Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things pink and twirly reign supreme! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for our weekly trip through the captivating history of the ballet tutu! Today we’re taking the express train to November 25th, 1941 - and oh my, you won’t believe what we’re about to uncover!
I've just flown back from the most glamorous jaunt, my darlings. This time, I landed in the heart of the theatre district in New York City - ah, the glamour! The energy! It felt like the entire city was preparing for a grand ballet performance, and trust me, they don’t do things by halves here!
Now, you're probably wondering what made this date so special, and why I'm so flustered, right? Well, gather round my lovely tutu-loving readers, because 1941 was a whirlwind of innovation and spectacle!
First and foremost, let's talk about fashion! I simply had to pop into Bergdorf Goodman, that chic department store with its extravagant windows and even more extravagant prices! Inside, the most enchanting array of tulle, satin, and sequins awaited! Oh, and have you seen the shoes? A glorious symphony of colours and shapes! Every pair just screamed "put me on a stage"!
Speaking of stages, a thrilling new ballet called "Fancy Free" had its premiere on this very date in the New York City Center! Imagine it, a brand-new ballet that captured the spirit of the times. I have to admit, the ballet world is never short on innovation, but this premiere just had a certain sparkle to it, a feeling that something special was brewing.
Of course, I simply had to snag a ticket for the premiere. It was absolute magic! I was spellbound by the dancers, who seemed to float effortlessly across the stage. And the costumes! My dears, the designers in those days really knew how to put on a show! We're talking fluffy tutus that caught the light like a thousand twinkling stars and stunning leotards in daring colours and designs.
And speaking of designers, you absolutely HAVE to check out the creations of Leon Bakst - the man’s a visionary! I fell completely head over heels for his use of bold colours and patterns and intricate detail - talk about a statement! The tutus he designed seemed to be on a different planet altogether! It was like every one of his costumes told a whole story just through its exquisite craftsmanship. It’s no wonder the Ballet Russes adored him.
However, I simply couldn’t go to NYC without popping into a ballet studio. And what a place it was! The scent of savoir-faire, the energy buzzing off of those elegant ballerinas... I had to admit, watching them warm up in their perfect posture, those perfect, elegant turns and pliés – I was completely mesmerised. They weren't just dancers, they were true artists, shaping their bodies and their movements into beautiful works of art.
Now, if you’ve been with me on this tutu journey, you know I’ve got to say something about those lovely pink tutus! Sadly, 1941 saw more somber colours in ballet. A sense of wartime austerity permeated everything, even the theatre.
But take it from me, even though it’s hard to see all the pink in 1941, that doesn’t mean the tutus were dull. The tutus might have been darker, perhaps reflecting the shadows of war, but they were no less exquisite. The details! The meticulous stitching, the way they moved, and the way they mirrored the emotional landscapes of the dances… just exquisite!
In fact, I noticed a distinct difference between the styles in America and those I’ve seen in Europe. There was a touch of the sophisticated but understated on this side of the Atlantic. And while it wasn’t all tutus – we also saw those sensational leotards paired with the cutest little skirts in the most stunning shades. Talk about stylish!
But the most important takeaway from my little jaunt through time was this: Ballet is a truly captivating art form that has been capturing hearts for centuries, even when times are difficult. Those graceful twirls, those perfectly sculpted steps… They truly are a sight to behold.
And oh, I almost forgot! Today’s tip, my darlings: Always keep an open mind, be curious, and remember that ballet can truly be anything you want it to be! Just remember your inner ballerina, and don’t be afraid to twirl, and be prepared to wear all the colours of the rainbow in your journey through this magical art form!
Until next time, dear tutu lovers, keep on twirling, and remember, I’ll be back with more #TutuTuesday stories right here next week!
Your eternally devoted ballet blogger,
Emma xoxo
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more inspiration!
P.P.S I'll be back in Derbyshire, England for next week's post, so don't forget to ask about my favorite local tea rooms and vintage shops. They are so charming and perfectly on theme! You’ve got to stop by sometime and grab a cup of tea and a lovely cake, and tell me what you think about the fashion! I’m always excited to hear your thoughts!
