu Tuesday. 😊
What About the Tutues?!
Well, 1941 wasn't exactly a flourishing year for couture, due to all those wartime shortages and fabric restrictions. But hey, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t indulge in a little glamorous escapism with our ballerina inspiration, now, does it? 😉
Imagine, if you will, ballerinas sporting tutus made from simple white cotton! A little bit of embellishment, a simple but beautiful satin bow here and there, maybe a single rosebud on their side bun. (Remember how I used to dress in vintage tutus – a lovely contrast to the modern ones! A simple, understated, almost humble approach. Oh, that reminds me – I'm going to pop to my favorite vintage shop for a peek this afternoon. 😊)
Even amidst war, the elegance and artistry of dance provided solace. And don't forget, as time moves forward, those gorgeous tutus were waiting to make their comeback, ready to reignite our imaginations once again! 😉
Pink Tutu Reflections…
Okay, Tutu Twirlers! Now it’s time to step off the time machine and back to the present – at least for now.
But here’s the question that echoes throughout every era, every season: what will the tutu trend be? 🤔
We know that tutus in ballet have evolved and changed with every generation! But perhaps one thing has always stayed the same, and will always stay the same – the magic that the tutu holds for us!
So, dear Tutu Twirlers, let's remember – let's make the world a more joyful place, with every twist, twirl, and prance! 💖
Love and twirls, Emma
💖🌸🩰
