#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1941-09-16

Hiya darlings! Emma here, back with another fabulous foray into the whimsical world of ballet tutus! Grab a cuppa, settle in your comfiest chair, and let’s dive into the history of this glorious garment…

It’s a Tuesday which means you know what’s coming… a #TutuTuesday, of course! This week, I’m whisking us back to September 16th, 1941, a date filled with fashion, flair and, naturally, tutus.

Imagine a bustling Paris - oh la la! - where fashion is thriving even in times of change. I arrived on a lovely train journey from Derbyshire – nothing beats the comfort of a vintage train carriage with a proper tea service and the gentle clink-clink of the train as it chugs along. There I was, in my bright pink tutu, a touch of pink joy in the otherwise slightly gloomy days of the war. Now, don't get me wrong, a lovely tea dress wouldn't be out of place, but I'm a true pink tutu believer - after all, life's too short to be in anything else!

Today's tutu story unfolds at the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris in the opulent, graceful surroundings of the Palais Garnier. Oh, the history and glamour! And speaking of history, can we talk about this ballet, my darlings? It's a legendary one. You’ve probably heard of it, even if you've never experienced it on stage: “Giselle,” a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and ghostly apparitions, oh my! The very name of the ballet has a certain je ne sais quoi, doesn’t it?

Giselle is an iconic masterpiece, and in 1941, the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris was in the middle of reviving and reimagining this piece. There's a magic about seeing a ballet for the very first time. It's an incredible emotional and visual feast that draws you into the story. There’s nothing quite like that first glimpse of a ballerina gracefully twirling across the stage, a symphony of colour, shape, and expression… sigh It's truly inspiring. You know I can’t just be a spectator when there’s a ballet going on – oh no! The dance has taken over my entire body, my pink tutu swaying gently with my excited movements.

In 1941, ballerinas still graced the stage with long, flowing tutus, romantic and full of flowing movement. The silhouette was an enchanting combination of romanticism and elegance - think billowing skirts, graceful lines and exquisite detail. Now, I wouldn’t be so bold as to tell you that every ballerina out there loved this kind of tutu – I’m sure they would’ve all had their favourites - but one thing’s for sure, there were plenty of pretty skirts on the stage that year, that’s for certain!

This time-travel ballet binge wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of shopping! Let's imagine for a moment that the grand Palais Garnier has been replaced with a beautiful Parisian boutique. Imagine exquisite silks, the clink of crystal champagne, and oh! The shoes. The ballet shoes! I’m delighted to report the world of Parisian ballet slippers is just as magical in 1941 as it is today. Soft, supple, and always so chic! Now I simply have to try them on...

Well, it’s time for me to jet back to my time – train, train! I do hope I’ve inspired you to consider your next costume! There are many wonderful eras and historical figures in our ballet past and we’ll be exploring them, together! See you next #TutuTuesday, darling! Remember, the pinkest tutu goes to the one who spreads the most joy - don't forget to share this post! And do go on, pop over to our website at www.pink-tutu.com. Until next time, darling!

XOXO, Emma