Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! It’s your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina blogger Emma here, back with another dip into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu.
This week, we’re stepping back to the 23rd March, 1943! Now, I know, the middle of World War II isn't exactly the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of dancing and tutus. But trust me, darling, the ballet world was still swirling!
*(Imagine here a picture of Emma wearing a pink tulle tutu with matching pink satin shoes. Maybe a picture of her travelling in a train and possibly a photograph from this date.) *
For a real trip down memory lane, I just had the most wonderful experience. Imagine me, all flouncy and pink, whisked back in time in my trusty vintage carriage (well, it felt like a carriage! They do make amazing replica trains now). And guess what? It’s so fabulously thrilling – you really should try it sometime, though, let’s be honest, I’m the only one qualified to travel in time in a tutu)!
**(Emma does a cheeky little jig, complete with a few pirouettes as a small, slightly wobbly but very cute dachshund runs around her ankles, dressed in a miniature, pink and red version of a tut tut!)
Anyway, back to the fascinating facts! So, on the 23rd March 1943, ballet performances were still a lifeline of light and beauty for so many during a dark time. Just think of those glorious dancers on stage, their grace and skill a beacon of hope, all whirling and leaping in their exquisitely designed tutus.
You see, during this period, the romantic tutu – that gorgeous, flowing, billowing delight - was reaching new heights of elegant refinement! I'm not surprised! These tutus are still my all-time favourite style – with their long, ethereal skirts that flutter around the dancers' feet, revealing flashes of sparkling leg – the epitome of ethereal elegance.
Imagine all the designers, using every ounce of their creativity to find ways to make even these everyday moments extra special with beautiful textiles, ingenious tailoring and those gorgeous contrasting coloured ribbons for those exquisite bows – it was truly a time of artistic flourishing!
(Emma points dramatically to a hand-painted watercolour illustration on a display wall – this time depicting ballerinas in graceful poses, their long, billowing Romantic era tutus. Her Dachshund sits on its haunches patiently. It looks extremely elegant in its little costume)
In London, of course, where ballet is always in bloom, The Royal Opera House was still a haven of graceful movement and ethereal costumes – so you can imagine me there! Watching ballerinas like Margot Fonteyn glide across the stage with all their amazing artistry and charm – in stunning tutus designed by none other than the fabulous Carrington – (who later went on to become a renowned costume designer!). They really are just magnificent. So creative. Such beauty.
In New York, The New York City Ballet were just gaining their first taste of success in their own incredible brand of classical and contemporary choreography. Think all-out energy and artistic genius – such a wonderful contrast! Even today, I love both styles! It all brings us back to this amazing time! You could go to any performance around the world and be guaranteed a stunning, enchanting show of incredible talent in the most divine tutus!
Speaking of beautiful outfits, the fabulous Dior New Look made its debut that same year (well, February – the 12th, to be exact, and I might just have to time travel back to Paris to check that out!) It was just so extravagant, a bold celebration of femininity. The cinched waists, flowing skirts – a feast for the eyes! That new look totally inspired so many styles - from glamorous couture to every-day clothing and yes, you guessed it, ballet tutu styles too! That’s exactly what made me think I’d add that to my to-do list! Paris on my next visit. What can I say? My motto, "Get ready to dance with fabulous fashion, girls, because the only thing better than a beautiful ballet tutu is a new Dior design. I love everything sparkly, beautiful and bold - and what better than tutus and high fashion?”
Speaking of which, I’ve just found the most adorable new shop that sells vintage-inspired dresses in Derby. You’d just love it - the skirts are just so full! And did I mention they have all the gorgeous pastels you could ever dream of? Plus, all my little twirls, even my tiny pirouettes (they’re getting much better by the way!) send ripples across those fabrics - divine! I just love the vintage vibes and it was such a lovely escape from my routine for the day! Maybe I'll post a new outfit pic soon!
** (Here we get another close-up on the new shop’s window displays. And of course, Emma in her little pink tutu is doing a little twirl – it’s important to always share my fashion!)
That’s all for this week’s trip into Tutu History, but I’m already buzzing about next week’s amazing story.
Don’t forget to join me again next Tuesday, and in the meantime, please do let me know which year YOU’d like to see me step back into in the comments below! (There are lots of fun facts about this period - and what could be better than sharing them all with you)! You can reach me on pink-tutu.com, on Instagram at #PinkTutuBlogger and, if you want to try me out for a private show for your birthday or maybe even for a wedding - do just let me know. I just might travel in time to make it. I love dressing up and I love ballet. You won’t be disappointed!
Keep your tutus sparkly, girls!
Until next time, darling,
Love, Emma x
**(You know me - I’m always finishing my blog with a kiss! Oh! And don’t forget the lovely dachshund - who now wears a small pair of spectacles with pink bow. There is definitely something so charming about that little dog.
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