Welcome, my darling tutu lovers, to #TutuTuesday, post number 5803! It’s a rather chilly day here in New York City, but my spirits are warm and glowing – after all, what better way to face a dreary Tuesday than with a little dose of ballet history? Today we’re taking a trip back to 1943-03-16. Oh, this is such a glamorous era! Now, picture it: wartime New York, the air alive with a bittersweet mix of courage and worry. But in the hushed glow of the theatre, magic still held sway.
(And yes, my loves, my fabulous pink tutu is totally on point for this fabulous time period! We’ll be exploring this fashion icon further in a special post, later this month.)
Now, you all know my love for ballet – I mean, just look at me! - so I’m absolutely bursting with excitement to share this little bit of history with you! 1943 saw some of the most beautiful performances grace the stage. Ballet was an escape, a glimmer of hope in a world filled with uncertainties. It reminds me so much of our world now - that sense of searching for something that uplifts us and makes our hearts soar. And there’s no better way to do that than through the sheer joy and beauty of dance!
(Before I get lost in my dreams of a world where everyone wears pink tutus – it’s a bit of a personal mission, don’t you know - I must get on with my tale, shall I?)
So, back to our date: March 16, 1943! It was a particularly exciting time for those in the world of dance, as New York City was abuzz with the New York City Ballet's "Ballet for Victory." You can imagine the feeling! This was no ordinary performance, but rather, a collection of original pieces all designed to uplift and inspire. Now, this might not be a "ballet for Victory" in my era – I’m pretty sure no one would take kindly to a “ballet for a sale” – but back in the day, it really sparked a sense of camaraderie and support. Imagine that - dancing for a cause! What a wonderful reminder of the power of art.
The most stunning thing, you know, is that the costumes for these performances were designed by the renowned artists, Cecil Beaton and Salvador Dali! Talk about a collaboration! Cecil Beaton – my personal favorite – is the maestro behind so many stunning costumes, like the ones for “Gigi” – ah! such extravagance, and of course, Dali’s iconic Surrealism brought a new depth to the experience, like a whimsical dream coming to life on stage! Imagine a pink tutu with dripping clocks – my, that’s just fabulous!
Imagine the sheer thrill, my darling, of witnessing this fusion of talent. Can you imagine, all these talented dancers and designers, breathing life into this glorious art form, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can still soar. It’s truly a testament to the enduring power of beauty and art!
Now, the year 1943 wasn’t all about war, you know! Even during wartime, fashion and trends continued to evolve, with elegant and resourceful ways to still maintain that “va va voom” factor. Imagine if I'd had to travel back then? - it would have been a delightful fashion adventure!
But back to our ballerina history! Remember, this era saw the evolution of the tutus – yes, our darlings, tutus! From the Romantic Ballet to the classical, it was a time of exquisite and meticulous design! So many ballerinas were captivating audiences, including the iconic ballerina Margot Fonteyn - her artistry was truly legendary! Can you imagine dancing with such grace?
This was the era where tutus really blossomed - the Romantic and the Classical styles came into full bloom, showcasing intricate details and dazzling embellishments! You just can't get enough of the detail! Every movement, every arabesque, and pirouette was meant to be an exquisite ballet.
And while my wardrobe is heavily geared towards pink, this was also a time when ballerinas had many beautiful ballet costumes – it was truly the golden age! The sheer grace and the ethereal beauty of ballet truly blossomed during these times. It’s such an inspiration to remember that in a world that feels so frantic, even in a time of crisis, the delicate and enchanting artistry of dance continues to flourish and capture our hearts!
(But, honestly, the world needs a lot more pink! Don't you think? - it just lifts your mood! - So, I’ll be working on a special pink-tutu guide – it’ll have all my favourite pink finds!)
Now, back to 1943-03-16! You just have to remember that during the time, these ballets were an escape from a grim reality. Imagine the impact of that kind of artistic escape, it gives you that sense of awe and joy that is simply infectious, wouldn’t you agree? And wouldn't you be intrigued to know who you would have encountered at a performance back in 1943? – who could it have been? – Perhaps we’ll discuss more of that in our next #TutuTuesday!
*(As a side note, darling – before we go! – have you seen the "Pink Lady" on the stage of a theatre - it's just fabulous – and guess what? – pink tutus! *
**(Before we part ways, darlings – do leave me a comment and share your thoughts! Which of my pink tutu adventures have you been enjoying the most, my darling tutu enthusiasts? – I simply adore reading your lovely messages and all of your ideas!)
And remember - you don’t need to wait until #TutuTuesday - to share the love of pink tutus, my dears.
*Until next Tuesday – spread that pink joy! xxoo! *
*P.S. I’ll be traveling to Paris next week for the fabulous “Le Sacre du Printemps” performances - – I am going to find the most magnificent vintage shops! – be sure to watch this space! It will be the most fabulous adventure of fashion history. We will discuss in our #TutuTuesday - post next week, darling – *
( Oh, did I mention – a vintage couture shopping adventure in Paris? – It just gets better – my love for travel, fashion and pink tutus is always bursting at the seams!
**(Oh my dears – see you soon!)
